Jitendra Kumar, fondly known as Jeetu Bhaiya, has become a household name, thanks to his stellar performances in web series like Panchayat and Kota Factory. But did you know that before becoming a star on the OTT platform, Jitendra was on a completely different path? Born on September 1, 1990, in Khairthal, Rajasthan, Jitendra Kumar’s journey from being an IIT graduate to one of the most recognized faces in Indian digital entertainment is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and Engineering Roots
Jitendra hails from a family of engineers, with his father working as a civil engineer. It was almost natural for him to follow in the footsteps of his family. From a young age, Jitendra showed a flair for mimicry, often imitating the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Nana Patekar. Despite this early inclination towards performing, his focus remained on academics, which led him to clear the JEE exam, one of the most challenging entrance exams in the world.
From IIT Kharagpur to the Stage
After cracking both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, Jitendra enrolled at IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering. It was here that his passion for acting found a stage. College events and theater productions became his playground, where he honed his skills as an actor. During his time at IIT, he met Vishwapati Sarkar, who would later play a crucial role in Jitendra’s acting career. Vishwapati, who was his senior, recognized Jitendra’s talent and encouraged him to pursue acting more seriously.
The Struggles After Graduation
Like many fresh graduates, Jitendra faced a period of uncertainty after completing his degree. He spent about three months unemployed, searching for direction in life. Eventually, he landed a job with a Japanese construction company in Bangalore. However, the corporate world didn’t satisfy his creative urges.
The Big Break with TVF
The turning point in Jitendra’s career came when Vishwapati Sarkar, now the executive creative director of The Viral Fever (TVF), offered him a role in one of TVF’s projects. Jitendra made the bold decision to leave his engineering job and dive into the world of acting. His first big break came with the web series Munna Jazbaati, where his performance was well-received, marking the beginning of his journey as an actor.
Rising Through the Ranks in Bollywood and OTT
Following the success of Munna Jazbaati, Jitendra started getting more substantial roles in web series and films. He gained widespread recognition with his portrayal of Jeetu Bhaiya in Kota Factory, a role that resonated with many young students across the country. His character, a caring and wise mentor, earned him the love and admiration of fans.
Jitendra’s Bollywood debut came with Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, where he starred alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. His performance in the film, which tackled the subject of same-sex relationships, was praised by both audiences and critics alike. However, it was his role as the secretary in the much-loved web series Panchayat that solidified his position as a leading actor in the OTT space.
The Struggles Behind the Success
Despite his rising fame, Jitendra’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. During his early days in Mumbai, he taught physics at a coaching institute to make ends meet and pay rent. His decision to leave a stable engineering job for acting initially worried his parents, but they continued to support him through his challenging times.
A Star in the Making
Today, Jitendra Kumar is one of the most sought-after actors in the digital space. His relatable performances and down-to-earth personality have made him a favorite among audiences. With each project, he continues to prove that following one’s passion, even when the path is uncertain, can lead to extraordinary success.
