Bhushan and Binod’s ‘Panchayat’ Moment With PM Narendra Modi: Ashok Pathak and Durgesh Kumar on ‘Cloud Nine’

Mumbai: Actors Ashok Pathak and Durgesh Kumar, widely recognized for their roles as Bhushan and Binod in the popular web series Panchayat, have opened up about their interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the experience as one of the most memorable moments of their careers.

The actors recently met the Prime Minister during an event and later shared their excitement about the encounter. Speaking about the interaction, both said they were overwhelmed by the opportunity and felt honored to receive recognition for their work.

“We are on cloud nine,” the actors said while reflecting on the meeting, adding that the moment was difficult to put into words.

Ashok Pathak, whose portrayal of the ambitious and often comic village politician Bhushan has earned widespread popularity among viewers, said meeting the Prime Minister was an unforgettable experience. He noted that the recognition felt particularly special because Panchayat has resonated with audiences across urban and rural India alike.

Durgesh Kumar, who plays the lovable Binod in the series, echoed those sentiments. The actor said he never imagined that a character from a small-town comedy-drama would one day lead to an interaction with the country's Prime Minister.

Since its debut, Panchayat has emerged as one of India's most acclaimed streaming shows, praised for its grounded storytelling, relatable characters and portrayal of rural life. Characters such as Bhushan and Binod have become fan favorites, often generating viral memes and social media discussions.

The actors revealed that Prime Minister Modi was familiar with the series and appreciated the way it highlighted grassroots realities while entertaining audiences. According to them, the conversation included discussions about storytelling, Indian culture and the growing influence of digital content.

The meeting has generated significant buzz among fans of the series, many of whom celebrated the recognition received by the cast. Social media platforms were flooded with messages congratulating the actors and sharing clips and images from the interaction.

For Ashok Pathak and Durgesh Kumar, the moment represented not only a personal achievement but also recognition for the entire Panchayat team. They credited the show's creators, writers and fellow cast members for helping build a series that continues to connect with viewers across the country.

The success of Panchayat has transformed both actors into familiar faces in Indian entertainment, with their performances earning praise for bringing authenticity and humor to the screen.

As the excitement surrounding the meeting continues, the duo says they remain grateful for the opportunity and motivated to continue delivering meaningful performances. For two actors whose characters are deeply rooted in village life, sharing a moment with the Prime Minister has become a real-life story worthy of a Panchayat episode itself.