Suvinder Vicky on learning Ragi singing for Shabad, Kohrra 2, Mona Singh, Punjab 95 and more | Exclusive

Savinderpal Vicky, better known as Suvinder Vicky, gained fame with projects like Kohrra and CAT. He is now awaiting the release for his next series, Shabad (streaming on Zee5 via OTTplay Premium). The actor relived what it was like trying to be a Ragi singer on reel when he did not even know singing in real life. Thankfully, he found a reference and things turned around. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, Suvinder got candid about Shabad, Kohrra 2, Mona Singh, Punjab 95 and more.

Excerpts…

You worked in Kohrra, CAT, Udta Punjab among other projects - and now Shabad. So, what has your experience in the industry been like? How do you feel when you look at your journey?

My actual feeling, if you ask, it's a very good, pleasant feeling. As an actor, it's the actor's wish to get a good break. I got that break. After that, the actor's wish is that the work goes on. He keeps getting work. I started getting work. So, yes, some characters are being offered so well that, I mean, very real to my, you know, my age and being a parent, I'm enjoying my work.

So, you know, the title is Shabad. Is it a hint at Shabad Gurban Kirtan? Do you know about that? Because, obviously, it's about the singer. So, do you have any idea what was the idea behind the title?

First of all, if we talk about pronouncing it, one is Shabd and the other is Shabad. Shabd is a word. And when many words come together, it becomes Shabad. In Gurbani, the Tukbandis, or our phrases, or the Gurbani that has been written, when each word is joined together, it becomes Shabad. So, we pronounce it in Gurdwara and Hussam.

Because, in itself, I think the title is telling the whole story. People will think, what is this, Shabad? People might also think that if we pronounce Shabad as Shabd, then people will think, what word, what does Shabd mean? So, when they'll see the film, then they'll get to know that, yes, actually, this is Shabad, which is related to Gurbani.

Will we also get to hear Kirtan?

Yes, absolutely. And a lot of hard work has been done for that. And a lot of practice has been done. I mean, it's not like you just sit on the harmonium. Because, Gurdwara is such a place, where we were shooting, and in Darbar Sahib, and there, you have to walk with a good Holy Spirit.

What was your preparation for the role like?

This is such a true character, that okay, if you're not that good in music, you don't have that much knowledge, but for the camera point of view, you have to hold the drum at least. So, you should know what notes you're playing. And the notes should go with your background music, right? So, yes, a lot of hard work has been done. Every actor, for their character, definitely, they have worked hard.

Are you a singer in real life? Have you ever tried Raagi singing before this?

No, no, I'm not a singer in any way, but it is so important that there is a connection with music. My brother, who is now in Canada, he used to do music, vocal, he used to learn classical as well. So, he knows instruments, like Sitar, then Tabla, then Harmonium, then Nagma. When he used to do his own practice, I was also around. We used to live in the same house. So, I was involved in plays, dramas, etc. He used to listen to those things again and again. I used to like it. When he was practicing, I used to sit there. When he was playing Tabla, then I used to see how he was playing. Now he is talking about these Raags, Raag Deep Chandi, Raagi, Raagbo. What are those Raags? His Guruji used to sing Gurbani. So, from there (I picked up some hints for this character). He had a very saint kind of get-up, and he used to get so much positive energy from there. So, when I was offered this thing, I was confused at first, that how will I be able to do Raagi? And as the process of an actor goes on, and it is my habit that I try to find my character from my family, from my near and dear. So, then I went back. I used to talk to him on the phone, that now I have this Shabad - so, in which Raag is this? How do I handle this? The rest is background singing. So, yes, this was the process.

After listening to that, I got a little flashback. Because, you know, there were references to this in one of my favourite films – Jab Harry Met Sejal – when Shah Rukh Khan says that he wanted to be a singer, and then he went to Canada to pursue that passion. It instantly took me back to that moment…

(Laughs) The process is like this. If you want to prove yourself as an authentic or a good real actor for people, then you will have to go through a lot. Because I feel like I am living my life again as an actor. As I get more and more work, I am looking for my character from my life.

Recently Mona Singh and SRK had a conversation, where he complained that she kept playing elder roles, and she said that she has been offered only elder roles in the industry. Did the same thing happen with you, that you have been offered elder roles or what have you, so have you been in a similar situation or how has your journey been?

No. As I said, if we talk about cinema or this media, it has changed a lot. Now, it is not like you need a 70-year-old or 60-year-old, 50-year-old hero.

That is the way it is. If we talk about Mona ji, when she played Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi, it's long back. She played a young mainstream heroine, too. When her transformation happened, from that look, then people went crazy.

I have also seen some such dreams that as a hero, but yes, I have never had that desire that I am really happy enough that I am getting at least work. I am 52 now, then how do I dance around trees, and I don't even know how to dance! You know, I am not able to dance. So, how do I expect from people to make me dance with 3-4 heroines around me. I am trying to portray my character just according to them and their thinking. I think that factor is there that the way your age group is, because everything, what realism has come now, that character should be made. I mean, at least 50% of your director's work or producer's or maker's ends there when they get that person with that look that they have thought. After that, the next process is the creative process. So, I am lucky enough.

I mean, I don't have any problem that I get such offers. I say, make me Dada, make me Pradada. I will eat in that role too, because I know my craft and I do it very genuinely and I do my work with a lot of honesty.

There are so many people who are actually portraying roles older than they look or you know, younger than they look. This also happens a lot…

No, those things sometimes happen to me too. I mean, I am going to a new production house or something. Oh, sorry, I mean, oh my God, you look so young and you look… It's a good compliment.

You get to know that the person behind the beard is a little young…

In Punjabi, Gurdas Mahan had said that the heart should be young. Age isn’t important. The heart should be young always. Keep your thoughts pure and keep your heart young always.

Are you in Kohrra 2 by any chance?

I’m not. This question is for the makers. So, ask Sudeep once why Suvinder Vicky is not in it. I also want to know. Or ask Netflix. That is a separate issue. Right now, we are eagerly for Shabad. So, hopefully people will like it. All of us are working hard. Actors, makers, producers, directors have all worked hard. This message should reach people.

Is there is any update on Punjab 95? Because there is a lot of talk about it, and we constantly hear about its release and then it being halted. So, you being a part of the project, do you have any clue what is happening?

I have the same answer. It will definitely release at some point, we just don't know when.

We want to see you in more projects, and hopefully, also the man behind the beard...

He will come out soon, don't worry. He is coming back-to-back.

Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz FAQs:

Q: When is the Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz OTT release date?

A: The Hindi original series Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz is scheduled to premiere on February 6, 2026, on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).

Q: Who is in the cast of Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz?

A: Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz stars Mihir Ahuja as Ghuppi Singh and Suvinder Vicky as his father, Harminder Singh. It is directed by Ameet Guptha.

Q: How many episodes are in Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz?

A: Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz consists of six episodes that delve into the emotional terrain of generational expectations and the conflict between tradition and personal aspiration.