“Dreams Do Come True”: Panchayat’s Bhushan and Binod Actors Reflect on Sudden Stardom
Panchayat season 3’s ‘Banrakas’ Durgesh Kumar (Photo Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
Mumbai, June 10 (TheTrendingPeople) — From underdog characters to internet sensations, Panchayat actors Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak have quietly stepped into the limelight. Known for their roles as Bhushan Sharma and Binod respectively, the duo recently opened up about their unexpected rise to fame, the impact of viral moments, and how Panchayat changed their lives forever.
From Local Characters to Nationwide Recognition
Durgesh Kumar, who plays the cheeky and often confrontational Bhushan Sharma, fondly recalled how it all began. “When I shot for the first season of Panchayat, I had no idea it would become this big,” he said, crediting writer-director Chandan Kumar for giving him the opportunity. “Then came Season 2, Season 3—and now Season 4, directed by Deepak Mishra sir. I was just focused on the work. But the love we’ve received? That was unimaginable.”
Durgesh, also known as "Banrakas" in the show, said his dialogues from the series have gone viral, catapulting him to internet fame. “My friends and I went around clicking pictures of my solo posters around the city. It felt like I was living a dream. People now recognize me at airports, on sets—even during shoots across India,” he added.
For Durgesh, it wasn’t just professional gratification but a deeply personal triumph. “My family was overjoyed. To them, this means everything. It feels like slowly, but surely, dreams do come true in this city.”
"Dekh Raha Hai Binod?": A Meme that Made a Star
Ashok Pathak, who portrays the nearly silent character Binod, admitted he was equally stunned by the love he received. “Binod barely speaks,” Ashok noted. “So I never imagined he’d become so popular. But his silence, his body language—it seems people really connected with that.”
One moment in particular catapulted Binod into meme history. The now-iconic “Dekh raha hai Binod?” expression—spawned from a single glance—became a nationwide sensation. “I didn’t say a word, yet that one look became everything,” he laughed. “Seeing myself on hoardings, I felt like I had won quietly. It was a silent victory.”
Ashok said the response was so overwhelming, it brought him to tears. “I sent a picture to my father and said, ‘Papa, I made it.’ Panchayat changed everything for me. It proved that even the smallest roles, when done with honesty, can leave a lasting impact.”
Behind the Magic: TVF, Chandan Kumar, and Deepak Mishra
Created by The Viral Fever (TVF), Panchayat has emerged as one of India’s most beloved web series. Blending subtle humor with rural realism, the show has struck a chord with audiences across generations.
Season 4 is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya, with the writing helmed by Chandan Kumar. It continues to feature a stellar ensemble cast:
- Jitendra Kumar as the reluctant secretary Abhishek
- Neena Gupta as Pradhan Manju Devi
- Raghubir Yadav as her husband Brij Bhushan Dubey
- Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha in pivotal roles
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the show is praised for its authenticity, grounded storytelling, and the relatability of its characters—many of whom were once considered minor, but are now major crowd favorites.
Why These Characters Resonate
In a television landscape often dominated by glamour, Panchayat stands apart for its realism. Characters like Bhushan and Binod, who represent the everyday villagers—scheming, observing, gossiping, or simply surviving—have struck a deep emotional chord.
The reason, according to critics and fans alike, is simple: authenticity.
“Durgesh’s Bhushan is that one over-enthusiastic, self-proclaimed leader we’ve all met in our hometowns,” said one viewer on X (formerly Twitter). “And Binod? That’s every quiet observer in the room, silently judging everything. Both are brilliant.”
What’s Next for the Breakout Stars?
With Panchayat's success, opportunities have begun pouring in for the supporting cast. Durgesh Kumar hinted at future roles, stating he has been busy with back-to-back shoots across India. “People now call me for diverse roles—comic, dramatic, even serious ones. It’s very encouraging,” he said.
Ashok Pathak is also optimistic. “People now recognize me—not just as a meme, but as an actor. That means more than anything.”
A Reminder to Dreamers
As Panchayat continues its successful run on Prime Video, the story of its supporting cast—rising from the shadows to center stage—has become equally inspiring. In the words of Ashok, “Even the smallest roles, if done with honesty, can create the biggest ripples.”
Their journeys are a testament to the fact that in storytelling, there are no small roles—only unforgettable performances.