Ankita Lokhande recreates 'Bairi Piya', recalls Class 11 Devdas dreams
Synopsis
Ankita Lokhande's 'Bairi Piya' recreation is more than a fan moment — it's a window into the origin story of one of Indian television's biggest stars. A Class 11 girl in a small town, dreaming of Mumbai while watching Devdas, eventually became Archana Deshmukh, then Jhalkari Bai. The tribute lands because the journey it references is real.
Key Takeaways
Ankita Lokhande posted a video recreating 'Bairi Piya' from Sanjay Leela Bhansali 's Devdas on her social media account.
She recalled being in Class 11 when Devdas released in 2002 , dreaming of moving to Mumbai and becoming an actress.
Lokhande rose to fame playing Archana Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta ( 2009–2014 ), produced by Ekta Kapoor .
She made her Bollywood debut as Jhalkari Bai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019 .
She has also appeared in Baaghi 3 , Swatantrya Veer Savarkar , and reality shows Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss 17 .
Television actress Ankita Lokhande has shared a nostalgic video recreating the iconic song 'Bairi Piya' from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's classic Devdas, using the moment to reflect on the teenage dreams that eventually brought her to Mumbai and into acting. The video, posted on her social media account, shows her dressed in a traditional red saree, channelling the spirit of the 2002 film.
The Childhood Dream Behind the Tribute
In a note accompanying the video, Lokhande recalled that she was in Class 11 when Devdas released — a time when, by her own account, she was 'only dreaming and trying to convince' herself that she would one day move to Mumbai and become an actress. 'That little girl had no idea where life would take her, but today, looking back, my heart is filled with gratitude,' she wrote. She added that some films 'don't just stay with you — they become a part of your dreams and your journey,' signing off as 'Forever and always a fan.'
From Small-Town Dreams to Television Stardom
Lokhande's path to the screen began with Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj, before she found her breakthrough with Ekta Kapoor's long-running serial Pavitra Rishta in 2009. Her portrayal of Archana Deshmukh — a middle-class girl navigating family and relationships — ran until 2014 and remains one of the defining performances of her television career. The role made her a household name across Hindi-speaking audiences.
Bollywood Transition and Film Career
After more than a decade on television, Lokhande made her Bollywood debut as Jhalkari Bai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, released in 2019. She subsequently appeared in Baaghi 3 and later featured in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, extending her range across genres and historical narratives.
Reality Television and Continued Presence
Beyond scripted roles, Lokhande has also been a visible face on reality television, participating in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss 17. Her Devdas tribute, blending personal memory with a beloved cinematic moment, underscores how deeply formative cultural touchstones shape the ambitions of aspiring performers — and how those performers, once arrived, carry those influences with them.
Point of View
Aspiration, and a Bhansali classic in one frame. What it quietly illustrates is how television, not Bollywood, built the foundation for an entire generation of Hindi-speaking stars. Pavitra Rishta gave her the cultural equity that Manikarnika later converted. The Devdas tribute works because the underlying story — small-town girl, big-city dream — is exactly the narrative her audience has always rooted for.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ankita Lokhande post about Devdas?
Ankita Lokhande shared a video of herself recreating the song 'Bairi Piya' from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 film Devdas, dressed in a traditional red saree. She accompanied it with a personal note recalling how she was in Class 11 when the film released and was then dreaming of moving to Mumbai to become an actress.
When did Devdas release and why is it significant to Ankita Lokhande?
Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, released in 2002. Lokhande has said the film became part of her dreams as a teenager, representing the aspirations that eventually led her to pursue an acting career in Mumbai.
How did Ankita Lokhande begin her acting career?
Lokhande first appeared on Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj before making her television debut with Ekta Kapoor's Pavitra Rishta in 2009, where she played Archana Deshmukh. The show ran until 2014 and became one of the defining chapters of her career.
What films has Ankita Lokhande appeared in?
Ankita Lokhande made her Bollywood debut as Jhalkari Bai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019. She subsequently appeared in Baaghi 3 and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Which reality shows has Ankita Lokhande participated in?
Ankita Lokhande has participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss 17, extending her visibility beyond scripted television and films.
