Why Jitendra Kumar's leadership from Kota to Phulera prove not all heroes wear capes

India Today

2 days ago

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 understanding.In 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 grace.advertisementJeetu 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 episode.advertisementJeetu 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 management.What 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 fear.advertisementAbhishek 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 fashion.At 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 appreciation.advertisementIn 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 it.Two 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 experience.advertisementKumar's 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 understanding.Maybe 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 kind.The 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 matters.Social 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 reason.Through 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 purpose.Must Watch