Actors Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak reflect on their unexpected rise to fame with Panchayat. From viral memes to solo posters, the duo opens up about how their characters Bhushan and Binod became breakout stars, capturing the hearts of audiences across India with sincerity and subtle charm.
The journey from anonymity to national fame is rarely predictable—and for actors Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak, it has been nothing short of surreal. Known for their memorable roles as Bhushan and Binod in the popular web series “Panchayat”, both actors have emerged as breakout stars, garnering immense love and recognition across India. Their rise to fame highlights how even the most unassuming characters can create a lasting impact when backed by strong writing and authentic performances.
The series Panchayat, created by The Viral Fever (TVF) and currently streaming on Prime Video, is now in its fourth season. Written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya, the show continues to enjoy widespread popularity for its portrayal of rural life with a humorous yet heartfelt narrative.
Durgesh Kumar, who plays the over-enthusiastic and often meddlesome Bhushan Sharma—also nicknamed Banrakas—never imagined his role would strike such a chord with audiences. Reflecting on his early days with the show, he said, “When I shot for the first season of Panchayat, it was directed by Chandan Ji, who’s also the writer. Honestly, I never imagined it would become so popular.”
By the time Season 2 and Season 3 rolled around, the show’s popularity had exploded. With Season 4 now live, Durgesh has again found himself in the spotlight. His dialogues have gone viral, and he proudly spoke about his presence on solo posters and the joy of being recognized. “I was so happy. I went around the city with my friends, clicked pictures, and really celebrated the moment,” he shared. For Durgesh, who has been shooting all over India for the past six months, the recognition is deeply personal. “At every airport, at least 50–60 people stop me for photos… It’s truly overwhelming and heartwarming.”
Ashok Pathak’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of subtlety. As Binod, the ever-silent helper whose stoic expressions have become internet sensations, Ashok never imagined the scale of his character’s impact. “Binod barely speaks,” he noted. “But somehow, his silence and subtle expressions struck a chord with people. The ‘Dekh raha hai Binod?’ meme just exploded.”
Despite his minimal dialogue, Ashok became a fan favorite. His understated presence became so iconic that he started appearing on hoardings and social media memes. Overwhelmed by the unexpected attention, Ashok recalled breaking down in tears. “I sent a picture to my father and told him, ‘Papa, I made it.’ Panchayat changed everything for me.”
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The success of Panchayat is deeply rooted in its authentic storytelling, sharp writing, and strong direction. With standout performances from the ensemble cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha, the series has built a world that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
For both Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak, the background of struggle, persistence, and honest performance has finally translated into mainstream success. Their journey underscores a powerful truth: great acting doesn’t always require long dialogues or lead roles. Sometimes, sincerity, silence, and a dash of meme magic are enough to leave a lasting mark.
