Sixteen years after its initial broadcast, the television series Pavitra Rishta continues to hold a cherished position in the memories of its devoted audience. To commemorate this significant milestone, actress Ankita Lokhande, renowned for her portrayal of Archana opposite the late Sushant Singh Rajput’s Manav, marked the occasion with a special reunion. She welcomed her on-screen mother-in-law, the esteemed Usha Nadkarni, to join in the celebration.
Ankita, who garnered considerable recognition through the show, created a heartfelt vlog to honor the anniversary. In the vlog, she revisited familiar locations within the city while dressed as her iconic character, Archana. Later, she hosted Usha Nadkarni at her residence, where Ankita’s husband, Vicky Jain, and her mother also joined the nostalgic gathering. The group fondly reminisced about their experiences working on the impactful series.
Usha Nadkarni played the role of Sushant Singh Rajput’s mother in Pavitra Rishta. During their poignant conversation, Ankita fondly remembered the support she received from her fellow actors, particularly Sushant. She shared, “Sushant itna achha actor tha. Woh mujhe bahut help karta tha. In logon ke saamne jab main jaati thi na, mujhe dar lagne lagta tha ki main kaise itne bade-bade scenes karun. Toh woh mujhe sikhata tha, ‘aise bol’.”
Ankita also expressed her gratitude to Usha Nadkarni for her guidance during her formative years as an actress. The two actresses also reflected on their initial lack of close connection, noting how their bond gradually strengthened through their shared work on the show. Ankita specifically credited Usha for helping her grasp the importance of natural performance.
Pavitra Rishta, which originally aired from June 1, 2009, to October 25, 2014, solidified its place as one of the most widely watched and emotionally resonant Indian television programs. The series not only propelled Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande to household fame but also became a significant cultural touchstone in the history of Indian television. While the show initially featured Ankita opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, Hiten Tejwani later took over the role of Manav, and both Ankita and Hiten remained integral to the show until its conclusion.
