The popular Amazon Prime web series, Panchayat, has won hearts throughout the country for its portrayal of the grassroot levels of India, with comedic twists. The show is carried not just by one main lead, but through every character, whether in big or small roles. One such character is that of ‘Binod’ played by Ashok Pathak. The actor first appeared in Panchayat Season 2 and became a fan favourite, an irreplaceable part of the show. After his ‘Dekh raha hai Binod’ meme went viral, Ashok also shot to fame. However, the actor’s real life has been marked by numerous struggles.
Ashok Pathak was born into poverty in a village in Bihar
Speaking to Aajtak, Ashok Pathak shared his life story and recounted his struggles with the public. He was born on January 3, 1985, in a village called Darveshpur, in Siwan, Bihar. Ashok’s father worked as a fireman in coal furnaces, while his uncle sold cotton. As a kid, he saw both of them work hard in these jobs, earning only a modest amount to make ends meet in their household. Despite their financial conditions, Ashok had big ambitions. He wanted to become an actor. In the interview, Ashok said that he was mocked by his friends for his ambitions of becoming an actor. They would taunt him and say, “You don’t have the looks to be a hero”. But their words did not hinder Ashok’s passion at all.