Will Panchayat actor Jitendra Kumar, an IITian, appear for the UPSC civil services exam? He still gets exam date reminders from parents
Panchayat
, actor
Jitendra Kumar
still can't escape a uniquely desi rite of passage — the UPSC reminder from mom and dad. Despite making it big in Bollywood and OTT, the
IIT Kharagpur
alumnus recently revealed that his parents still remind him of
UPSC prelims
dates every year, 'just in case.'
From IIT Kharagpur to stage spotlight
Jitendra Kumar's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. A civil engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Kumar's passion for acting took root during his college days. While juggling assignments and engineering labs, he found his true calling on stage. As Governor of the Hindi Technology Dramatics Society at IIT, he performed in numerous stage plays — experiences that would later shape his acting career.
Jeetu Bhaiya and the IIT paradox
Kumar shot to fame with
The Viral Fever
's (TVF)
Kota Factory
, where he played the widely adored Jeetu Bhaiya — a mentor figure so impactful that students across the country wished they had one in real life. Yet, the irony wasn't lost on fans or comedians. During a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, host Kapil Sharma playfully grilled Kumar, asking why, if acting was his goal, he made his parents invest in an IIT education.
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Undo
Jitendra laughed as he recalled the initial frustration from his parents. He admitted that his parents were angry at first, but he convinced them with his acting chops. Still, old habits die hard — 'Even now, they remind me when UPSC prelims forms are out,' he added with a smile.
The rise of a small-town hero
Jitendra's most iconic role to date remains Abhishek Tripathi in Panchayat — the reluctant urban youth turned Panchayat secretary posted in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. His performance struck a chord with millions for its simplicity, relatability, and quiet humour. The series, produced by TVF and streamed on
Amazon Prime Video
, has earned both critical acclaim and a cult following. He was last seen in Panchayat Season 4, continuing to bring authenticity and heart to the role.
More than just OTT
Beyond Panchayat and Kota Factory, Kumar has made a mark in films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Jaadugar, and Dry Day. He's also won multiple awards, including two
Filmfare OTT Awards
— proof that his decision to pivot from engineering to acting was no fluke.
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