Latest news with #AshokPathak
India Today
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Panchayat's Ashok Pathak on being typecast: Nobody really wants to put in effort
Panchayat actor Ashok Pathak, known for his portrayal of Binod, recently opened up about the challenges of being typecast. Despite delivering a standout performance in the show's fourth season, he revealed that the industry often limits actors to similar roles, unwilling to take creative an interview with the actor shared how he's been actively turning down repetitive offers and is now hopeful for a shift in perception after the success of the fourth problem I'm facing after Panchayat is that I keep getting offered similar roles. It feels like nobody really wants to put in the effort. Even the makers don't think that if someone has portrayed a character well, they can be experimented with in other roles too. For instance, my role in 'Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper' wasn't related to comedy at all. The makers changed their initial idea and offered me a completely different character.' Adding, he said, 'I used to feel bad because I kept getting Binod-like roles, and I turned them all down. Now, after Season 4, I hope people notice the intensity in my performance, because earlier, they only focused on the humour and comic sketch of my character. I'm flooded with messages from fans and well-wishers who've praised my performance. I want to take on different kinds of roles. Things are changing. There are now people who believe I can do more, and they've started placing their faith in me."What could be the reason behind this?When asked the actor what could possibly be the reason behind actors being stereotyped, Pathak stated that he is determined to break free from the stereotypes that have followed him since. He also spoke about the industry's tendency to typecast actors and how very few filmmakers are willing to challenge the status quo.'The problem is that nobody really wants to put in the hard work. Take Paresh Rawal, for instance, he was known for villainous roles for a long time until he got the chance to play Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in 'Hera Pheri'. That role changed the entire mindset of audiences, and now no one can imagine anyone else playing Baburao. Similarly, Amrish Puri sir was also known for similar roles until his powerful performances in 'Ghayal' and 'Ghatak' came along.'Adding, he said, 'I feel people often don't want to break these stereotypes. But there are some makers who love challenges and dare to cast actors in roles very different from what they've done before. Another great example is Pankaj Pahwa—just look at his stellar acting in films like 'Mulk' and 'Article 15'.'Meanwhile, Prime Video and The Viral Fever (TVF) have officially announced that 'Panchayat' will return for a fifth season, set to premiere in 2026. The decision follows the remarkable success of Season 4, which delivered the biggest opening in the series' history. Launched on June 24, the latest instalment has managed to receive rave reviews from fans and critics alike.'Panchayat Season 4', which premiered on June 24, featured Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, and others in pivotal roles.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Panchayat's Ashok Pathak says he was asked to get a facial after auditioning for big-budget film: ‘Nawazuddin Siddiqui used to look very different…'
'Binodddd…' — when the character of 'Banrakas' calls out this name, Panchayat fans know that drama is about to ensue. Recently, actor Ashok Pathak, who plays Binod in Panchayat, opened up about the value of looks when it comes to bagging roles in Hindi films. Ashok shared an experience where he was asked to get a facial and brighten his face in order to land a part in a big-budget film. Speaking to India Today, Ashok described the audition as 'smooth.' However, he admitted that despite a good audition, he wasn't getting the final call. He said, 'I would not like to name the film, but it was a big-budget one. My audition was done, and my role was a major one in that project. Everything was going smoothly, but I wasn't getting the final call. I had met the director and producer, but no one had called me for nearly a week. I thought maybe there was some requirement in terms of looks for that role, possibly something to do with the poster.' Ashok recalled getting a call — not to confirm his role — but to ask him to get a facial done. He recalled, 'I got a call where they said, 'Why don't you go to a beauty parlour and get a facial done?' I was told there should be some shine and charm on my face. Deep down, I knew nothing would change, yet I went to the parlour and got a facial done.' The actor revealed that he even resorted to home remedies to brighten his face. Ashok admitted that while he would tell people that he was working on his appearance, in reality, he didn't put in much effort. He said, 'That was a tough time for me because I could see others giving auditions in front of me and getting selected.' Ashok shared that while many actors auditioned for the same role, nothing stood out for the makers apart from his performance. 'They couldn't find anyone who could deliver what the makers were expecting. And then, they took me as I was. I feel that if your work is clean and up to the mark, they can compromise with looks because they don't compromise with talent.' The actor also took Nawazuddin Siddiqui's example and spoke about how the Gangs of Wasseypur star now often graces magazine covers, despite initially facing restrictions because of his looks. He said, 'If you look at Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he used to look very different initially, and now he's on magazine covers too.' Panchayat Season 4 was released last month. While it received mixed reviews from critics, the show continues to remain popular among fans. Apart from Ashok Pathak, the latest season also features Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Durgesh Kumar, and Sunita Rajwar in key roles.
India Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Panchayat's Binod recalls rejection over looks: Went to parlour, got facial
Actor Ashok Pathak, popularly known for playing Binod in the TVF series 'Panchayat', recently opened up about being rejected for roles due to his looks. In an exclusive conversation with during his recent visit to Delhi, the actor recalled how such rejections were once a common part of his an industry that is dominated by good looks, Pathak opened up about a tough phase early in his career when he was judged not for his talent but for his appearance. Recalling an incident from over a decade ago, he shared how the pressure to 'look charming' nearly cost him a role he had already auditioned for, until his performance proved too strong to would not like to name the film, but it was a big-budget one. My audition was done, and my role was a major one in that project. Everything was going smoothly, but I wasn't getting the final call. I had met the director and producer, but no one had called me for nearly a week. I thought maybe there was some requirement in terms of looks for that role, possibly something to do with the poster,' he told us. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) 'After a week, I got a call where they said, 'Why don't you go to a beauty parlour and get a facial done?' I was told there should be some shine and charm on my face. Deep down, I knew nothing would change, yet I went to the parlour and got a facial done. Then I turned to home remedies like applying haldi at night before sleeping, just to look good.""I used to tell people that I was focusing on my face and looks, but I didn't really put in much effort, just went to the parlour that one day. That was a tough time for me because I could see others giving auditions in front of me and getting selected,' recalled the actor," he said. However, it was not long before things changed for the actor. 'Finally, I got to play the part I had auditioned for, because they couldn't find anyone who could deliver what the makers were expecting. And then, they took me as I was. I feel that if your work is clean and up to the mark, they can compromise with looks because they don't compromise with talent. If you look at Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he used to look very different initially, and now he's on magazine covers too,' the actor added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TVF | The Viral Fever (@theviralfever)Meanwhile, Prime Video and The Viral Fever (TVF) have officially announced that 'Panchayat' will return for a fifth season, set to premiere in 2026. The decision follows the remarkable success of Season 4, which delivered the biggest opening in the series' history. Launched on June 24, the latest instalment has captivated audiences both domestically and internationally, reinforcing the show's standing as a cultural phenomenon.'Panchayat Season 4', which premiered on June 24, featured Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, and others in pivotal roles.- EndsTrending Reel
New Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Panchayat renewed for season 5
While season 4 of Panchayat released just two weeks ago, the makers have already announced season 5 of the acclaimed Prime Video series. The streaming giant took to social media on Monday to share a new poster of the series in which Ashok Pathak's Binod, whose performance was lauded in the recent season, can be seen being lifted by other members of the cast. Although the exact date of release is not given, the new season will be coming next year. 'Hi 5. Phulera wapas aane ki taiyyaari shuru kar lijiye Panchayat On Prime, New Season, Coming Soon,' the makers have captioned the post.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Panchayat' actor sold cotton for Rs 100, worked in factories; today he charges lakhs for a season
Amazon Prime's beloved series Panchayat has struck a deep chord across India for its charming and witty depiction of rural life. Unlike conventional dramas that rest on a single protagonist, Panchayat thrives on the ensemble cast, each character contributing meaningfully to the fabric of the narrative. Among these, one surprising breakout star has been Ashok Pathak, who plays the quirky and now-iconic character 'Binod'. His catchphrase from the show, turned viral meme—" Dekh raha hai Binod" —catapulted him to online stardom. But while his onscreen presence may seem lighthearted, Ashok's offscreen story is one of deep hardship, relentless ambition, and eventual triumph. Humble Beginnings in Bihar Born on January 3, 1985, in the remote village of Darveshpur in Siwan district, Bihar, Ashok Pathak grew