'Dream heroine role with conditions. I was just 19 at that time; Ankita Lokhande opens up about popular south film producer

MUMBAI: Ankita Lokhande is now a popular Bollywood name, only after winning hearts by being part of soap operas for years. Ankita rose to fame with the serial 'Pavitra Rishta' where she was paired opposite deceased actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

After cementing her presence with a slew of notable roles, the Bollywood actor now has kicked up a controversy after she opened up about the bitter experience she received from the industry.

Ankita revealed that she got an opportunity to act in a South Indian film, but to get the role, she was asked to share a bed with the film's producer. Ankita opened her mind while giving an interview on the popular website Hauterrfly.

"I received an offer for a South Indian film. It was elation for me as the makers asked me to fly down to the south to sign up the contract. It was a great team and I was already buzzing with the prospect of doing the film. I even informed my mother about the chance I received. When I reached there, my coordinator was denied entry while I was allowed to go inside. Immediately, the man tabled a deal and asked me to compromise to get the lead role. I was stunned and asked him to clarify.

Without any remorse, the man asked me to sleep with the producer to earn the lead role. I was just 19 back then and still can’t fathom the fact that I denied it on the spot and replied right on his face about my decision. I told them that the producer doesn’t want talent but some female body to share his couch with. I then stormed off from there."

Recently, Ankita and her husband Vicky Jain participated in the Hindi version of Bigg Boss. Ankita became one of the final four winners.