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India Today
31 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Panchayat: Women pack a punch
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 7, 2025)Few can claim to be 'India's most loved show' and get away with it. The Viral Fever's Panchayat is that rare show which does have the bragging rights. Packed with wry observations on everyday life and human behaviour in the hinterland and memorable characters, the Amazon Prime Video series has entered its fourth season, an incredible feat in itself. Actor Neena Gupta credits the writing of Chandan Kumar and the work put in by director Deepak Kumar Mishra. 'Season after season, they do something special. I wait for the script. I don't know how they do it,' she says. 'We don't need to improvise; sab kuchh milta hai [everything's there in the script itself].' She further attributes apt casting for the show's success, which has seen actors become synonymous with their parts, with some even featuring in viral memes (type Binod, Bhushan and Bam Bahadur in Google and get ready for laughs).advertisementOne such character to have struck a chord is the mean confrontational machine that's Kranti Devi, played by the talented Sunita Rajwar. 'Wherever you are from, people love Panchayat because you can watch it with your family,' she says.'Saral hai. Smart banne ki koshish nahin hai [It's simple. They don't try to be oversmart]. They show things with respect,' adds Gupta on the TVF formula that has seen it generate hit shows like Kota Factory, The Aspirants and Pitchers. Panchayat's fourth run puts the women in the spotlight: Rinki ki Mummy a.k.a. Manju Devi (Gupta) and Kranti Devi battle it out in the elections. Further proof of the ladies' growing stature are the promotional posters where Manju brandishes her election symbol, the gourd, while Kranti holds the pressure cooker.'This time, I have become interested in the elections and in doing things,' says Gupta. 'The seed was sown in the earlier seasons when characters have asked why I don't do anything.' If Manju Devi takes more initiative in the quest to retain her seat, Kranti is a rookie largely following the questionable footsteps of her husband, the ever-entertaining Bhushan a.k.a. Banrakas (Durgesh Kumar). 'I don't know any better,' says Rajwar of her character. 'For the first time, she is getting importance. She is going to the vidhayak's house, who in turn is playing the bigger game as he knows we are upset with Pradhaan-ji and company. But most of the major planning is done by the three [Bhushan, Binod and Madhav].'advertisementIt's one thing to be part of pop culture conversations, another to catalyse societal change. Such is the show's influence that the ministry of panchayati raj recently roped in members of the cast to shoot small skits where Gupta's Manju Devi is the elected representative calling the shots, and not her husband. 'There are seats where women win but it's the husbands who run the show,' says Gupta. 'But I have decided I will do this. To be part of an initiative that encourages and inspires other women is special.'Gupta was an inspiration to Rajwar herself. Like her, she too studied at the National School of Drama (NSD). 'The first time I saw a celebrity was when she visited the NSD campus. I remember she was wearing a lovely red outfit,' says Rajwar. 'We used to all look up to her. So in awe was I that I couldn't even go and talk to her.' Soon their paths would align in then Bombay as Rajwar arrived to kick off her acting career. The duo would first work in a play, Surya ki Antim Kiran se Surya ki Pahali Kiran Tak. 'She is the first person who ensured we were paid well for rehearsals and the play,' says Rajwar. 'Every time I was down [professionally], something worked out with her.' Rajwar would work as an assistant creative head in Gupta's production house and managed her daughter, Masaba, for a hi toh karna hai [One just has to work],' says Gupta of her role in assisting Rajwar in her professional journey. 'She has done a lot. Koi bhi kaam chhota nahin hota [No work is small]. She is proof that if you work hard and consistently, you will reach where she has. She has been to Cannes.' Rajwar plays a key part in India-set UK drama Santosh, which was the UK's submission to the best international film category at the Oscars. But it's her work in the TVF shows, Gullak and Panchayat, that has made Rajwar a familiar face. 'They have changed my life,' she to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet ‘Panchayat' star Jitendra Kumar: Left IIT for acting, now charges Rs 70,000 per episode, owns luxury cars and has a net worth of Rs 7 crore
