Jitendra Kumar Biography: The Rise of Jeetu Bhaiya

Jitendra Kumar, born September 1, 1990, in Khairthal, Rajasthan, is an Indian actor and OTT star, celebrated as Jeetu Bhaiya in Kota Factory and Sachiv Ji in Panchayat. With over 2 million Instagram followers, he captivates audiences with his relatable roles. This Jitendra Kumar biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, showcasing his journey from IIT to stardom.

Jitendra Kumar’s Early Life

Roots in Rajasthan

Born into a family of engineers in Khairthal, Alwar, Jitendra Kumar grew up with his parents and two sisters, Ritu and Chitra. From a young age, he mimicked Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, sparking his love for acting. Despite his middle-class upbringing, his parents prioritized education, shaping his disciplined mindset.

IIT Kharagpur Days

Jitendra excelled academically, cracking the JEE exam to join IIT Kharagpur for a B.Tech in Civil Engineering, graduating in 2012. There, he discovered acting through the Hindi Technology Dramatics Society, performing in stage plays. A memorable moment was reciting Al Pacino’s Scent of a Woman lines during a ragging session, earning praise from seniors.

Jitendra Kumar’s Career Growth

Joining The Viral Fever (TVF)

In 2012, Jitendra met Biswapati Sarkar, a senior at IIT and TVF’s creative director, who invited him to join The Viral Fever. His 2013 video Munna Jazbaati: The Q-tiya Intern went viral, crossing 3 million views. Consequently, he became a TVF staple, playing roles like Jitendra Maheshwari in TVF Pitchers and Gittu in Permanent Roommates.

OTT and Bollywood Breakthrough

Jitendra’s role as Jeetu Bhaiya in Kota Factory (2019) made him a household name. He starred as Abhishek Tripathi in Amazon Prime’s Panchayat (2020), earning a Filmfare OTT Award. Additionally, his Bollywood debut in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020) alongside Ayushmann Khurrana raised awareness about homosexuality, cementing his versatility.

Struggles and Down Phases

Early Career Challenges

Jitendra faced rejection when he applied to the National School of Drama, failing the second round. After graduating, he worked at a Bengaluru construction firm for eight months but felt unfulfilled. Quitting to pursue acting sparked a two-day argument with his father, who disapproved of his risky career choice.

Financial Struggles

In Mumbai, Jitendra struggled to land acting gigs, relying on teaching physics and math two days a week to pay bills. Early TVF projects flopped, and he nearly quit acting in 2012 due to frustration. However, his persistence and small roles kept him afloat during this tough phase.

Comeback and Rise to Fame

Despite setbacks, Jitendra’s breakthrough came with Kota Factory, where his portrayal of Jeetu Bhaiya resonated with students. Panchayat’s success, with seasons 1–3 earning critical acclaim, solidified his fame. Winning two Filmfare OTT Awards (2020, 2022) for Panchayat and his 2024 Jaadugar role on Netflix marked his rise. His 2025 India Today interview highlighted his organic growth, earning him widespread admiration.

Current Status and Influence

OTT Powerhouse

As of June 2025, Jitendra Kumar boasts a net worth of ₹7–10 crore, earned through acting, endorsements like Insurance Dekho, and brand deals. His Panchayat Season 3 role and upcoming Season 4, set for late 2025, continue to draw millions. With 2 million Instagram followers, he inspires aspiring actors from small towns.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Unmarried, Jitendra is reportedly dating actress Akanksha Thakur, though he keeps his personal life private. His Mumbai home, adorned with classic movie posters, reflects his love for cinema. He advocates for mental health, addressing Kota’s student suicides in a 2024 Moneycontrol interview, drawing from his own coaching days.

Lesser-Known Facts

• IIT Roots: Cracked JEE to join IIT Kharagpur.
• Viral Debut: Munna Jazbaati hit 3 million views in 2013.
• Poetry Lover: Runs Twitter as #Farjigulzar, inspired by Gulzar.
• Car Collection: Owns a Mercedes-Benz GLS 350D and Toyota Fortuner.
• Mentorship: Supports students through Kota Factory’s relatable themes.

Category	Details
Full Name	Jitendra Kumar Yadav
Born	September 1, 1990, Khairthal, Rajasthan, India
Profession	Actor, Content Creator
Notable Work	Kota Factory, Panchayat, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
Marital Status	Unmarried (2025)
Net Worth	~₹7–10 crore ($0.8–1.2 million, 2025)
Awards	Filmfare OTT Awards (2020, 2022)

Conclusion

This Jitendra Kumar biography traces a journey of passion and perseverance. From an IIT engineer to the beloved Jeetu Bhaiya, Jitendra Kumar overcame rejections and financial struggles to dominate OTT with Kota Factory and Panchayat. His authentic roles, advocacy for mental health, and 2025 influence inspire millions, proving dreams can outshine degrees.