The highly anticipated third season of "Panchayat," featuring Neena Gupta, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on May 28, 2024. The series has garnered considerable attention, and Neena Gupta, who plays Manju Devi, the Pradhan (village chief) of Phulera, has been actively sharing glimpses and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the new season, further fueling fan excitement.
The new season revolves around the Panchayat elections, introducing political rivalries and power dynamics within the village of Phulera. Abhishek Tripathi, played by Jitendra Kumar, grapples with the dilemma of balancing his career aspirations with his commitment to improving the lives of the villagers. Neena Gupta's character, Manju Devi, finds herself more involved in the election politics, leading to new developments and changes in her role as Pradhan.
Neena Gupta has spoken about the challenges of shooting "Panchayat 3" in the intense summer heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 47 degrees Celsius. She mentioned having to film scenes in the blazing sun and on gravel roads, highlighting the difficulties faced by the cast and crew. Despite the physical hardships, Gupta acknowledged that the hard work and genuine effort contributed to the show's relatability and appeal. She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of "Panchayat," considering it an exciting phase in her career.
In an interview, Neena Gupta shared that during the shooting of season 3, the cast and crew had to use wet cloths on their faces and necks to cope with the heat. She recounted a specific instance where she was standing under the sun for a shot, and the umbrellas were removed right before the director called "action." Despite the discomfort, Gupta accepted the challenges in the interest of the show.
Other cast members, including Faisal Malik, who plays Assistant Pradhan Prahlad Pandey, have also shared insights into their characters' journeys in the new season. Malik revealed that his character deals with grief following the death of his son, and the season explores his journey of overcoming this loss.
"Panchayat" has been praised for its realistic portrayal of village life and its relatable characters. Neena Gupta shared an anecdote about a woman in Sydney who told her that the show depicted real village life and that her aunt resembled Gupta's character. The series has resonated with audiences due to its depiction of everyday issues in rural India, combined with humor and heartfelt moments.
"Panchayat Season 3" sees the return of familiar faces, including Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa. The series is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Chandan Kumar.