It’s weird how nostalgia works. You’re scrolling through a streaming app, and suddenly a face pops up that transports you straight back to 2005. For many of us, that face is Vikas Sethi. Honestly, if you grew up during the golden age of Indian soap operas, the man was basically everywhere. From being the "cool friend" in massive Bollywood blockbusters to playing the brooding antagonist that everyone loved to hate, his career was a wild ride.
The news of his passing in September 2024 at just 48 hit the industry and fans like a ton of bricks. It wasn't just about losing an actor; it felt like a piece of our collective childhood was gone. But looking back at the full catalog of Vikas Sethi movies and tv shows, you realize he wasn't just a face on a poster—he was a workhorse who helped define an era of television that probably won't ever be replicated.
The Roles That Defined an Era
Let’s be real: you probably remember him best as Prem Basu. When he stepped into Kasautii Zindagii Kay, he had some massive shoes to fill, but he brought this specific energy to the character of "Yudi" that just worked. He wasn't trying to be anyone else. He made the role his own.
The Big Three: Kasautii, Kyunki, and Kahiin To Hoga
Vikas had this incredible knack for landing roles in the "K-dramas" of Ekta Kapoor. He didn't just appear in them; he lived in them. In Kahiin To Hoga, he played Swayam Shergill. He was sharp, he was often the foil to the main leads, and he had that classic mid-2000s TV charm. Then there was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, where he played Abir.
It’s sort of funny looking back at the sheer volume of episodes he filmed. Television back then was a different beast. Actors were on set for 18 hours a day, churning out content for a country that was obsessed with their storylines. Sethi was a staple in that world. If you saw his name in the credits, you knew the drama was about to ramp up.
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That Robbie Moment in K3G
You’ve seen Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham at least ten times. We all have. But did you realize Vikas Sethi was Robbie? You know, the guy Poo (Kareena Kapoor) essentially uses to make Rohan jealous at the prom?
"Hey Poo, check it out!"
It was a small role, sure. But it placed him in one of the biggest Indian films of all time. He had this "pretty boy" look that fit perfectly into the Karan Johar universe of the early 2000s. He also popped up in Deewaanapan (2001) as Rocky, further cementing his status as the go-to guy for the "urban friend" or "rival" archetype.
Taking Risks: From Mainstream to "Oops!"
In 2003, Vikas did something pretty bold. He took the lead in a film called Oops!, directed by Deepak Tijori.
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It was... a lot.
The movie was about male strippers, which, if you can imagine, was a massive scandal for Indian cinema at the time. It didn't do well at the box office. Actually, it was kind of a disaster. But you have to respect the hustle. Most TV actors back then were terrified of breaking their "clean" image. Vikas went the opposite way. He took a swing. Even if it missed, it showed he wasn't interested in just playing it safe as the boy next door.
The Reality TV Chapter
Remember when reality shows were actually about the talent and less about the manufactured fights? Vikas and his then-wife Amita entered Nach Baliye 3 (and later he was in Season 4). Watching him dance was a trip. He wasn't a professional dancer, but he had this infectious enthusiasm.
He also appeared in Zara Nachke Dikha, showing a side of himself that the scripted soaps didn't allow. He was a guy who liked to compete. He liked to be in the mix.
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A Career That Spanned Decades
While many actors from that era faded away, Vikas kept showing up. He was in Uttaran as Avinash Mattoo. He appeared in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi. He even did a Telugu film, iSmart Shankar, in 2019.
He had his struggles—he was open about the fact that work would sometimes dry up and he’d have to fight his way back into the limelight. That’s the reality of the industry that most people don't talk about. It’s not all red carpets; it’s a lot of waiting for the phone to ring.
Notable Filmography At A Glance
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001): As Robbie (The iconic prom scene).
- Deewaanapan (2001): As Rocky.
- Oops! (2003): Lead role as Akaash.
- Kahiin To Hoga: Swayam Shergill (The role that arguably made him a household name).
- Kasautii Zindagii Kay: Prem Basu / Yudi.
- iSmart Shankar (2019): Playing Dharam.
What We Can Learn From His Journey
Vikas Sethi's career is a reminder that being a "supporting actor" is often more impressive than being a one-hit-wonder lead. He stayed relevant for over twenty years. He moved between TV, film, and reality shows with a level of flexibility that’s rare.
When he passed away in 2024, the tributes from co-stars like Hiten Tejwani and Sharad Kelkar weren't just PR fluff. They talked about a guy who was genuinely kind and incredibly hardworking. He left behind a wife and twin boys, and a legacy of characters that defined the teenage years of millions.
If you’re looking to revisit his work, start with the early 2000s episodes of Kahiin To Hoga. That’s where you see him at his peak—confident, charismatic, and perfectly suited for the screen. Or, honestly, just go re-watch the prom scene in K3G. It’s a tiny slice of Bollywood history that wouldn’t be the same without him.
Your next steps for exploring his legacy:
Check out the classic episodes of Kasautii Zindagii Kay on streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar to see his transition into the role of Yudi. If you're interested in his later work, iSmart Shankar is available on various regional platforms and showcases his range in a completely different film industry.