Jitendra Kumar, one of India’s most loved OTT stars, is back with a role unlike any he has taken on before. The actor, who has charmed audiences with his relatable performances in Kota Factory and Panchayat, will now be seen in ZEE5’s upcoming thriller Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas.
Premiering on October 17, 2025, the series pairs him opposite veteran actor Arshad Warsi and brings to life a story of crime, emotional turmoil, and moral complexity set against the backdrop of RobertsGanj in Uttar Pradesh.
At the heart of the show is Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, investigating the mysterious disappearance of young girls. Jitendra Kumar enters the picture as Sameer, a sensitive and charming young man whose love story gets tangled in the case. But Sameer is no simple romantic lead.
Beneath his warmth lies a web of secrets that pull him closer to the investigation, with hints linking him to a suspected prostitution racket and unresolved grief. The trailer teases this layered portrayal, leaving audiences questioning whether he is a victim of circumstance or hiding more than he reveals.
This shift marks a bold new phase in Jitendra’s career. Known for his slice-of-life roles that celebrate simplicity and relatability, the actor has built his reputation on characters like Jeetu Bhaiya’s calm, inspiring mentor in Kota Factory, and Abhishek Tripathi, the frustrated yet hopeful village secretary in Panchayat.
His work has earned him multiple Filmfare OTT Awards and cemented his status as a performer who can make everyday characters unforgettable.
Jitendra’s journey to stardom itself is the stuff of inspiration. An IIT Kharagpur graduate, he once worked at a multinational corporation before walking away to pursue acting. That leap of faith took him to The Viral Fever (TVF), where he made his name in cult web shows like Pitchers and Permanent Roommates.
Over the years, he has expanded his range with projects like Jaadugar on Netflix, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan on Amazon Prime Video, and a host of short films and sketches, each underscoring his ability to mix humor with heartfelt emotion.
What sets Jitendra apart in India’s crowded OTT landscape is his gift for emotional honesty. He has a knack for turning even simple roles into layered performances, whether as the weary government employee longing for escape in Panchayat or the compassionate yet realistic teacher guiding students in Kota Factory.
With Bhagwat Chapter 1, he takes on an even bigger challenge by stepping into a world of suspense and psychological intrigue, far removed from the small-town comedies and romances that made him a household name.
Industry watchers believe this role will further cement his place as one of the defining faces of Indian streaming. By collaborating with Arshad Warsi and taking on a narrative that combines thriller elements with moral questions, Jitendra is signaling his readiness to break stereotypes and push boundaries.
For fans, it is also a chance to see a different side of their favorite “Jeetu Bhaiya”, a character who may just shock them in ways they don’t expect.
As October 17 approaches, anticipation is high. Jitendra Kumar’s move from an IIT engineer to an OTT icon is already an inspiring story, but Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas promises to be the project that shows just how much further he can stretch his talent.
It is not just a new series, but perhaps the start of a thrilling new chapter in his streaming journey, one that blends suspense, emotion, and the kind of authentic storytelling that audiences have come to love him for.