up in conditions of extreme financial scarcity. As per a Bollywood Shaadis report, his father worked in intense heat as a fireman in coal furnaces, while his uncle earned a living selling cotton. As a child, Ashok saw these men toil daily, their earnings just enough to keep their household afloat. Despite such struggles, Ashok nurtured dreams that extended far beyond his village—he wanted to be an actor. But his aspirations were often mocked by peers who doubted his looks and potential. Still, the criticisms only fuelled his resolve. Teenage Struggles: Cotton Seller and Factory Worker As a young teenager in the 9th grade, Ashok began contributing to the household income. In an India Today interview, he recounted how he cycled nearly 20 kilometers a day to sell cotton, earning merely Rs 100 per trip. As per a Bollywood Shaadis report, he also took up temporary jobs in factories, juggling school and work at a young age. His early years were marked by mischief as well—he admitted to picking up habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. Life was demanding, but his dream of acting never faded. Rejection at NSD and Turning Point Later, his family shifted to Hisar, Haryana, hoping for a better future. There, Ashok completed his secondary education and joined college. During his college years, his circumstances improved slightly, and he began acting in stage plays—eventually bagging the Best Actor award. This victory encouraged him to aim higher. He applied to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), a dream institution that has produced talents like Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, and Durgesh Kumar—all of whom would later become his co-stars. In a 2023 interview with The Hindustan Times , he revealed that despite trying twice, his application to NSD was rejected. The rejection devastated him. He sank into a deep emotional slump, feeling as though his dreams had hit a dead end. But his father's unwavering support rekindled his determination, urging him to try his luck in Mumbai. A Long Climb: From Advertisements to Obscurity Although he initially took a corporate job, Ashok soon joined the Bharatendu Natya Academy in 2007. After directing a video that earned him Rs 40,000, he made his move to Mumbai. There, he picked up small gigs—working briefly for Sony Max for Rs 2,500 and later earning Rs 70,000 from a Domino's Pizza commercial, a sum he had never imagined. His film debut came with Bittoo Boss in 2012, but the film failed, pushing him back into the shadows of the industry. He was regularly cast in minor roles—rickshaw drivers, security guards, and other nameless characters—failing to break out of typecasting. By 2014, work had dried up even further, forcing him to explore the Punjabi film space. He also appeared briefly in series like Sacred Games and Aarya, but the roles remained marginal. The Reluctant Star of Panchayat When the casting call for 'Binod' in Panchayat Season 2 came, Ashok was initially hesitant. The role sounded too similar to the bit parts he'd been offered for years. He told India Today that he kept delaying the audition, not wanting to be overlooked yet again. But his friends in the casting department persisted, and he eventually gave in. What followed changed his life. His portrayal of Binod struck a chord with the audience, transforming him into a household name overnight. Financial Breakthrough and Recognition According to a 2024 report by Koimoi , Ashok's earnings from Panchayat Season 2 soared—he was paid Rs 20,000 per episode, totaling approximately Rs 3.2 lakh. This was a massive leap from his early acting days when he had earned Rs 1.4 lakh for the Domino's commercial. His work in the show not only gave him financial stability but also the respect and recognition he had longed for throughout his career. What Unfolds in Season 4? Panchayat Season 4 introduces a gripping local election storyline where Manju Devi and Kranti Devi compete to become the next village head. Their husbands—Pradhan Ji and Banrakas—take center stage in a fierce and comical campaign. The season weaves in themes of rivalry, companionship, and rural politics with a delicate emotional thread. Viewers witness the pain of loneliness, quiet grief, and the strength of community bonds. With its signature humour and soul, the season ends with several open-ended threads—Abhishek's uncertain future, Prahlad's silent sorrow, and the shifting dynamics of power in Phulera—leaving audiences craving more. Ashok Pathak's journey from the dusty roads of Darveshpur to the digital spotlight as Binod is a powerful reminder of how resilience, patience, and passion can pave the road from anonymity to acclaim.
