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Actor
Durgesh Kumar
Active Hindi Cinema (Bollywood), OTT Web Series, and Indian Theatre
- FromMotipur, Block Benipur, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
- Based inMumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Age41 years
- Active2011–Present
- Updated
Durgesh Kumar – Biography
Durgesh Kumar – Full Information
- Full Name: Durgesh Kumar
- Popular Name: Durgesh Kumar, Banrakas
- Nickname / Moniker: Phulera Naresh, Banrakas, Bhushan
- Profession: Actor, Theatre Artist
- Known For: Iconic portrayal of Bhushan (Banrakas) in the hit web series Panchayat, and acclaimed supporting roles in Highway, Laapataa Ladies, and Bhakshak.
- Date of Birth: October 21, 1984
- Age: 41 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Motipur, Block Benipur, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
- Hometown: Darbhanga, Bihar, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Current Residence: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Profession Category: Actor / Hindi Film, Web Series & Theatre
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) approx.
- Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) approx.
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family Member Name
- Father: Name not publicly disclosed (farmer / government service background)
- Mother: Homemaker
- Siblings: Has an elder brother (who encouraged him to pursue theatre in Delhi)
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Details kept private
- Children: Details kept private
Education Details
- Primary / Secondary School: Local School in Darbhanga, Bihar
- Higher Secondary: Schooling in Darbhanga, Bihar
- College / Graduation: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (2004–2007)
- Acting Training: Certificate Course in Acting, Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, New Delhi (2004–2006)
- Professional Degree: Post-Graduate Diploma in Acting, National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi (Graduated 2011)
Career Highlight
| Year | Career Highlight |
| 2011 | Graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) |
| 2014 | Bollywood feature film debut as Aadoo in Imtiaz Ali’s Highway |
| 2016 | Appeared in Salman Khan starrer sports drama Sultan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Freaky Ali |
| 2018 | Featured in major releases including Sanju and Dhadak |
| 2020 | Cast as Bhushan (popularly known as Banrakas) in TVF’s Panchayat Season 1 |
| 2020 | Featured in the crime thriller series Bicchoo Ka Khel and satire comedy Bahut Hua Samman |
| 2022 | Breakout viral fame across India with Panchayat Season 2, establishing the Banrakas pop-culture phenomenon |
| 2024 | Starred in Panchayat Season 3 as the primary antagonist to the Pradhan camp |
| 2024 | Played Dubey Ji in Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies |
| 2024 | Featured in Netflix crime drama Bhakshak alongside Bhumi Pednekar |
| 2025 | Played key roles in Hindi features Tumko Meri Kasam, Dedh Bigha Zameen, and The Networker |
| 2026 | Featured in mainstream projects including Pati Patni Aur Woh Do |
Awards List
| Year | Award Name | Category | Film | Result |
| 2022 | Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Supporting Actor – Comedy Series | Panchayat Season 2 | Nominated |
| 2023 | IWMBuzz Digital Awards | Most Popular Supporting Actor in a Web Series | Panchayat Season 2 | Won |
| 2024 | FOI Online Awards | Best Ensemble Cast | Laapataa Ladies | Won |
| 2024 | Screen & Style Icons Awards | Breakout Performer of the Year – OTT | Panchayat Season 3 | Won |
At a Glance
2
Awards
93
Popularity Score
90
Trending
Moderate
Controversy Index
94%
Profile Complete
Social Reach
About Phulera Naresh
Who is referred to as "Phulera Naresh"?
In online pop-culture and fandom surrounding the series Panchayat, "Phulera Naresh" is a popular humorous title given to the character Bhushan (Banrakas), played by actor Durgesh Kumar, representing the self-styled opposition kingpin of Phulera village.
What is Durgesh Kumar's most famous dialogue and character?
His most famous character is Bhushan aka "Banrakas" in Panchayat, celebrated for sparking viral memes and his scheming partnership with Binod and Madhav.
Which acting institute did Durgesh Kumar attend?
He is a formally trained theatre artist from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, graduating with the class of 2011.
What was Durgesh Kumar's first Hindi film?
He made his feature film debut in Imtiaz Ali's road drama Highway (2014), where he played the character Aadoo.
What other notable films has Durgesh Kumar appeared in?
Apart from Panchayat, he has received strong recognition for his performances in Laapataa Ladies (2024), Bhakshak (2024), and Freaky Ali (2016).
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