Train controller takes sick leave to play villain in Bhojpuri film, faces departmental probe

BAREILLY: Jitendra Kumar, a train controller posted at Izzatnagar railway station of North Eastern Railways (NER) in Bareilly, is supposed to act on impulse. That’s what he did – when the opportunity came. A theatre veteran, Kumar took sick leave from his office and quietly left for Bihar to play villain in a Bhojpuri film, Ishq ka Rog. That’s his second Bhojpuri film.A Facebook post by a co-actor where he was tagged, however, revealed the truth which angered his seniors. Now, the divisional railway manager (DRM) of NER has set up an inquiry into the matter and sought Kumar’s explanation. The actor, however, says his seniors should be supportive of his talent rather than discourage him.
To his colleagues in Bareilly, Kumar, 50, comes across as a disciplined and quiet worker. He mostly keeps to himself. Evenings, however, have him in a different avatar when he takes to stage in his unusually flamboyant self. With over 50 theatre shows and two regional movies, Kumar is a known face in the Bhojpuri film industry. Asked how he juggles between two completely different worlds every day, Kumar says reel is the real for him.
“It is very unfortunate to see that some of my colleagues are jealous as I have profoundly been involved in doing theatre and now got a chance to take my talent to the film industry. In all organisations, irrespective of government and private ones, employees who have other talents are encouraged. But here, I have been discouraged by some of my fellow employees. Honestly, I don’t care and I’ll keep doing movies if I get chance to do so,” he said.
Clarifying that he did not anything against the official norm, Kumar said, “It is right that I had earlier applied for a seven-day sick leave beginning October 6 as I was not well. That was sanctioned by my manager. On October 10, the doctor gave me fitness certificate, but since I was having three more days, I went to Gorakhpur to join my production team as the shooting was going on. From there, I applied for a 20-day earned leave and resumed duty on October 26.”
Kumar didn’t want to reveal much about the upcoming film, Ishq Ka Rog, where he is playing the main villain.
“I have performed in more than 50 shows, playing different roles in 15 plays. This is my second Bhojpuri movie. I got my first break in Nadan Ishq Ba that was released earlier this year. In that movie, I have played the small role of a doctor,” he said.
Meanwhile, DRM Dinesh Kumar Singh said, “The issue has come to my knowledge only today. An inquiry has been set up. Besides, Jitendra Kumar has been asked to give his explanation in writing.”