Chandan Roy: The Man Who Made "Vikas" a Household Name – A Biography and Filmography!

In the charming, often chaotic, world of Phulera village in Amazon Prime Video's sensation "Panchayat," one character has consistently brought warmth, humor, and a touching relatability to the screen: Vikas Shukla, the Gram Panchayat assistant. The man behind this universally beloved portrayal is Chandan Roy, an actor whose journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming a beloved face in Indian entertainment is as inspiring as it is authentic. While "Panchayat" catapulted him to widespread fame, Chandan Roy's career is a testament to perseverance and a deep connection to his roots.

From Bihar Village to Mumbai Dreams: The Early Life of a Performer

Born on December 20, 1995, in Mahnar, Bihar, Chandan Roy's early life was rooted in a rural upbringing. His interest in performing began in school, where he actively participated in plays and community events. This early spark ignited a passion that would eventually lead him far from his village.

For his higher studies, Chandan moved to Patna, where he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Patna University. During this period, he immersed himself in college theatre, further honing his acting skills. Driven by a desire for more specialized knowledge, he then joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi, earning a Diploma in Radio and Television.

After graduating, Chandan initially worked as a journalist for Dainik Jagran. However, his heart remained in performance. During his time at IIMC, he was actively involved with theatre groups, including Bahroop Theatre Group, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the National School of Drama Repertory. After two and a half years in journalism, the call of acting became too strong to ignore. In 2017, with a clear goal and no Plan B, Chandan Roy left his job and made the decisive move to Mumbai.

The Struggle and The Breakthrough: "Panchayat" Changes Everything

Upon arriving in Mumbai, Chandan faced the inevitable struggles of an outsider in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. He initially took on small roles in Indian daily soaps, navigating the challenging landscape of auditions and rejections.

His persistence paid off in 2020 with the launch of Amazon Prime Video's "Panchayat," created by The Viral Fever (TVF). His portrayal of Vikas Shukla, the simple, loyal, and often comically flustered office assistant at the Gram Panchayat, was an instant hit. Vikas became one of the most endearing characters on Indian OTT, lauded for his innocent charm, dedication to his work, and heartwarming camaraderie with Sachiv Ji (Jitendra Kumar) and Prahlad (Faisal Malik). Chandan's ability to perfectly capture the essence of a small-town government employee resonated deeply with audiences across the country.

His performance in "Panchayat" brought him widespread appreciation and solidified his presence in the burgeoning Indian web series space. He has continued to be a pivotal part of all subsequent seasons of "Panchayat" (Season 1, 2, 3, and the highly anticipated Season 4), with his character growing and evolving alongside the show's massive success.

Filmography: Expanding His Horizons Beyond Phulera

While "Panchayat" remains his most iconic role, Chandan Roy has steadily built a diverse filmography across films and other web series, showcasing his range beyond the "village simpleton" persona:

Web Series:

• Panchayat (2020-Present): Vikas Shukla (Amazon Prime Video) - His breakout role, ongoing.
• Hostel Daze Season 2 (2021): Santosh (Amazon Prime Video)
• TVF Pitchers Season 2 (2022): Broker (ZEE5)
• Choona (2023): Bishnu (Netflix) - Showcased a different side in this crime-comedy.
• Shehar Lakhot (2023): Vikas Kachadar (Amazon Prime Video) - A more complex, darker role.
• Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke (2023): Chandan Jha (ZEE5)

Films:

• Jamun (2020): Dinoo (Eros Now)
• State of Siege: Temple Attack (2021): Mohsin (ZEE5)
• Sanak (2021): Riyaz Ahmed (Hotstar) - Gained recognition for his comic role in this action-drama.
• Gulmohar (2023): Paramhans (Disney+ Hotstar) - A family drama where he delivered a nuanced performance.
• Champaran Mutton (Short Film) (2023): Ramesh (FTII Diploma Film) - This film represented India at the Student Academy Awards, highlighting his work in independent cinema.
• The Last Ride (2025): Aman Kumar Yadav (Upcoming)
• Tirichh: Portrait of a Dying Man (Upcoming): His forthcoming film, based on a renowned story by Uday Prakash.

Acting Style and Impact: The Power of Authenticity

Chandan Roy's acting style is marked by:

• Authenticity: He brings a grounded, real-life quality to his characters, making them instantly relatable and believable. His rural upbringing undoubtedly informs his nuanced portrayal of Vikas.
• Understated Humor: He often generates laughter through subtle reactions, genuine confusion, and organic timing rather than overt slapstick.
• Emotional Depth: Beyond the humor, he imbues his characters with sincerity and emotional honesty, allowing audiences to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
• Versatility: While he excels in comedic and relatable roles, his work in "Shehar Lakhot" and "Choona" demonstrates his ability to take on more complex and morally ambiguous characters.

Accolades and Recognition:

While specific major awards might be forthcoming for his recent performances, Chandan Roy has received widespread critical acclaim and audience love, particularly for "Panchayat." His growing filmography and the buzz around his upcoming projects are strong indicators of his rising prominence in the industry.

Conclusion: Chandan Roy – A Star Rooted in Realism

Chandan Roy's journey is a heartwarming narrative of an actor who refused to give up on his dreams, transitioning from journalism to the demanding world of entertainment. His portrayal of Vikas in "Panchayat" has not only made him a household name but has also highlighted his remarkable talent for bringing authenticity and charm to every role. As he continues to explore diverse characters across various platforms, Chandan Roy stands as a compelling example of how genuine talent, coupled with perseverance, can carve a unique and respected place in the hearts of audiences and in the ever-expanding universe of Indian cinema. He is a testament to the fact that relatability, when delivered with sincerity, is a powerful currency in storytelling.