As ‘Pavitra Rishta' turns 16, Ankita Lokhande recalls Sushant Singh Rajput's heartfelt dialogue as Manav for Archana

Time of India

2 days ago

There are
television shows
, and then there are legacies.
Pavitra Rishta
belongs to the latter. Premiering in 2009, the show redefined
Indian daily soaps
with its deeply
emotional storytelling
and compelling performances. The on-screen chemistry between 'Archana' and 'Manav' wasn't just popular — it was electric. Fans across the country rooted for the two, with many blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
As the show marked its 16th anniversary on June 1, 2025,
Ankita Lokhande
, who shot to fame with her portrayal of Archana, shared a heartfelt throwback on Instagram that stirred nostalgia across social media.
The Dialogue That Still Echoes in Her Heart
In a candid video posted on her social media handle, Ankita was asked to recall the most emotional phrase her character used during the show. Without hesitation, she replied,
'Bappa sab theek karega.'
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But it was the memory of
Sushant Singh Rajput
— who played 'Manav' — that left everyone emotional. Ankita recalled the line Sushant often said during heated scenes:
'Archana, main tumhare bina nahi reh sakta aur hum kabhi alag nahi honge.'
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The dialogue, once delivered with quiet intensity by Sushant on-screen, now carries a haunting echo of love and loss — a reminder of the bond that the actors shared, both on and off the screen.
Rain, Trains and First Glances: The Beginning of Archana-Manav
Taking a step deeper into her memories, Ankita spoke about the very first moment her character met Manav on the show. Set in a rainy Mumbai backdrop, their first 'non-meeting' happened when they crossed paths at a train station — a beautifully staged scene that was both poetic and understated.
Recalling the iconic background music, she shared,
'Aasman mein jab tak sitare rahenge,'
the show's title track, played in slow motion during emotional sequences. The romantic undertone was often heightened with Bollywood's
'Saathiya tune kya kiya'
, evoking a rush of emotions for viewers and now, for the actress herself.
A Role That Became Her Identity
More than a show,
Pavitra Rishta
was Ankita Lokhande's big break — a journey that transformed her from a newcomer into a household name. Expressing her gratitude, she wrote:
'It's been 16 years and I still feel that abhi abhi shuruwat hui hai. Archana wasn't just a character — she became a part of me… Through her innocence, strength, love, and resilience, I grew both as an actor and as a woman.'
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She thanked fans for their unwavering support, calling the journey of
Pavitra Rishta
nothing short of destiny.
Remembering Sushant with Grace and Love
While the serial gave Ankita her first claim to fame, it also gifted her a personal chapter that became a significant part of her life. Her remembrance of Sushant Singh Rajput, who passed away in 2020, was subtle but deeply emotional. Every mention of 'Manav' — every dialogue, every background tune — now carries a sense of longing, a quiet tribute to someone who left too soon.