Sanvikaa, who plays Rinki in Panchayat, opened up on Instagram about feeling like an “outsider” in Bollywood.
Sanvikaa, the heart-stealing actress behind Rinki in Amazon Prime’s beloved Panchayat, has become a household name with her understated charm and authentic portrayal of rural life. Born Pooja Singh in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, the 35-year-old engineering graduate turned actress boasts an estimated net worth of ₹2-3 crore as of 2025, fueled by her Panchayat success, OTT projects, endorsements, and public appearances. Her journey with the Panchayat franchise, starting with a cameo in Season 1 (2020) and evolving into a pivotal role from Season 2 (2022) onward, has earned her the title of “national crush” for her role as the shy yet spirited daughter of Pradhan Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) and Brij Bhushan Dubey (Raghubir Yadav). With Panchayat Season 4 set to premiere on June 24, 2025, Sanvikaa’s Rinki continues to captivate fans, her romance with Sachivji (Jitendra Kumar) a fan-favorite thread. Yet, beneath the fame, Sanvikaa recently shared a raw glimpse into her struggles as an outsider in Bollywood, sparking fresh conversations about nepotism and equality. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey, her Panchayat legacy, and her bold stand on industry challenges.
A Cryptic Cry: Sanvikaa’s Take on Being an Outsider
On June 20, 2025, Sanvikaa took to her Instagram Stories with a heartfelt post that resonated deeply with fans and peers alike: “Sometimes I wish I was an insider or maybe from a very powerful background, things would have been so much easier (maybe, I don’t know). As basic as getting respect and being treated as an equal. The battles would have been lesser. Hanging on…” This candid reflection, shared days before Panchayat Season 4’s release, reignited the long-standing debate over Bollywood’s insider-outsider divide. Without naming names or incidents, Sanvikaa’s words highlighted the systemic hurdles faced by those without industry connections, echoing sentiments shared by stars like Kangana Ranaut and Sushant Singh Rajput in the past.
The post went viral, with X users amplifying her voice: “Sanvikaa’s honesty about being an outsider in Bollywood hits hard—respect shouldn’t be this tough to earn,” one user wrote. Her message struck a chord, reminding fans that even a star like Rinki, adored for her simplicity, fights for basic respect behind the scenes. But who is the woman behind this viral note, and how did she carve her path in an industry known for its gatekeepers?
Engage with Us: Have you ever felt like an outsider in your field? Share your thoughts below—we’re all navigating our own battles!
From IIT to Mumbai: Sanvikaa’s Unconventional Journey
Born Pooja Singh on January 8, 1990, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Sanvikaa’s story is one of courage and defiance. Raised in a middle-class family, she excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Technology degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Yet, the allure of a 9-to-5 engineering job couldn’t compete with her passion for acting. In a bold move, she lied to her parents, claiming she was heading to Bangalore for a job, but instead landed in Mumbai to chase her dreams.
Mumbai wasn’t kind at first. Sanvikaa started as a costume assistant, working on ad films to pay the bills while auditioning relentlessly. “I faced so many rejections, but I kept going,” she shared in a 2024 interview with NDTV. Her persistence paid off with a commercial ad, her first on-screen gig, but the grind continued. Living with a friend already in the industry, she navigated Mumbai’s chaos, fueled by self-belief and a hunger to prove herself.
Her big break came in 2022 with Panchayat Season 2, where she debuted as Rinki, the Pradhan’s daughter. Though her Season 1 cameo was brief, the makers at The Viral Fever (TVF) had planned her character’s growth, transforming Rinki into a central figure by Season 3. Her natural performance, blending innocence with quiet strength, won hearts, earning her the “national crush” moniker. Fans on X gushed: “Rinki’s simplicity is why we love Sanvikaa—she’s so real!”
Reflection Point: Sanvikaa’s leap from IIT to acting took guts. What’s a bold move you’ve made to follow your passion? Drop it in the comments!
Sanvikaa’s Filmography: Beyond the Village of Phulera
Sanvikaa’s Panchayat role opened doors, but her career spans more than Rinki’s salwar suits. Her filmography showcases her versatility, though she’s selective, thanks to Panchayat’s stability. “It’s like a government job—I can experiment with roles,” she told Hindustan Times in 2024. Here’s a look at her key projects:
- Panchayat (2020-Present): Starting with a 30-second cameo in Season 1, Sanvikaa’s Rinki became a fan favorite by Season 2. Her romance with Sachivji, conveyed through shy glances, revived old-school love stories. By Season 3 (2024), her role expanded, tackling village politics. Season 4, premiering June 24, 2025, promises more, with Rinki navigating Phulera’s election chaos between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi.
