Image Source: Economic Times
Key highlights
Jitendra Kumar—renowned actor of Sachiv-ji from Panchayat and much loved as Jeetu Bhaiya from Kota Factory—has mostly one question associated with him from people: will he ever try the elite UPSC civil services examination? Not only does this question stem from the general public's curiosity, but also from his own relatives. Despite his great success in acting, they continue to send him UPSC exam date reminders.
Background: From Rajasthan Roots to IIT and Stage
Jitendra Kumar is from a humble Rajasthan village. Spurred on by parental ambition, he worked hard in Kota and cleared the JEE, getting a seat in Civil Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.
It was at IIT that Jitendra's interest in theater took shape. He made a name for himself through his position as Governor of the Hindi Technology Dramatics Society and formed contacts that paved the way for his career with The Viral Fever (TVF).
After a brief stint in a corporate job post-IIT, he left engineering altogether to pursue acting full time—a decision initially met with parental frustration, though his success quickly changed their sentiment.
His Parents' Persistent Hopes—and His Reaction
In spite of Bagging awards, lead roles in hit series, and a net worth of over ₹7 crore, Kumar confesses his parents still send him a yearly text message reminding him when UPSC prelims forms come out. On a recent visit to The Great Indian Kapil Show, he made light of their never-ending hope, pointing to the middle-class Indian cultural significance given to civil services. Kumar's reaction is one of good humor—he's content with his decision, and there's no suggestion that he's going to change careers and sit for the UPSC examination. His mind is still very much on his acting assignments, with no public comment being made regarding a change in direction to government service.
Acting Over Administration: What Lies Ahead
Jitendra Kumar's professional path is routinely referred to as an example of choosing passion over traditional expectations. Even though the notion of an IITian changing tracks from acting to the UPSC is a cultural discussion point, Kumar has forged his own trail, and still tops the billing for highly expected series such as Panchayat and Kota Factory.
For the time being, jokes and parental admonishments notwithstanding, the UPSC is a continuing family joke—not a career path—for one of India's most down-to-earth stars.
Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, Financial Express
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