Jitendra Kumar rose to significant fame with his role in the hit web series Panchayat. Known for its rustic charm and relatable storytelling, the show has resonated deeply with audiences, establishing Kumar as a beloved figure in Indian households. Prior to Panchayat, he made his film debut in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), just before the lockdown led families to discover and connect with his work. His journey from engineering at IIT Kharagpur to acting is marked by perseverance and passion. His initial struggles in Mumbai, where he joined TVF, eventually led to his success in the digital era. Despite his rising popularity, Kumar remains grounded, valuing the appreciation from his audience over the trappings of celebrity. His work reflects his commitment to authenticity and his connection to India's heartland. Excerpts from an interview with the talented actor.
YOU'VE GAINED SIGNIFICANT FAME WITH PANCHAYAT. HOW HAS THE AUDIENCE RESPONSE BEEN FOR YOU?
Panchayat has a unique connection with people. In every season, I would be unsure of the audience’s response, but it has always been very good. Before Panchayat, my first film, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), was released and then the lockdown happened. Families sitting at home watched Panchayat and connected with me, making it a family show for them. I believe people appreciate the rustic appeal. The audience’s reactions vary over time. Nowadays, projects like Gullak and Laapataa Ladies are being appreciated, all of which are straightforward rustic stories. If someone asks me to do another village story, I will happily do it, as long as the script is good.
HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE ON THE SET OF PANCHAYAT?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Truth, morality, justice...
Truth shall set you free, it’s said. It took the courage of a few junior artists to expose the deepseated issues within the Malayalam film industry.
Shatrughan Sinha's Rapid fire
Courtroom dramas, are becoming increasingly unpopular. It is that simple.
CELEBRATING THE WINNERS OF SOUTH AWARDS 2023
RACHIT GUPTA PROFILES WINNERS OF THE 68TH FILMFARE AWARDS SOUTH 2023
WINNERS ALL THE WAY
Devesh Sharma offers of bard’s eye view of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South 2024 with Kamar Film Factory
New beginnings
All that transpired at the press conference held to herald the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South 2024 with Kamar Film Factory
TRAILS of GLORY
THE RECENTLY HELD 69TH SOBHA FILMFARE AWARDS SOUTH 2024 WITH KAMAR FILM FACTORY WERE A BLAST. DEVESH SHARMA CHARTS THEIR TRAJECTORY
A Man Apart
Pankaj Tripathi Has Led A Life Less Ordinary. He Shares Some Home Truths With Tanisha Bhattacharya
SMALL is BIG!
RASIKA DUGAL CONFIDES IN TANISHA BHATTACHARYA THAT SHE HAS NEVER LET THE LENGTH OF HER ROLES DEFINE HER
MARATHON WOMAN
SAIYAMI KHER, WHO LOVES TO RUN AND ACT IN EQUAL MEASURE, TELLS SUMAN SHARMA SHE'S THERE FOR THE WHOLE HOG
Long way home!
TAHIRA KASHYAP TELLS SUMAN SHARMA THAT SHE DOESN'T BELIEVE IN COUNTING THE MILESTONES AS HER JOURNEY IS A DESTINATION IN ITSELF