Did you know Durgesh Kumar was paid only Rs 10,000 for his role as Banrakas in Panchayat?
Did you know Durgesh Kumar was paid only Rs 10,000 for Panchayat season 1? He wasn't even offered the role of Bhushan aka Banrakas at first. Know how he was forced to do soft porn films during his struggle days.
"Dekh raha hai Binod!" This one dialogue has become iconic ever since the first season of Panchayat has been released. With a small role, Durgesh Kumar who essays the role of Bhushan has become everyone's favourite. Although it is a negative role, it still remains to be one of the most entertaining characters. We are sure all fans would agree that Kumar did a fabulous job. Did you know he wouldn't have played Banrakas?
Durgesh Kumar wasn't offered the role of Banrakas at first
Durgesh had auditioned for a different role instead. He was first offered the role of a photographer in the Amazon Prime Video show. However, the role later went to Aspirants writer Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish, and Kumar ended up playing Banrakas in the series.
"Aspirant ke jo writer hain unhone wo role kiya tab mujhe Bhushan ka role (mila). '...Ek din ka role hai karoge kya?' aur tab maine ek din ka role kiya (Aspirants writer Deepesh ji performed the role, and then I was offered Bhushan's. I was asked if I would do a one-day role and I said yes)," he was quoted as saying.
He was paid only Rs 10,000 for season 1
In the same interview with Digital Commentary, Kumar revealed he was paid Rs 10,000 for the role.
Kumar was forced to act in soft porn films
During his struggle days, Kumar was facing a tough time trying to establish himself in the industry. After he struggled for ten years, he was forced to appear in soft porn films to make the ends meet.
"You need to be prepared psychologically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and economically to be an actor. I have suffered from depression twice in 11 years. Unless you are not psychologically, economically, and mentally healthy, please don¡¯t come into the acting field. I am being brutally honest about it," the actor told Lallantop.
Also Read: Panchayat 3 actor Durgesh Kumar aka Bhushan is still struggling, says 'not getting good projects'
Durgesh Kumar movies
Besides Panchayat, the actor has also appeared in movies like Highway, Sultan, and Freaky Ali among others. "When I first came to Versova on May 28, 2016, I made a few friends from Madhya Pradesh Drama School. We decided to get into the industry at any cost. We found Neeraj Singh and Gaurav Singh of Prithvi, we made Aram Nagar our adda. We started knocking on the doors of every casting director, I fell at their feet to cast me in some role. All this, after having done Highway, Freaky Ali, and Sultan," he added.
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