Latest news with #Panchayat
India Today
34 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Panchayat: Women pack a punch
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 7, 2025)Few can claim to be 'India's most loved show' and get away with it. The Viral Fever's Panchayat is that rare show which does have the bragging rights. Packed with wry observations on everyday life and human behaviour in the hinterland and memorable characters, the Amazon Prime Video series has entered its fourth season, an incredible feat in itself. Actor Neena Gupta credits the writing of Chandan Kumar and the work put in by director Deepak Kumar Mishra. 'Season after season, they do something special. I wait for the script. I don't know how they do it,' she says. 'We don't need to improvise; sab kuchh milta hai [everything's there in the script itself].' She further attributes apt casting for the show's success, which has seen actors become synonymous with their parts, with some even featuring in viral memes (type Binod, Bhushan and Bam Bahadur in Google and get ready for laughs).advertisementOne such character to have struck a chord is the mean confrontational machine that's Kranti Devi, played by the talented Sunita Rajwar. 'Wherever you are from, people love Panchayat because you can watch it with your family,' she says.'Saral hai. Smart banne ki koshish nahin hai [It's simple. They don't try to be oversmart]. They show things with respect,' adds Gupta on the TVF formula that has seen it generate hit shows like Kota Factory, The Aspirants and Pitchers. Panchayat's fourth run puts the women in the spotlight: Rinki ki Mummy a.k.a. Manju Devi (Gupta) and Kranti Devi battle it out in the elections. Further proof of the ladies' growing stature are the promotional posters where Manju brandishes her election symbol, the gourd, while Kranti holds the pressure cooker.'This time, I have become interested in the elections and in doing things,' says Gupta. 'The seed was sown in the earlier seasons when characters have asked why I don't do anything.' If Manju Devi takes more initiative in the quest to retain her seat, Kranti is a rookie largely following the questionable footsteps of her husband, the ever-entertaining Bhushan a.k.a. Banrakas (Durgesh Kumar). 'I don't know any better,' says Rajwar of her character. 'For the first time, she is getting importance. She is going to the vidhayak's house, who in turn is playing the bigger game as he knows we are upset with Pradhaan-ji and company. But most of the major planning is done by the three [Bhushan, Binod and Madhav].'advertisementIt's one thing to be part of pop culture conversations, another to catalyse societal change. Such is the show's influence that the ministry of panchayati raj recently roped in members of the cast to shoot small skits where Gupta's Manju Devi is the elected representative calling the shots, and not her husband. 'There are seats where women win but it's the husbands who run the show,' says Gupta. 'But I have decided I will do this. To be part of an initiative that encourages and inspires other women is special.'Gupta was an inspiration to Rajwar herself. Like her, she too studied at the National School of Drama (NSD). 'The first time I saw a celebrity was when she visited the NSD campus. I remember she was wearing a lovely red outfit,' says Rajwar. 'We used to all look up to her. So in awe was I that I couldn't even go and talk to her.' Soon their paths would align in then Bombay as Rajwar arrived to kick off her acting career. The duo would first work in a play, Surya ki Antim Kiran se Surya ki Pahali Kiran Tak. 'She is the first person who ensured we were paid well for rehearsals and the play,' says Rajwar. 'Every time I was down [professionally], something worked out with her.' Rajwar would work as an assistant creative head in Gupta's production house and managed her daughter, Masaba, for a hi toh karna hai [One just has to work],' says Gupta of her role in assisting Rajwar in her professional journey. 'She has done a lot. Koi bhi kaam chhota nahin hota [No work is small]. She is proof that if you work hard and consistently, you will reach where she has. She has been to Cannes.' Rajwar plays a key part in India-set UK drama Santosh, which was the UK's submission to the best international film category at the Oscars. But it's her work in the TVF shows, Gullak and Panchayat, that has made Rajwar a familiar face. 'They have changed my life,' she to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet ‘Panchayat' star Jitendra Kumar: Left IIT for acting, now charges Rs 70,000 per episode, owns luxury cars and has a net worth of Rs 7 crore
