When Randeep Hooda told Ankita Lokhande he didn’t want her in Swatantra Veer Savarkar: ‘You are too pretty to play Yamunabai’

Randeep will be seen as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the Indian politician, activist and writer, in the biopic. 

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At a press conference held on Monday, Pavitra Rishta actor Ankita Lokhande showered praises on Randeep Hooda who is also directing Swatantra Veer Savarkar, adding that he had done extensive research on her character and was very clear about what he wanted in the film. She quoted Randeep as saying, “I don’t think I want you in the film,” to which she responded, “Why?” “He was like, ‘You are too pretty for the character (Yamunabai Savarkar).’ I was like, ‘Please don’t say that,’” revealed Ankita, adding, “He (Randeep) had done so much research, he was so sure about what he wanted in the film, he knew everything about what she (Yamunabai Savarkar) was like. She was the successful woman behind a successful man (Veer Savarkar).”

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Her statement didn’t go down well with netizens, who expressed dissatisfaction with Ankita for subtly complimenting herself and her appearance. Many highlighted that Randeep was taken by surprise by her comments. “Apne mooh miya mitthu (apne hi mooh se apni tarif karna) (sic),” commented a user on Instagram. “She always blows her own trumpet… uff,” wrote another user.

Backed by Zee Studios, Anand Pandit, Randeep, Sandeep Singh, Yogesh Rahar, Swatantra Veer Savarkar is directed and co-written by Randeep alongside Utkarsh Naithani. The film also stars Amit Sial. It is scheduled to release in theatres on March 22 in Hindi and Marathi.