When viewers watched the hit web series Panchayat, one character quietly captured their hearts—Rinky, the sweet and grounded daughter of the village Pradhan. But beyond the screen, people were curious: Who is the girl playing Rinky? What’s her real name? Where did she come from?
As it turns out, Rinky is portrayed by Sanvikaa, whose real name is Pooja Singh. Her story is as inspiring as it is relatable—an ordinary girl from a small Indian town who followed her passion and became a nationwide star.
Where She’s From and How It All Began
Pooja Singh was born on January 8, 1990, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a middle-class Brahmin family. She grew up in a traditional environment, surrounded by four sisters, and completed her schooling from Christ Church Girls’ Senior Secondary School in her hometown. From a young age, she was academically inclined and later earned a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Like many Indian youngsters, she was expected to land a stable, well-paying job in the corporate world. But deep inside, Pooja had a different dream—one that didn’t involve office cubicles or code.
Why She Left Her Engineering Job for Acting
After graduation, she told her parents she had received a job offer in Bengaluru. But in reality, she packed her bags and moved to Mumbai, the city of dreams, to try her luck in the entertainment industry. It was a bold move—one she kept hidden from her family initially.
In Mumbai, she started from the bottom. Pooja worked as a costume assistant director and took up TV commercials and ad shoots to survive. Her first major break was a Domino’s pizza ad, which helped her gain confidence and a few contacts in the industry. But her real breakthrough was just around the corner.
How Pooja Singh Became Sanvikaa
The name Pooja Singh was too common in the industry, which made it hard for her to stand out. So, she decided to rebrand herself with a new stage name—Sanvikaa. With help from friends, she picked this unique name that reflected a fresh identity and gave her an edge in auditions. However, her legal name remains Pooja Singh.
This smart move paid off when she auditioned for a new web series being made by TVF (The Viral Fever)—the now-famous Panchayat.
How She Got the Role of Rinky in Panchayat
Sanvikaa’s audition for Panchayat landed her the role of Rinky, daughter of Manju Devi (played by Neena Gupta) and Brij Bhushan (played by Raghubir Yadav). She made her first appearance in the final episode of Season 1, with just one scene, but it was enough to leave a mark. Her innocent charm and subtle expressions made her an instant favorite.
In Season 2 and Season 3, her role expanded dramatically. The audience saw her bond grow with Abhishek Tripathi (played by Jitendra Kumar), and their chemistry became a talking point on social media. Fans flooded the internet with reels, memes, and even marriage proposals, calling her the new “national crush.”
What She’s Like in Real Life vs. Her Character
While Rinky is shown as a quiet, small-town girl who respects traditions, Sanvikaa in real life is confident, bold, and expressive. She’s active on social media, especially Instagram, where she has nearly 500k followers. Her profile is filled with pictures from her travels, fashion shoots, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Panchayat set.
She has also spoken in interviews about her struggles, how she almost gave up during the early days, and how working with legendary actors like Neena Gupta helped her grow as a performer.
Rinky Actress Real Name, Age, Education & More
For those still curious:
- Real Name: Pooja Singh
- Stage Name: Sanvikaa
- Date of Birth: January 8, 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2024)
- Hometown: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Education: B.Tech in Electronics and Communication
- Relationship Status: Unmarried
Despite her popularity, Sanvikaa prefers to keep her personal life private and focuses on her career.
Fans Love Her – How Sanvikaa Became Famous
Sanvikaa’s rise in popularity was not sudden—it was earned. Her simplicity, relatable persona, and grounded nature helped her connect with audiences across India. Whether it’s Gen Z fans on Instagram or family audiences watching Panchayat on Prime Video, she resonates with everyone.
Her natural screen presence, relatable charm, and honest portrayal of Rinky have made her a standout performer in the web series world. Without over-the-top acting or glamour, she brings an authenticity that resonates with everyday viewers. Critics and fans alike appreciate her ability to make a character feel real — a quality that’s rare and powerful in today’s OTT landscape.
What’s Next for Sanvikaa After Panchayat
With Panchayat Season 4 confirmed to release in June 2025, fans are eager to see where Rinky’s story leads. But beyond Panchayat, Sanvikaa has her eyes on regional cinema, especially Bengali and Malayalam films, where storytelling takes center stage.
She has also hinted in interviews that she’s open to more meaningful roles on OTT platforms, and is keen to work on projects that challenge her as an actor.
Her Journey from Small Town Girl to Star
Sanvikaa’s story is one of courage, patience, and passion. From hiding her dreams from her parents to becoming one of India’s most loved faces on OTT, she has truly come a long way. Her transformation from Pooja Singh of Jabalpur to Sanvikaa of Prime Video is not just a career shift—it’s a story of dreaming big and making it real.
