'Panchayat' actor sold cotton for Rs 100, worked in factories; today he charges lakhs for a season

Time of India

8 hours ago

Amazon Prime's beloved series Panchayat has struck a deep chord across India for its charming and witty depiction of rural life. Unlike conventional dramas that rest on a single protagonist, Panchayat thrives on the ensemble cast, each character contributing meaningfully to the fabric of the narrative.
Among these, one surprising breakout star has been Ashok Pathak, who plays the quirky and now-iconic character 'Binod'. His catchphrase from the show, turned viral meme—"
Dekh raha hai Binod"
—catapulted him to online stardom. But while his onscreen presence may seem lighthearted, Ashok's offscreen story is one of deep hardship, relentless ambition, and eventual triumph.
Humble Beginnings in Bihar
Born on January 3, 1985, in the remote village of Darveshpur in Siwan district, Bihar, Ashok Pathak grew up in conditions of extreme financial scarcity. As per a
Bollywood Shaadis
report, his father worked in intense heat as a fireman in coal furnaces, while his uncle earned a living selling cotton. As a child, Ashok saw these men toil daily, their earnings just enough to keep their household afloat. Despite such struggles, Ashok nurtured dreams that extended far beyond his village—he wanted to be an actor. But his aspirations were often mocked by peers who doubted his looks and potential. Still, the criticisms only fuelled his resolve.
Teenage Struggles: Cotton Seller and Factory Worker
As a young teenager in the 9th grade, Ashok began contributing to the household income. In an
India Today
interview, he recounted how he cycled nearly 20 kilometers a day to sell cotton, earning merely Rs 100 per trip. As per a
Bollywood Shaadis
report, he also took up temporary jobs in factories, juggling school and work at a young age. His early years were marked by mischief as well—he admitted to picking up habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. Life was demanding, but his dream of acting never faded.
Rejection at NSD and Turning Point
Later, his family shifted to Hisar, Haryana, hoping for a better future. There, Ashok completed his secondary education and joined college. During his college years, his circumstances improved slightly, and he began acting in stage plays—eventually bagging the Best Actor award. This victory encouraged him to aim higher. He applied to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), a dream institution that has produced talents like Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, and Durgesh Kumar—all of whom would later become his co-stars. In a 2023 interview with
The Hindustan Times
, he revealed that despite trying twice, his application to NSD was rejected. The rejection devastated him. He sank into a deep emotional slump, feeling as though his dreams had hit a dead end. But his father's unwavering support rekindled his determination, urging him to try his luck in Mumbai.
A Long Climb: From Advertisements to Obscurity
Although he initially took a corporate job, Ashok soon joined the Bharatendu Natya Academy in 2007. After directing a video that earned him Rs 40,000, he made his move to Mumbai. There, he picked up small gigs—working briefly for Sony Max for Rs 2,500 and later earning Rs 70,000 from a Domino's Pizza commercial, a sum he had never imagined. His film debut came with Bittoo Boss in 2012, but the film failed, pushing him back into the shadows of the industry.
He was regularly cast in minor roles—rickshaw drivers, security guards, and other nameless characters—failing to break out of typecasting. By 2014, work had dried up even further, forcing him to explore the Punjabi film space. He also appeared briefly in series like Sacred Games and Aarya, but the roles remained marginal.
The Reluctant Star of Panchayat
When the casting call for 'Binod' in Panchayat Season 2 came, Ashok was initially hesitant. The role sounded too similar to the bit parts he'd been offered for years. He told
India Today
that he kept delaying the audition, not wanting to be overlooked yet again. But his friends in the casting department persisted, and he eventually gave in. What followed changed his life. His portrayal of Binod struck a chord with the audience, transforming him into a household name overnight.
Financial Breakthrough and Recognition
According to a 2024 report by
Koimoi
, Ashok's earnings from Panchayat Season 2 soared—he was paid Rs 20,000 per episode, totaling approximately Rs 3.2 lakh. This was a massive leap from his early acting days when he had earned Rs 1.4 lakh for the Domino's commercial. His work in the show not only gave him financial stability but also the respect and recognition he had longed for throughout his career.
What Unfolds in Season 4?
Panchayat Season 4
introduces a gripping local election storyline where Manju Devi and Kranti Devi compete to become the next village head. Their husbands—Pradhan Ji and Banrakas—take center stage in a fierce and comical campaign. The season weaves in themes of rivalry, companionship, and rural politics with a delicate emotional thread. Viewers witness the pain of loneliness, quiet grief, and the strength of community bonds. With its signature humour and soul, the season ends with several open-ended threads—Abhishek's uncertain future, Prahlad's silent sorrow, and the shifting dynamics of power in Phulera—leaving audiences craving more.
Ashok Pathak's journey from the dusty roads of Darveshpur to the digital spotlight as Binod is a powerful reminder of how resilience, patience, and passion can pave the road from anonymity to acclaim.