Jitendra Kumar , who is loved for his performance in the OTT series 'Panchayat', has an inspiring story that proves following one's heart truly pays off. Born in a small village in Rajasthan, Jitendra always dreamt big. Even as a child, he loved mimicking stars like Shah Rukh Khan , Nana Patekar, and Amitabh Bachchan . But life initially pushed him on a very different path. Jitendra's father, wanting a secure future for his son, sent him to Kota to prepare for the IIT entrance exams. With hard work and focus, Jitendra cracked the tough JEE exam and secured admission for Civil Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. It seemed like the beginning of a stable, successful engineering career. The IITian who chose acting over engineering During his time at IIT, the 'Kota Factory' actor discovered his real passion—acting. He joined the 'Hindi Technology Dramatic Society' at IIT Kharagpur, where he explored theatre and stage performances. It was here that he met Biswapati Sarkar, who would later become the creative director at TVF. This chance meeting changed the course of Jitendra's life. After graduating, the 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' actor still took up a well-paying job at an MNC, following the usual route for an IITian. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo However, it didn't take him long to realise that his true calling lay elsewhere. Despite the security of a high-paying engineering job, he decided to take the risk, quit his corporate life, and fully pursue acting. The show that changed everything Jitendra first gained massive popularity with 'Pitchers'. This series gave him recognition and opened the door to many more opportunities. After that, he was seen in popular shows like 'Kota Factory', where he perfectly portrayed the character of Jeetu Bhaiya, winning hearts all over the country. His biggest success, however, came with 'Panchayat'. This simple yet heartwarming series about rural India struck a chord with audiences. Jitendra's performance as Abhishek Tripathi, the engineering graduate reluctantly working as a panchayat secretary in Phulera, made him a household name. According to reports from Business Standard, Jitendra earned Rs 5.6 lakh for the entire third season of 'Panchayat'. He is the highest-paid actor on the show, taking home Rs 70,000 per episode. His net worth and stunning car collection All of Jitendra's hard work and risks have brought him not just fame but also impressive financial success. As per reports by Zee News and ABP Live, Jitendra Kumar's estimated net worth is around Rs 7 crore. His taste for luxury is clear from his car collection, which is just as dazzling as his career. According to the Financial Express, his garage includes, Mercedes Benz GLS 350D worth Rs 88.18 lakh, a Mercedes Benz E-Class worth Rs 82.10 lakh, Toyota Fortuner worth Rs 48.43 lakh and Mini Countryman worth Rs 42 lakh When you look at Jitendra's journey, it's clear that sometimes taking a risk and following your heart leads to the most rewarding outcome. And today, with his success in shows like 'Panchayat', his rising net worth, luxury cars, and millions of fans, it is evident he made the right choice.
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Business Standard
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Top 5 OTT releases this week: Squid Game S3, Panchayat 4, Raid 2 and more
OTT Release this week: It's a blockbuster weekend for OTT fans as multiple highly anticipated shows and films drop across major platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and ZEE5. Whether you're into suspense-filled thrillers, emotionally gripping dramas, or light-hearted rural comedy, there's something fresh and binge-worthy waiting to be streamed. From Squid Game returning with its deadliest round yet to Panchayat diving deep into Phulera's political chaos, this week's lineup is packed with tension, twists, emotion, and entertainment. So, grab your popcorn – here's your ultimate weekend watchlist: Top 5 OTT shows releasing this week: Form Squid Game session 3 to Raid 2 OTT Release this week (27 june to 4th July) 1. Squid Game Season 3 Genre: Psychological Drama, Thriller Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Greg Chun, Wi Ha-Joon Netflix's Squid Game Season 3 has officially premiered, plunging viewers back into its brutal world of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival. Picking up after the bloody cliffhanger of Season 2, the new chapter follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) at his most vulnerable—haunted by a failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a shocking betrayal. Yet the deadly games show no mercy. As he and the surviving players are drawn into even more perilous challenges, each decision comes with devastating consequences. Meanwhile, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun) resumes his role as the enigmatic Front Man to welcome a new group of mysterious VIPs, while his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the hidden island—unaware that a traitor is among them. 2. Panchayat Season 4 Platform: Prime Video Genre: Political Drama, Comedy Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav The much-loved rural comedy-drama Panchayat returns with a fresh dose of humour, heart, and village politics. In Season 4, tensions rise in Phulera as Pradhan Ji and Bhushan face off in a high-stakes election showdown. Staying true to its roots, the series continues to deliver its signature blend of warmth and wit, while diving deeper into power struggles and the everyday quirks of rural life. With its relatable storytelling and emotional depth, Panchayat once again strikes a perfect balance between comedy and social commentary. 