Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the cast of the popular web series 'Panchayat' at his residence on Thursday, where he shared a light-hearted moment recreating the viral 'Binod' video. The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, was described as a 'few moments of laughter and warmth' by sources close to the Prime Minister's Office.
The Viral Binod Video and Its Creator
The 'Binod' video features actor Durgesh Kumar, who plays the character Banrakas in 'Panchayat', humorously saying 'Binod' repeatedly in a deadpan tone. The clip became a massive hit on social media platforms, amassing over 50 million views across various platforms. Kumar, who hails from a small village in Uttar Pradesh, gained overnight fame for his portrayal of the quirky character.
During the meeting, PM Modi reportedly asked Kumar to recreate the 'Binod' moment, leading to laughter from everyone present. 'It was a surreal experience. The Prime Minister was so down-to-earth and humble. He even complimented our work and said the show beautifully captures rural life,' Kumar told reporters after the meeting.
Panchayat's Success and Cultural Impact
'Panchayat', which streams on Amazon Prime Video, has been widely praised for its authentic depiction of village life in India. The show, created by The Viral Fever (TVF), follows the story of an engineering graduate who takes up a job as a secretary in a panchayat office in a remote village. Its second season, released in 2023, broke viewership records, with over 10 million households watching it in the first week.
The meeting comes as part of the Prime Minister's initiative to engage with artists and creators who have made a mark in the digital entertainment space. A PMO statement said, 'The Prime Minister appreciated the team for showcasing India's grassroots level stories with such authenticity and humor.'
Details of the Meeting
Along with Durgesh Kumar, the meeting included actors Jitendra Kumar (who plays the lead role of Abhishek), Neena Gupta (Manju Devi), and Raghubir Yadav (Brij Bhushan Dubey). The cast was accompanied by TVF founder Arunabh Kumar and director Deepak Kumar Mishra.
Discussions ranged from the show's production challenges to its reception among audiences. PM Modi also inquired about the actors' backgrounds and their experiences working on the show. 'He asked me about my village and how I prepared for the role. I told him I just observed people around me,' said Jitendra Kumar.
Social Media Reactions
The meeting quickly trended on social media, with fans expressing delight at the crossover between politics and pop culture. A Twitter user wrote, 'PM Modi meeting Banrakas is the crossover we never knew we needed. Binod!'. Another user commented, 'This shows the Prime Minister's connect with the youth and popular culture.'
However, some critics questioned the timing of the meeting, given the ongoing political tensions in the country. The Prime Minister's office dismissed such remarks, stating that engaging with cultural ambassadors is part of the government's outreach to all sections of society.
Future Plans for the Cast
Durgesh Kumar, who has become a household name thanks to the 'Binod' meme, said he plans to use his newfound fame to support rural artists. 'I want to create a platform for artists from small towns who don't have access to big opportunities,' he said. The third season of 'Panchayat' is currently in production and is expected to release later this year.