Jitendra Kumar , who is loved for his performance in the OTT series 'Panchayat', has an inspiring story that proves following one's heart truly pays off. Born in a small village in Rajasthan, Jitendra always dreamt big. Even as a child, he loved mimicking stars like Shah Rukh Khan , Nana Patekar, and Amitabh Bachchan . But life initially pushed him on a very different path. Jitendra's father, wanting a secure future for his son, sent him to Kota to prepare for the IIT entrance exams. With hard work and focus, Jitendra cracked the tough JEE exam and secured admission for Civil Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. It seemed like the beginning of a stable, successful engineering career. The IITian who chose acting over engineering During his time at IIT, the 'Kota Factory' actor discovered his real passion—acting. He joined the 'Hindi Technology Dramatic Society' at IIT Kharagpur, where he explored theatre and stage performances. It was here that he met Biswapati Sarkar, who would later become the creative director at TVF. This chance meeting changed the course of Jitendra's life. After graduating, the 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' actor still took up a well-paying job at an MNC, following the usual route for an IITian. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo However, it didn't take him long to realise that his true calling lay elsewhere. Despite the security of a high-paying engineering job, he decided to take the risk, quit his corporate life, and fully pursue acting. The show that changed everything Jitendra first gained massive popularity with 'Pitchers'. This series gave him recognition and opened the door to many more opportunities. After that, he was seen in popular shows like 'Kota Factory', where he perfectly portrayed the character of Jeetu Bhaiya, winning hearts all over the country. His biggest success, however, came with 'Panchayat'. This simple yet heartwarming series about rural India struck a chord with audiences. Jitendra's performance as Abhishek Tripathi, the engineering graduate reluctantly working as a panchayat secretary in Phulera, made him a household name. According to reports from Business Standard, Jitendra earned Rs 5.6 lakh for the entire third season of 'Panchayat'. He is the highest-paid actor on the show, taking home Rs 70,000 per episode. His net worth and stunning car collection All of Jitendra's hard work and risks have brought him not just fame but also impressive financial success. As per reports by Zee News and ABP Live, Jitendra Kumar's estimated net worth is around Rs 7 crore. His taste for luxury is clear from his car collection, which is just as dazzling as his career. According to the Financial Express, his garage includes, Mercedes Benz GLS 350D worth Rs 88.18 lakh, a Mercedes Benz E-Class worth Rs 82.10 lakh, Toyota Fortuner worth Rs 48.43 lakh and Mini Countryman worth Rs 42 lakh When you look at Jitendra's journey, it's clear that sometimes taking a risk and following your heart leads to the most rewarding outcome. And today, with his success in shows like 'Panchayat', his rising net worth, luxury cars, and millions of fans, it is evident he made the right choice.
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet man who studied at IIT, left high-paying job to become actor, one show made him a star, now charges Rs..., he is...
There are many actors and actresses in Indian cinema who studied different courses, starting from engineering to CA, and then ventured into acting. Little did these stars know that either they would become huge stars or life would take them on a different road. Today, we will talk about an actor who qualified for the JEE exams, took admission in IIT, and later quit it to become an actor. This man is not only an IITian but also bagged a high-paying job in an MNC. However, his passion made him do things otherwise. He left his job to become an actor, and he succeeded well. If you are wondering who we are talking about, it is Panchayat 4 fame Jitendra Kumar. Actor Who Left IIT Jitendra comes from a small village in Rajasthan. His big dreams knew that the sky was the limit. In order to pursue his goals, Jitendra did all he could and luck played along. Today, he is one of the most celebrated stars in the industry. When Jitendra was young, he often imitated Shah Rukh Khan, Nana Patekar, and Amitabh Bachchan. Though he had a huge passion for acting, Jitendra's father sent him to Kota to prepare for the IIT entrance exam. With grit and determination, Jitendra passed his JEE exam and got admission in Civil Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. Why Did Jitendra Kumar Leave IIT? It was during his studies that Jitendra realized he had an inclination toward acting. He then participated in theatre. He featured in the 'Hindi Technology Dramatic Society', and there he met TVF's creative director Biswapati Sarkar. Later, he decided to take a break from acting and took a job as an engineer. Despite a high-paying job, Jitendra realized his calling was different and then moved to acting. Jitendra's major breakthrough came when he featured in TVF Pitchers. Since then, he never looked back. Jitendra has been part of several hit shows such as Kota Factory, Panchayat, and more. Recently, he was seen in Panchayat 5. As per reports, he took Rs 6 lakh for a full season.
