Panchayat has become one of the most popular shows on OTT platforms, known for its simple storytelling and strong performances. The series features actors like Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav, who have played key roles across seasons. The show is now preparing for its Season 5, which has already started filming.
Among the cast, actor Vinod Suryavanshi appeared as the new Sachiv Ji. Even with limited screen time, his performance received attention from viewers. Recently, he spoke about his personal journey and the challenges he faced while growing up and building his career.
In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Vinod shared his experiences of caste based discrimination in his village in Karnataka. He said, “In my village in Karnataka, casteism is still prevalent, even today. There are two areas in that village – one for the upper castes and one for the lower castes. The area where the Dalits live is separate from the village. Once, when I went to the village with my father, I was 12 years old and ate at a hotel, we had to wash our own plates and also pay for the food. There is still a temple where we are not allowed to go in my village.”
He also spoke about facing rejection in the entertainment industry due to his appearance. He said, “I was rejected many times because of my looks. When I gave auditions for TV, they often wanted a ‘rich look’. Even for a beggar’s role, they wanted someone with a rich look. I was told I didn’t fit the requirement. I was selected for a role as a house help. The casting team had finalised me, and I reached on time for the shoot. But when the creative director came, she asked who I was. When they told her, she said, ‘No, this won’t work – we need someone with a fair look. He is dark-complexioned, pack him up.”
Vinod also shared that his childhood was not easy. His mother worked as a domestic helper, while his father was a mason who did not have regular work. He recalled that his father would sometimes return home drunk and behave violently, which made growing up difficult.
Despite these challenges, Vinod Suryavanshi has continued to work towards his acting career. With Panchayat Season 5 now in production, his journey highlights the struggles many actors face before finding recognition.