Actor Vinod Suryavanshi Opens Up on Caste Discrimination

Kochi: Actor Vinod Suryavanshi has opened up about the caste discrimination he has faced since childhood, revealing that the system remains deeply entrenched in his native village in Karnataka. The actor, who gained recognition through the popular web series Panchayat, said his journey to success has been marked by hardship, neglect, and emotional struggle.

“In my village in Karnataka, caste discrimination still exists. The village is divided into two parts—one for upper castes and another for lower castes. The area where Dalits live is different from the other section,” he said. Recalling a childhood incident, he added, “When I was about 12, I went to a hotel with my father. Even after paying for the food, we were made to wash our own plates. There is still a temple in my village where we are not allowed to enter.”

Suryavanshi also spoke about growing up in extreme poverty. “I have often seen my parents in tears. Festivals only made things harder for us. While others celebrated, we couldn’t. We could celebrate only if someone gave us something—that was our reality,” he said.

Before finding success as an actor, he worked in several jobs, including as a watchman, during which he even developed wounds on his legs. Reflecting on his experiences, he said society often judges individuals based on their occupation. “The bigger the job, the more respect one receives—that’s the reality for most people,” he noted.

His remarks have since sparked widespread discussion on social media.