News18
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Panchayat 4 Actor Jitendra Kumar On ‘Jitu Bhaiya' Tag: ‘I'd Been Waiting For Roles...'
Last Updated: Panchayat Season 4 will bring back fan-favourite characters played by Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy and Sanvikaa. With Panchayat Season 4 set to premiere on June 24, Jitendra Kumar is once again at the centre of conversations around small-town storytelling and powerful performances. In a recent interview with Zoom, Jitendra shared insights into his journey so far, the origin of his iconic screen name 'Jitu Bhaiya," and how shows like Panchayat and Kota Factory helped shape his career. Jitendra rose to fame with his role in Kota Factory, where he played the beloved 'Jitu Bhaiya." Reflecting on how the name became a cultural reference point, he said, 'Wo toh jo character play kiya Kota Factory main Jitu Bhaiya ke naam se toh usme se wo cheez popular hui… Bhaiya hai toh wo aur homely ho jaate hai. That's the reason ki wo term logo ne pakad li aur us naam se baar baar bulate hai." He explained that the simplicity and relatability of the name made it stick with the audience. The actor credits Panchayat and Kota Factory for giving him the creative space he always desired. 'I had been waiting for roles that resonated with the kind of work I wanted to do. With Panchayat and Kota Factory, I got that chance… that's what's also connecting with the audience." Jitendra also spoke about his early start on YouTube, which became the foundation of his fan base. 'Our sketches on YouTube played a big role in building an audience… it helped create a strong viewer base, which later supported shows like Panchayat." He reminisced about how corporate professionals and college students were the first to follow his journey, which later expanded to family audiences with Panchayat. He acknowledged the shift in audience as a significant moment in his career. 'When Panchayat came out, it reached families. It became a show people could enjoy together at home," he said. Panchayat Season 4 will bring back fan-favourite characters played by Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. First Published: June 21, 2025, 00:12 IST
India Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Why Jitendra Kumar's leadership from Kota to Phulera prove not all heroes wear capes
In the ever-expanding world of Indian web shows, actor Jitendra Kumar has made a strong place for himself with his simple and honest acting. He doesn't just act in a show or film, but becomes the character - quietly bringing change, not through anger, but through kindness and TVF's 'Kota Factory' and 'Panchayat', Kumar plays two very different yet relatable roles. He guides students in one and serves a village in the other. His performances go beyond just acting; they quietly teach us about values, dreams, and the importance of doing the right thing with honesty and Bhaiya in Kota Factory In the serious, black-and-white world of 'Kota Factory', students face constant pressure from IIT coaching. Amid this stress, Kumar's Jeetu Bhaiya steps in as their guide. He offers both academic help and emotional support when the students need it most. He's not just a physics teacher, he's someone who helps them handle life and stress. While coaching centres focus only on marks, Jeetu Bhaiya teaches students how to stay strong and not give up.'Kamyabi cheez hi aisi hai. Sabko chahiye. Par jo uske peeche ki process ko enjoy karta hai na, wahi jeet-ta hai (Success is something everyone wants. But, the one who enjoys the journey behind it is the person who truly wins),' he tells Vaibhav, one of his most sensitive students, in an Bhaiya doesn't give big speeches. His advice comes through simple, meaningful moments. He shows students how to deal with failure, accept rejection, and stay true to themselves in a system that often makes them feel lost. Jitendra Kumar's iconic dialogue from 'Kota Factory'. (Photo Credit: Prime Video) One memorable scene in the series features Vaibhav feeling disappointed after moving to a new institute. Jeetu Bhaiya doesn't scold or lecture him in that scene. He simply listens and gives a calm, thoughtful piece of advice, understanding Vaibhav's feelings without making them seem small. It feels like true mentoring, and not simply a case of student makes Jeetu Bhaiya special is that he doesn't act like he knows everything and has all