3. Raid 2 Platform: Netflix Genre: Political Drama, Crime Thriller Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor Ajay Devgn returns as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, a gripping political thriller packed with tension, twists, and high-stakes drama. This time, after a botched raid derails his efforts, Patnaik is reassigned to Bhoj—only to find himself locking horns with the ruthless and influential Dada Bhai, played menacingly by Riteish Deshmukh. When he's suddenly suspended, Patnaik doesn't back down—instead, he goes rogue, risking everything to bring a corrupt political empire to its knees. With intense performances, razor-sharp writing, and a story that keeps you hooked till the end, Raid 2 raises the stakes and delivers a punchy follow-up to the 2018 hit. 4. The Brutalist Platform: JioHotstar Genre: Period drama Cast: Adrien Corbet, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn Directed by Brady Corbet, this striking drama stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody as a gifted architect escaping the turmoil of postwar Europe in search of a fresh start. Arriving in America with hopes of rebuilding his life, career, and fractured marriage, he finds himself in Pennsylvania—a land of opportunity but also unfamiliar challenges. His talent soon catches the eye of a powerful industrialist, played by Guy Pearce, whose ambition and influence pose a new kind of threat. As ambition clashes with ideals, the story unfolds into a gripping tale of reinvention, power, and survival. The film begins streaming on June 28. 5. Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting Platform: ZEE5 Genre: Mystery, Thriller Cast: Abhignya Vuthaluru, Ramaraju, Charan Lakkaraju Set in the eerie backdrop of 1980s Viraatapalem, a village haunted by a deadly curse, this gripping series unravels a mystery steeped in fear and superstition. For over a decade, no weddings have taken place—every bride mysteriously dies on her wedding day. With the village population dwindling to only the very young and the very old, hope seems all but lost. That is, until a fearless police constable (Abhignya Vuthaluru) arrives and refuses to buy into the myth. Joining forces with a reformed convict, she digs into a dark secret the villagers are desperate to keep hidden. The series premieres on June 27.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Panchayat's biggest secret is out: Not UP's Phulera! Viral photos reveal the real village behind the hit web series
— BBTheorist (@BBTheorist) Live Events — BBTheorist (@BBTheorist) (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Think Panchayat was shot in a dusty little village in Uttar Pradesh ? Think again! The now-iconic "Phulera" is actually Mahodiya, a real-life village in Madhya Pradesh 's Sehore district , and thanks to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), fans are flocking to find out all started when a user named Shubhendu, who cheekily claims he doesn't even watch web series, took a detour to Mahodiya and dropped a photo thread that instantly lit up the internet. His snaps from the real Panchayat office (which still proudly says 'Gram Panchayat Mahodiya'), that unforgettable bumpy road, the village temple, library, and even Pradhan Ji's house, sent fans into a frenzy.'This road can make people win or lose elections,' he wrote, adding, 'Hopefully, the new MLA releases funds to fix it.' Another photo of the hospital was jokingly captioned: 'The Battle of Phulera was fought here,' followed by a wild theory, 'Maybe Pradhan Ji got someone to fire the shot. He's a bit cunning!'The post has already crossed 1 million views, turning Mahodiya into a fan pilgrimage spot. People flooded the thread with comments like, 'Did you find Vidhayak ka ghar, Sitara, the horse, or BumBahadur's pigeon farm?' and 'What about the famous wall with 'do bache meethi kheer...'?'With Season 4 riding high on OTT charts, Mahodiya might just become the next tourist sensation — no fancy sets, just real village charm and a whole lot of Panchayat feels.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Neena Gupta says she lost roles in films because she didn't have a type: 'If you are not typecast, you're not memorable'
Versatility is something Neena Gupta has in abundance. In a career that has spanned four decades, she has played every concievable role from a demure housewife to Mahatma Gandhi's niece. However, the actor rues never being tyepcast. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, she reveals why. Neena Gupta reflects on her acting career. Talking to us amid the promotions of Panchayat season 4, Neena reflects on her work on television, where she appeared on shows as diverse as Mirza Ghalib, Saans, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, and Masaba Masaba. 'I did a variety of roles on TV. But if you do variety, that is also a problem, because you don't have a type,' she says, adding, 'There is no 'take Neena for this kind of role'. Being typecast is very important. That helps create a certain image of yours, and then you are chosen for those kinds of roles. If you are not typecast, you are not memorable.' Neena says that television in India was always known for more diverse stories and rooted characters. 'In television, I did many different kinds of roles, from rural to urban. But TV was always looked down upon, considered lower level, while film is top level,' she adds. However, the actor is happy that now films are also being written with relatable, diverse characters. She says, 'Now, even films see rooted stories, which is a very interesting thing. I have done so many interesting roles in the last few years, which is so wonderful.' In the 80s, Neena Gupta established herself as a star in the so-called 'parallel cinema'. But it was in films in the last decade that she found her calling again, starting with Badhaai Ho. She is now seen in Panchayat. The show also stars Raghuvir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
