Kohhra, Udta Punjab, Shabad actor Suvinderpal Vicky says OTT platforms have given opportunities to middle-aged actors, "good actors are now being recognized"

Kohhra, Udta Punjab, Shabad actor Suvinderpal Vicky says OTT platforms have given opportunities to middle-aged actors, "good actors are now being recognized"

• Suvinderpal Vicky credits OTT for opportunities for middle-aged and real actors
• He discusses his strict father role in Shabad and evolving storytelling on OTT
• Vicky reflects on his Punjabi roots and focus on meaningful, realistic roles

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In an interview with Moneycontrol, Suvinderpal Vicky spoke about his role in ZEE5’s original show Shabad - Reet aur Riwaaz, his portrayal of a strict father figure, and how age, experience, and realism are reshaping opportunities for actors like him. Known for his powerful performances in Kohhra and Udta Punjab, Vicky reflected on fatherhood, evolving storytelling on OTT, and his roots in Punjabi cinema.

In a Moneycontrol interview, Suvinderpal Vicky discusses his strict father role in Shabad - Reet aur Riwaaz, reflecting on fatherhood, OTT realism, and roots shaped by Kohhra and Udta Punjab.

On playing a strict parent and how audiences will perceive the character

Asked whether his character in Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz would be seen as a strict parent or even a villain, Vicky was clear about the emotional lens through which he views parenthood. He explained that strictness often comes from concern and responsibility rather than cruelty, and that this belief shaped his performance.

“I don’t think parents can ever be a villain. Yes. Well, what I feel, because if I look at my father, how strict he is, it is probably for the betterment of the child. Being a parent, I can say this very openly. Yes. If I scold my children a little today, I think parents can never think ill of their children even if they want to. Because it is said that a son can be a villain, but not a parent. So, that’s a good thing and it will come with a very good message and as far as he’s concerned, I mean, I think because this character is from that time and Guppi is from today, right? So, maybe that’s why there’s a little bit of conflict between them and he’s not able to understand. But when he understands this character, then definitely he’ll help Guppi.”

On balancing his Kohhra identity with new roles

With Kohhra becoming a defining milestone in his career, Vicky was asked how he balances that strong association with the character he plays now.

“No, because there was a father in that and there is a father in this as well. So, a father’s basic nature, when you become a father, then God automatically puts that thing in you. It’s a parent’s thing.

So, the rest is work. Like everyone is doing their own work, I am also doing my own work. So, I have to do justice with my characters. I have to do justice with everyone. So, for that, physically, mentally, or the way I can do it, or the kind of style I have, how I conceive the character, that’s my job and I balance that.”

On the rise of middle-aged actors in today’s industry

Reflecting on the growing space for middle-aged actors, Vicky credited OTT platforms for opening doors that were once limited by age or conventional casting norms.

“There are a lot of OTT platforms. And these platforms have attracted actors from far and wide. They have brought actors from corners. You should have an art within you. You should know how to work. There is no lack of work anywhere. So, there is a little demand. Because these character actors, like in films, because earlier we only had cinema. If we talk about the old times, then slowly TV came, channels came, then we got involved in serials. Then OTT platforms came around COVID. So, we got involved in this. So, films are being released on OTT. And some films were made only for OTT. So, it’s a great revolution. So, these people, the creatives of OTT, hats off to them. Because people, our public, they get to know what is real and what is fake.

Realism is rising in this industry. Or in our acting field. So, people like that. That something should be real. Something should be good. Legends, I think, things will come or not. So, yes, good actors are being recognized. Which is very good for my kind of actors.”

On Punjabi cinema and his roots

Vicky spoke with pride about his journey from Punjabi films to wider recognition, crediting his roots for shaping both his craft and his values as an actor.

“Yes, of course. My bringing is from Punjab. And in Punjabi films, I have done small roles and reached here. The recognition that I have been recognized from Bollywood industry, or this industry has recognized me. So, that gift is of Punjab.

And I am the son of the same soil. And I have come out of the same industry and whatever I am doing in this field. But yes, there is a lot of love and respect for Punjab in my heart. And Punjabi films are growing. I feel very good that the budgets are increasing. Professionalism is getting better. There are also actors, I mean, there is a complete clash. Actors are being selected from there. So, I am happy when something like this happens.”

On ambition, age, and staying true to his craft

When asked about his ambitions in his 50s, Vicky said he is not chasing labels or milestones, but meaningful work that resonates with society.

“No, look, this is not such a bad thing. The work that I am getting now, I try not to leave it. If there is an issue of dates, then it is a different thing. But luckily, by the grace of God, if the work is good, then why should I leave it? I have not made anything like this yet. I just want to be a real character. I want to send a message to the society. People should not say, what did Sundar Vicky do? What kind of work do I want to avoid? There is no such ambition yet. Acting is my ambition. It has been from the beginning. And I am going on that path.”

Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz stars Mihir Ahuja alongside Suvinderpal Vicky and is streaming on ZEE5.