Sandip revealed that he served as the CEO of Bhansali Productions at the time of the auditions while sharing insights into Ankita’s audition experience.Contrary to common belief, Ankita’s audition was not a failure.
He clarified to India Today, “It is not like she did not crack the audition of Ram Leela. She did crack it. However, after Mr Bhansali had delivered Black, Sawaariya and Guzaarish, he wanted a star. The budget for the film was too much at that time. I think in the audition itself, she did fabulous.”
Ankita also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to audition for such a prestigious project. She mentioned, “I feel very fortunate that I could at least audition for such films. I look up to Sanjay Leela Bhansali; I will forever want to work with him. When you are in front of him, and he is looking at you, you know that at least you are reaching somewhere near your goal.”
#CelebrityEvenings: From Kriti Sanon to Ankita Lokhande, Bollywood celebs spotted in Mumbai
Earlier, Ankita had disclosed that she gave up on films like Happy New Year, Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani because she prioritised marriage over her career when she was in a serious relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput. She had also shared that when Bhansali told her that she will regret it later if she let go the opportunity to star in Bajirao Mastani. However, Ankita told Bhansali that she did not want to do it because she wants to get married.
Meanwhile, Ankita, who is currently receiving appreciation for her performance in Swatantra Veer Savarkar, has been roped in to portray Amrapali, the celebrated and glamorous ‘nagarvadhu’. The series will encapsulate her journey from being an imperial courtesan to choosing to become a Buddhist nun. It will capture a gamut of emotions and vicissitudes experienced by Amrapali, who finally renounces all luxuries and adopts celibacy as a Buddhist devotee.
