It takes a village...

JITENDRA KUMAR HAS BECOME A RAGE AMONG THE MASSES, THANKS TO THE POPULARITY OF RURAL SERIES PANCHAYAT. HE TAKES SUMAN SHARMA THROUGH HIS JOURNEY

- SUMAN SHARMA

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?