Bollywood Outsider Ankita Lokhande Debuts as Producer, Revives Iconic 'Chandni Bar'

In September 2025, Bollywood actress Ankita Lokhande announced her foray into production with the revival of the cult classic film 'Chandni Bar'. This marks a significant milestone in Lokhande's career, as she transitions from being a successful actress to taking on the role of a producer.

Lokhande, who rose to fame through the Indian television show 'Pavitra Rishta' and went on to star in films like 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi', has always been vocal about her struggles as an outsider in the industry. Now, with her production debut, she is determined to create opportunities for fresh talent and nurture new voices.

"Acting will always remain my first love, but producing is my way of giving back," Lokhande shared. She acknowledged the weight of choosing 'Chandni Bar' as her first production, stating that it is both an honor and a huge responsibility to revive such an iconic film 25 years after its release.

Lokhande's journey has been shaped by the television industry, which she credits for giving her "everything - my name, my recognition, and my foundation." She expressed her gratitude to producer Ektaa Kapoor for believing in her when she was just starting out, a chance that changed her life forever.

With her production debut, Ankita Lokhande not only pays tribute to a landmark film but also signals her intent to help shape the industry's next generation. She aspires to create a launchpad for fresh, deserving talent, much like how Karan Johar has done for actors like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra.