Ankita Lokhande shares picture of her Manikarnika avatar

Kangana Ranaut's pictures from the sets of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, that had the actress in full regalia, were leaked last week. Apart from this, the makers have ensured news and images from the sets are controlled. However, actress Ankita Lokhande has shared a picture of herself in her Manikarnika costume on her Instagram account. It was earlier reported that Lokhande would be playing Jhalkari Bai.

Leaked! Kangana Ranaut on the sets of Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

The actress is seen sitting on the wall of a fort, dressed in character, with a friend. While the image is blurred, the post confirms that it is from the sets of Krish's Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. "Jhalkari bai definitely knows the way to even a modern man’s heart ! #Manikarnika @vaibhav.tatwawaadi #ItsBlurForAReason#jhalkaribai," Lokhande wrote.

Jhalkari Bai was one of the most trusted lieutenants of Rani Laxmibai, and rose to the position of an advisor to the queen from an ordinary soldier. It was her decision to disguise herself as the queen, that allowed Laxmibai the chance to escape during the siege of Jhansi.

Kangana Ranaut ascends throne in latest Manikarnika stills

The picture does show certain similarities between Ranaut's character and Lokhande's appearance. She is seen dressed in a simple saree that is adapted to allow the flexibility required for her role as a warrior. It is said that the similarities in the appearances of Jhalkari Bai and Rani Laxmibai astounded many people.

In an earlier interview with a Mumbai daily, Lokhande had called the role a 'challenge'. She said, "I'm indebted to Kamal (Jain) sir for this challenging role in a big-budget film scripted by Baahubali writer KV Vijayendra Prasad alongside a National Award-winning actress like Kangana, who exudes power and is an inspiration to all women."

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is set to be released on 27 April 2018.