the answers. He allows students to feel weak or confused. When they fail, he doesn't hide the truth but reminds them they are more than just marks and ranks. At a time when mental health is being talked about more in education, Jeetu Bhaiya shows how teachers should support students with trust and care, not Tripathi aka Sachiv ji in PanchayatIn 'Panchayat', Jitendra Kumar plays Abhishek Tripathi. He is an engineering graduate who takes up a government job in the village of Phulera. He accepts it because he doesn't get a better job in any metro cities like others. What starts as a temporary plan slowly turns into a strong bond with village life. Jitendra shows this change in quite an organic first, Abhishek is disconnected, frustrated, and almost disdainful of his surroundings. 'Yahan rehna mere liye punishment hai (Staying here feels like a punishment to me),' he tells his friend over the phone in one of the early episodes. But gradually, he transforms, not because he's forced to, but because he starts listening. He begins to understand the rhythms, needs, and nuances of the people he serves. Jitendra Kumar's dialogue from 'Panchayat'. (Photo Credit: Prime Video) Unlike typical government officers shown in films, who are either corrupt or act like heroes, Jitendra Kumar's Abhishek in 'Panchayat' belongs to us - no drama, no fuss but real emotions, like real people. He quietly does the right things, treats people fairly, and tries to improve the system in small ways. He doesn't give big speeches. Instead, he does simple things, like fixing files, questioning wrong practices, and making sure toilets get built. He helps people without showing off or expecting a pat of one such scene, an elderly villager struggles with a pension problem, but no one helps him. Abhishek stays back late at night to solve it, not to be appreciated, but because, as he says, 'yeh kaam karne ke liye hi to naukri mili hai (I got this job to do exactly this work)' - one line that sums up who he truly is, a government officer who quietly does his duty, without making a show of Characters, One PrincipleEven though Jeetu Bhaiya and Abhishek Tripathi come from very different worlds, one from a top coaching centre, the other from a small village in North India, they are similar at heart. Both of them believe in leading with understanding. They don't force their views on others but guide them with care. They listen more than they speak. And when they do speak, their words matter because they come from a place of honesty and real honest and heartfelt acting brings out characters that show what good leadership can look like in India, whether in schools or government jobs. They don't try to act like heroes or change everything overnight. Instead, they quietly help, guide, and make a difference with patience and that's why these characters connect with all age groups. Teenagers watching 'Kota Factory' see Jeetu Bhaiya as one of the few adults who truly understands them. Middle-aged viewers of 'Panchayat' see Abhishek as the kind of leader they wish existed in real life, someone who is capable but also real impact beyond the screenIt's easy to say Jitendra Kumar is loved because he's relatable or has a 'nice guy' image, but there's more to it. His roles don't just show us our good side, they inspire us to grow. At a time when screens are full of flashy, over-the-top, larger-than-life characters, Kumar's honest characters remind us that being real and grounded still media is full of memes, quotes, and clips of Jeetu Bhaiya's advice and Abhishek's emotional yet funny moments. Many schools and colleges have used 'Kota Factory' to talk about student stress. Even government officials have praised 'Panchayat' for showing the real side of village life. When a show starts impacting real conversations, it proves the acting has gone beyond just entertainment. Jitendra Kumar's dialogue from 'Kota Factory'. (Photo Credit: Prime Video) advertisementJitendra Kumar may not be a typical Bollywood star. But, India is going through big changes, between generations, cities and villages, and in how people see themselves. In this time of change, he has become a voice of roles like Jeetu Bhaiya and Abhishek Tripathi, Kumar shows that a true mentor is someone who might not always have answers but will always have the right questions to ask. Real leaders don't always give big speeches. They listen, show up, and lead with Watch
