Jitendra Kumar, famously known as "Jeetu Bhaiya" from Kota Factory and Abhishek Tripathi from Panchayat, has carved a unique path from the hallowed halls of IIT to the hearts of Indian audiences. His journey is a testament to following one's passion and embracing the unexpected turns life offers.
Born in a small village in Rajasthan, Jitendra possessed a natural flair for drama, often mimicking Bollywood legends. However, like many others, his path was initially set towards engineering. His father sent him to Kota, a well-known hub for IIT entrance exam preparations. Jitendra successfully cracked the JEE and secured admission to IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued Civil Engineering.
While his peers were engrossed in academics, Jitendra found himself increasingly drawn to theatre. He joined the Hindi Technology Dramatic Society at IIT, a decision that would alter the course of his life. It was here that he met Biswapati Sarkar, who later became the creative director at The Viral Fever (TVF). This connection proved pivotal in launching Jitendra's acting career.
After graduating from IIT Kharagpur, Jitendra briefly worked at a multinational corporation, earning a comfortable salary. However, the corporate environment couldn't contain his artistic spirit. He made a bold decision to leave his job and pursue acting full-time.
Jitendra's gamble paid off as he gained recognition through TVF's Pitchers. He further solidified his position with the iconic role of Jeetu Bhaiya in Kota Factory. However, it was his portrayal of Abhishek Tripathi, a reluctant Panchayat secretary in the Amazon Prime Video series Panchayat, that catapulted him to nationwide fame.
Panchayat, a heartwarming series about rural India, resonated deeply with audiences. Jitendra's portrayal of an engineering graduate navigating the challenges of village life struck a chord with many. His performance has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
According to reports, Jitendra Kumar earned ₹5.6 lakh for Season 3 of Panchayat, making him the highest-paid actor on the show at ₹70,000 per episode. For the fourth season of Panchayat, reports indicate that Jitendra Kumar continued to be the highest-paid actor, earning ₹70,000 per episode. Beyond Panchayat, he also earns from brand endorsements. His estimated net worth is around ₹7 crore. His car collection includes a Mercedes Benz GLS 350D, a Mercedes Benz E-Class, a Toyota Fortuner, and a Mini Countryman.
Jitendra Kumar's journey from IIT to Panchayat is an inspiring story of following one's passion and achieving success through talent and dedication.