Nobody expected this one. At a recent summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met two of the most beloved faces from Indian streaming: Ashok Pathak and Durgesh Kumar, better known to fans as Binod and Banrakas from TVF’s Panchayat. The video went viral almost instantly.
What happened at the summit
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi met Ashok Pathak, popularly known for playing Binod in TVF’s acclaimed series Panchayat, along with actor Durgesh Kumar. The interaction was filled with laughter, warmth and light-hearted conversation.
In the video, the Prime Minister was seen greeting the actors and jokingly asking, “Panchayat sunta hai ki nahi sunta hai?” The remark drew smiles from those present.
PM Modi later posted the reel on Instagram with the Panchayat theme track playing in the background. The post was captioned “Binod Se Kuch Baatein,” a nod to one of the show’s most popular characters.
The event also saw PM Modi meet Telugu superstar Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela, but it was the Panchayat moment that took over social media.
How the internet reacted
The clip did not take long to spread. Fans shared their reactions almost immediately. One Instagram user called it “Multiverse of Madness,” while another described it as “Most unexpected collab of this year.” TVF’s own social media account commented, “Loving this unexpected meet cute of the year.”
Several fans also quoted the show’s iconic line, “Dekh raha hai Binod.” The phrase, already a fixture in meme culture, felt perfectly placed in this context.
Who are Binod and Banrakas
For anyone not yet deep into Panchayat, some context helps. Ashok Pathak’s Binod became a breakout character after Panchayat found wider recognition on streaming. The character’s understated reactions and deadpan presence have inspired memes, fan edits and social media jokes. Durgesh Kumar’s Bhushan, often called Banrakas by viewers, has also become one of the show’s most recognisable figures.
About Panchayat
The series first premiered in 2020 and has become a cultural phenomenon for its authentic portrayal of rural India, relatable storytelling and memorable characters.
Panchayat has earned multiple accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, the inaugural IIFA Digital Awards 2025, and the Iconic Gold Awards 2026. Beyond its award-winning run, the show has become a social media phenomenon and helped bring exceptional talents like Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Chandan Roy, Jitendra Kumar, Faisal Malik, Ashok Pathak, and Durgesh Kumar into the spotlight.
Prime Video has also confirmed that Panchayat Season 5 will arrive in 2026.