- Qaidi Band (2017): A small role in this Habib Faisal-directed film marked her Bollywood debut, showcasing her early hustle.
- Plan A Plan B (2022): She played a supporting role in this Netflix rom-com, proving she could shine in urban settings.
- Lakhan Leela Bhargava (2023): Opposite Ravi Dubey, Sanvikaa held her own in this legal drama, earning praise for her depth.
- Hajamat (2023): This web series let her explore comedy, cementing her OTT presence.
Her performances draw inspiration from idols like Irrfan Khan and Madhuri Dixit, blending authenticity with charisma. Industry buzz suggests Bollywood roles are on the horizon, with fans on X speculating: “Sanvikaa in a big film soon? She deserves it!” Yet, her outsider status means every role is a fight, as her Instagram post revealed.
The Insider-Outsider Debate: Sanvikaa’s Voice in a Larger Chorus
Sanvikaa’s June 2025 Instagram Story didn’t just share her pain—it spotlighted Bollywood’s entrenched nepotism. The industry has long favored star kids, with names like Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor dominating, while outsiders like Sanvikaa face steeper climbs. A 2023 Times of India study noted that 60% of lead roles in major Bollywood films from 2015-2022 went to industry insiders, leaving outsiders scraping for scraps.
Sanvikaa’s post echoed past voices. In 2020, after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the nepotism debate exploded, with Kangana Ranaut calling out “movie mafias.” Sanvikaa’s words—“as basic as getting respect”—highlight how even fame doesn’t guarantee equality. On X, fans rallied: “Sanvikaa’s post is a wake-up call—Bollywood needs to value talent over connections.” Her note also sparked discussions about gender, as women outsiders face added scrutiny. “It’s harder for women like Sanvikaa—no lineage, no godfather,” a user posted.
Despite the struggles, Sanvikaa’s resilience shines. “Hanging on…” she wrote, a testament to her grit. Her Panchayat co-star Neena Gupta, herself an outsider who fought for respect, praised her: “Sanvikaa’s talent speaks for itself,” she told NDTV in 2024.
Call to Action: What can Bollywood do to level the playing field? Share your ideas below—let’s spark change!
Net Worth and Rising Stardom
Sanvikaa’s net worth, estimated at ₹2-3 crore in 2025, reflects her growing clout. Her Panchayat earnings, reportedly ₹50,000-₹1 lakh per episode, form the bulk, alongside fees from Lakhan Leela Bhargava, Hajamat, and films like Plan A Plan B. Endorsements for regional brands and public appearances at events like the 2024 Filmfare OTT Awards add to her income.
Her Instagram, with over 150,000 followers (@sanvikasingh), boosts her marketability, though fans often tease her glamorous posts: “Yeh hamari Rinki nahi!” Unlike Rinki’s simplicity, Sanvikaa’s real-life style—think chic dresses and travel snaps—shows her versatility. Her hobbies, including reading and exploring cuisines, keep her grounded, as she shared in a 2024 DNA interview. With Panchayat Season 4 and potential Bollywood projects, her net worth is poised to climb.
Looking Ahead: Sanvikaa’s Bright Future
As Panchayat Season 4 drops on June 24, 2025, Sanvikaa’s Rinki will navigate Phulera’s political showdown, promising more screen time and emotional depth. Industry insiders predict bigger roles, with a 2025 Telegraph India report noting her “versatility could lead to Bollywood leads.” Yet, her outsider status means she’ll keep fighting for respect, as her Instagram post underscored.
Sanvikaa’s journey—from Jabalpur’s classrooms to Mumbai’s sets—is a beacon for dreamers. Her story proves talent can break barriers, even if the battles are fierce. As she told Republic World in 2025, “I want fans to love Sanvikaa as much as Rinki.” With her grit and charm, that’s a safe bet.
Join the Conversation: Inspired by Sanvikaa’s hustle? Tell us about an outsider you admire in any field. Drop your thoughts below, or share this post to celebrate her journey!
