‘Panchayat’ actor Sunita Rajwar sheds light on discrimination between lead actors and character actors: ‘When you do small roles, you are treated like animal’ |

Sunita Rajwar, known for her performances in ‘Panchayat‘ and ‘Gullak‘, highlighted the discrimination faced by character actors on both TV and film sets. She emphasized the stark contrast in treatment, stating that while lead actors receive pampering, character actors are treated with disrespect, akin to animals. Rajwar found the treatment so degrading that she took a two-year hiatus from acting and even canceled her CINTAA card.
During a conversation with Brut India, Sunita Rajwar illustrated the glaring disparity between the accommodations provided to lead actors and character actors. She noted that lead actors often enjoy spacious, well-equipped rooms with amenities like fridges and microwaves, while character actors are relegated to cramped, substandard spaces shared by multiple individuals. The conditions, including dirty bedsheets and dilapidated bathrooms, left Rajwar feeling disheartened.

The actor underscored the lack of respect and fair compensation for those in smaller roles. Sunita emphasized that individuals with minor roles are often treated poorly, receiving inadequate pay and little regard, which she found deeply disheartening.

Sunita also highlighted the inconvenience faced by character actors when shooting schedules are adjusted for the convenience of lead actors. She criticized the practice of calling in actors early, even if their scenes are scheduled for later, suggesting it undermines their time and effort. According to her, such actions seem aimed at marginalizing other actors.
Despite acknowledging that character actors like herself typically work fewer hours than lead actors, Sunita Rajwar, renowned for her role as Bittu Ki Mummy in ‘Gullak’, still finds the discrimination they face humiliating.

Sunita Rajwar, known for her memorable roles in ‘Panchayat’ and ‘Gullak’, is set to captivate audiences once again as both shows are returning with new seasons. ‘Panchayat 3‘ is scheduled to stream on an OTT platform starting May 28, while ‘Gullak 4’ will be available on another streaming giant from June 7.