For actors, there are moments that become milestones long after cameras stop rolling. Panchayat actors Durgesh Kumar and Ashok Pathak recently experienced one such moment when they met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, an interaction that has now become a talking point among fans of the popular web series.
The meeting gained even more attention after the Prime Minister shared a video from the event on social media. What made the clip instantly viral was his playful reference to Panchayat’s much-loved character Binod, a dialogue that has become part of internet culture over the years. Within hours, fans flooded social media with reactions, while friends and colleagues congratulated the two actors for the memorable encounter.
PM Modi’s Panchayat Reference Leaves Actors Surprised
The now-viral video featured Prime Minister Modi interacting with Ashok Pathak, who plays Binod in the hit series. With the show’s familiar title track playing in the background, Modi was heard asking, “Panchayat sunta hai ki nahi sunta hai?” before addressing the actor by his character’s name.
For Ashok Pathak, the moment felt bigger than any award. The actor revealed that people often recognize him as Binod rather than by his real name, but hearing the country’s Prime Minister call him by that identity was something he never expected.
“Humen to sab Binod hi keh kar bulate hain. Now, with PM sir calling with my character name and posting it on his Instagram is no lesser than a big award. My parents, friends and co-artistes are very happy. Show creator Arunabh Kumar and actor Sunita Rajwar were also present. It became a golden moment for us.”
The clip quickly spread across social platforms, attracting thousands of reactions from Panchayat viewers who appreciated seeing one of the show’s most popular running jokes acknowledged on such a large stage.
Durgesh Kumar Calls the Experience a Dream
Durgesh Kumar, who plays Bhushan, popularly known as Banrakas in the series, admitted that the interaction felt almost unreal. The actor said even getting a chance to meet the Prime Minister would have been enough for him, but hearing a Panchayat reference made the occasion even more special.
“Truly, it is magical ek sapna sa, when he passed by me. Mere liye toh wahi kafi tha, but when he said, ‘Binod, sunn raha hai tumhari?’ We started laughing. Itna acha laga that the dialogue, which is on everyone’s lips, was spoken by our PM, and that too in his own style.”
Durgesh added that moments like these remind actors how far their work can travel. A character created for a small-town comedy-drama has now become recognizable across generations and regions, something few performers get to experience during their careers.
“Such instances remind you that whatever work you have done has reached the right and best of people. I want to just keep on giving my all to my craft because kaun sa kaam kahan pahaunch raha hai, you never know.”
The actor’s comments reflect how Panchayat has evolved from a modest streaming show into one of India’s most beloved digital franchises.
Panchayat’s Popularity Continues to Grow
What began as a simple story set in the fictional village of Phulera has turned into a cultural phenomenon. Over four successful seasons, Panchayat has built a loyal audience thanks to its grounded storytelling, relatable characters, and memorable dialogues that frequently become social media memes.
Among those characters, Binod has developed a cult following. The phrase associated with him has been shared countless times online, often appearing in memes, reels, and everyday conversations. The latest recognition from the Prime Minister only adds another chapter to that journey.
The show’s strength lies in its ability to make ordinary rural characters feel unforgettable. Whether it’s Pradhan Ji, Sachiv Ji, Banrakas, Vikas, or Binod, each character has found a place in popular culture beyond the series itself.
This growing popularity is one reason why anticipation for the next season remains high among viewers.
Season 5 Shoot Underway as Actors Look Ahead
Ashok Pathak confirmed that work on Panchayat Season 5 is currently underway near Bhopal. The actor said the continued love from audiences motivates him to push harder with every project.
“First the Binod memes and now this – what more can an actor ask for. I keep getting several tags and messages on WhatsApp with very funny memes from the show. It motivates me to work hard so my characters become bigger than me! Good work is coming my way.”
Outside Panchayat, Ashok is preparing for another major project. He will next be seen in Storm, a series backed by Hrithik Roshan’s production house and featuring Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, and Saba Azad.
Durgesh Kumar is also exploring new creative directions. After appearing in the digital film Kartavya, the actor shared that he would like to move beyond the rural and small-town characters that audiences have largely associated him with so far.
“I have done some very interesting characters set in small towns or villages, and I am very ready to explore some roles that change my slate a bit. Actor ko har tarah ka role mile toh hi maza hai,” he adds.
For now, however, both actors are enjoying a rare career moment. Not many performers get to see their on-screen identities recognized by the Prime Minister himself, and for the stars of Panchayat, it’s a memory likely to stay with them long after the next season arri
