Actor Vinod Suryavanshi, best known for his role as the Secretary in the hit web series Panchayat, has shared a deeply moving account of his life, highlighting the harsh realities of caste discrimination, poverty, and the long road to finding his place in the entertainment industry. In a candid conversation, Vinod revealed that caste-based discrimination continues to persist in his native village in Karnataka.
Vinod Suryavanshi
Vinod Suryavanshi On Caste Discrimination
He explained that the village remains divided into two distinct sections, one for upper castes and another for Dalits. According to him, the segregation is still very real, with marginalized communities living separately and facing restrictions in daily life. Vinod shared that even today, his family is not allowed to enter certain temples or even step inside the homes of people from upper castes, an unsettling reality that reflects how deeply rooted these social barriers remain.
Vinod Suryavanshi
Recalling a distressing childhood incident, Vinod spoke about visiting his village at the age of 12 with his father. At a local eatery, they were made to wash their own plates after eating, something that left a lasting impact on him. He added that such discrimination wasn’t an isolated experience. “There is still a temple in my village that we are not allowed to enter,” he said, underlining how these practices continue even today.
Vinod Suryavanshi
Beyond caste discrimination, Vinod Suryavanshi also opened up about the financial hardships his family endured. His mother worked as a domestic helper, while his father, a mason, struggled to find regular work. He recalled how festivals, which are usually a time of joy, often brought sadness to his household.
Vinod Suryavanshi
“We would wonder why festivals like Diwali were even coming,” he shared, explaining that celebrations were only possible if someone offered help or support. Before stepping into acting, Vinod took on multiple jobs to support himself. His first job was as a lift operator, earning just ₹1,600 per month. He later worked as an office boy and eventually as a security guard, often enduring 12-hour shifts.