Siwan: Remember Vinod from the Panchayat web series? Yes, the same Vinod whose memes flooded the internet. Behind that viral sensation is Ashok Pathak, an actor who rose from humble beginnings in a small village in Bihar to carve his niche in Bollywood and beyond.
Ashok hails from Darveshpur, a village located 12 km from Siwan’s headquarters. His journey was not an easy one. Growing up in poverty, Ashok took up odd jobs to support his family. By the 9th grade, he was cycling 20 kilometers daily to sell cotton. Despite his challenging circumstances, Ashok dreamt of a career in acting. He applied twice to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), but was rejected both times.
Ashok recalls how his friends mocked his aspirations. “You don’t have the looks to be a hero,” they’d say. Yet, their words didn’t deter him. His journey from the streets of Siwan to the sets of popular series like Panchayat is nothing short of remarkable.
Growing up, Ashok saw his father and uncle work tirelessly to make ends meet. His father worked as a fireman in coal furnaces, while his uncle sold cotton. Despite their efforts, the family’s financial situation remained dire. Ashok, wanting to contribute, often found himself taking on responsibilities beyond his age, including odd jobs like selling cotton and working in factories.
“I was that kid parents warned their children to stay away from,” Ashok says, reflecting on his childhood. He was rebellious, often involved in mischief, and found himself in bad company. “I started smoking and chewing tobacco, much to my family’s despair,” he admits.
But as his family moved to Hisar for work, Ashok found himself torn between the desire to study and the need to earn. After finally completing his 10th and 12th grades, Ashok discovered theatre during his brief stint in college, where he won the Best Actor award at a youth festival.
Determined to pursue acting, Ashok applied to NSD again after his college experience. However, rejection struck again. “I was heartbroken. I cried for days and was close to giving up. But my father supported me. He encouraged me to go to Mumbai,” Ashok recalls.
Despite his father’s support, Ashok stayed back, working with him at Jindal Company. However, the dream of acting persisted, and he eventually gained admission to the Bharatendu Natya Academy in 2007. This was the turning point in his journey.
With the help of money he earned from directing a show, Ashok moved to Mumbai. In his early days, he bagged his first job on Sony Max, earning Rs 2,500. Soon after, a lucrative Domino’s ad brought in Rs 70,000—an amount he never imagined he would earn. “I thought it was a prank when I got the call for the ad,” Ashok says, reflecting on how surreal it felt.
Though his first Bollywood role in Bittu Boss seemed promising, the film’s failure at the box office led Ashok back to square one. He struggled for roles and was typecast as a driver or security guard. In 2014, with opportunities in Bollywood dwindling, he turned to Punjabi cinema, where he found consistent work until 2020.
However, it was his small yet impactful role in the Panchayat series that truly transformed his career. Ashok says he was initially reluctant to audition for the role of Vinod, but his friends convinced him to give it a shot. “I had no idea my small role would make such a huge impact,” Ashok shares, grateful for the overwhelming love and recognition that followed.
Despite his success, Ashok still has grievances with the film industry. “I wish someone would give actors like me a chance to play the lead,” he says. He also hopes to work in good Bhojpuri films, emphasizing the need for quality content that can be watched by the whole family, much like Panchayat.
Today, the same people who once doubted his abilities now celebrate his success. “They used to laugh at me, but now they respect me,” Ashok reflects. His story is a testament to perseverance and believing in oneself, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Proud of his Bihari roots, Ashok continues to return to his village, Darveshpur. “Bihar’s simplicity and hardworking people have always inspired me,” he says.
