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Buzz Feed
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
11 Wholesome Behind-The-Scene Facts About Panchayat We Bet You Didn't Know About
Back when Panchayat first dropped, no one really knew what to expect. It was slow, quiet, and didn't try too hard, and somehow, that's exactly why it worked. Four seasons later (yep, the latest one's now live on Prime Video), it's become the kind of show people keep going back to. So we went looking for the little things—stories from behind the scenes, near-misses, and homework—that helped make Panchayat what it is today. Here are some of them! Remember that Raghu Ram spoof from Rowdies? Yep, that's the Panchayat director. Before he was running the show behind the camera, Deepak Kumar Mishra was cracking everyone up online as the guy who nailed a spoof of Raghu Ram. Who would've thought the Rowdies guy would go on to make one of India's most loved web series? The show almost had a very different name. Panchayat was originally going to be called SDO Saheb, because the story was based on a Sub-Divisional Officer. But since the Panchayat office kinda became the star of the show, they went with the much simpler—and catchier—Panchayat. The music has they're gibberish. Composer Anurag Saikia wanted something that felt emotional without actual words, so he made up lyrics inspired by Assamese chants for the track 'Hiya Tho.' It sounds deep, but it's actually just beautiful nonsense. And it works. Jitendra Kumar is an IIT grad who switched careers, just like Abhishek did in Panchayat. Like his character, Jitendra is an IIT grad who left the corporate life to chase his passion. Thankfully, instead of running a Panchayat office, he landed in front of a camera. And it wasn't smooth either—he was rejected by the National School of Drama, and even considered rural politics before choosing acting. Before becoming Sachiv Ji, Jitendra Kumar faced a major blow when he was rejected by both the National School of Drama and FTII, despite his passion for acting and a diploma in engineering But that wasn't the only twist. At one point, he even considered switching lanes and entering rural politics before fully committing to his acting career. Talk about a plot twist worthy of Panchayat itself! Vikas was meant to be a side character, until Chandan Roy changed that. Chandan Roy originally came in for a minor part. But he nailed his audition so hard that the makers were like 'OK yeah, let's make him central to the plot.' Enter Vikas, the MVP of quiet chaos. Panchayat Season 3 pulled in 28 million viewers, making it the second most-watched series in 2024. With over 28 million viewers (yep, you read that right), Panchayat season 3 became the second most-watched series in India in 2024, according to the Ormax Media Report. And guess what? It's still chilling in the top 3. Not bad for a show where the biggest twist is usually someone stealing an election or a water tank. Panchayat won big at IFFI 2024. At the 2024 International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Panchayat was crowned Best Indian Web Series. For a show that's kept things simple (and sincerely funny) since day one, this win isn't just a pat on the back. It's a huge moment for Indian OTT content finally getting the serious recognition it deserves. The writer literally phoned a mukhiya for research… and got a political rant. For Season 2, writer Chandan Kumar wanted the real inside scoop of how village panchayats actually function. So, he rang up a bunch of local leaders—inlcuding an ex-mukhiya from North Bihar. But instead of talking about governance or issues, the guy went off script and just trashed his opposition. Method research? More like live drama. Jitendra Kumar actually sat in on real panchayat meetings to prep for the role. Yep, before becoming Abhishek Tripathi, he spent time in Mahodiya village, chilling with local officials, soaking in the everyday chaos, and watching real panchayat meetings go down. No wonder he nailed the confused city guy–turned–reluctant secretary vibe so well. Panchayat Season 1's 'winter' scenes were actually shot in 47°C heat. Those cozy Republic Day scenes in Panchayat Season 1? Total illusion. The cast was sweating it out in shawls and sweaters while filming in a brutal 45–47°C. There were no air conditioners, no fancy setups, just peak summer, and a lot of patience. By now, Panchayat feels less like a show and more like catching up with old friends in a familiar galli. And with Season 4 now streaming on Prime Video, there's no better time to head back to Phulera. Haven't seen the trailer yet? It's right below, take a peek.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
St. Petersburg to explore demolishing Tampa Bay Rowdies stadium
ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Ken Welch's administration has unveiled a proposal to remake the city's downtown waterfront that includes demolishing Al Lang Stadium. Under a conceptual plan presented to City Council members on Thursday, Al Lang would be turned into an outdoor amphitheater. St. Petersburg officials have long wished to better connect the Mahaffey Theater and the Dalí Museum and create a more cohesive space with curb appeal. But the proposal to get rid of Al Lang Stadium, the next-door home of Tampa Bay Rowdies, the minor league soccer team owned by the Tampa Bay Rays, alarmed City Council members. 'I'm struggling with totally removing Al Lang Stadium,' said council chairperson Copley Gerdes. 'A stadium which is 80 years old with a massive amount of history especially when we're contemplating the future of the Historic Gas Plant and what that might look like.' The proposal comes weeks after the Rays announced that they were pulling out of plans to build a new $1.3 billion downtown stadium for the baseball team. It included plans to redevelop the Gas Plant district, a historically Black part of St. Petersburg once located at the Rays' current home, Tropicana Field. Relations have soured between Welch and Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, with the mayor saying he would never again negotiate with Sternberg. Council members wondered whether team ownership had been consulted about the Al Lang proposal. 'It seems like they weren't included at all,' said council member Richie Floyd. 'I just wondered what the thought process was for what seems like a major partner there, for their future not to be implicated in this.' Beth Herendeen, managing director of city development, said she has spoken with Rowdies President Ryan Helfrick. She said the city is currently working on a lease renewal for the Rowdies, whose current contract at Al Lang expires later this year. 'They're involved and they're aware,' she said. Demolition of Al Lang would take place sometime after 2028, according to the proposal presented to council members on Thursday. Plans also include building a 400-car garage and a new facility for the Florida Orchestra. The amphitheater would be comparable to the BayCare Sound in Clearwater 'but way better,' said ASD | Sky consultant John Curran. Council members expressed interest in plans to redevelop the Center of the Arts. But getting rid of Al Lang Stadium, a site that once hosted spring training games, didn't go over well. 'That made my eye twitch a little bit because I can't imagine not having Al Lang Stadium. I can't imagine not having the Rowdies,' said council member Gina Driscoll, who represents downtown. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USL Championship Preview
Below we're covering six teams from the USL Eastern Conference, moving geographically from south to north. Founded: 2015 Home Field: Pitbull Stadium (20,000 capacity) 2024 Season: 3W – 2D – 29L. Finished 12th in the Eastern Conference; 24th overall. With only 11 points, Miami not only 'won' the Wooden Spoon, but also set a new record for poor performance with the lowest win tally – ever. Notable Figures: I mean no disrespect, but there are none. Forward Frank Lopez, responsible for 38% of the 2024 goals, left on a free transfer in January. Offseason Moves: With seven managers in five years, new gaffer Gastón Maddoni best not get too comfortable. The franchise also parted ways with 12 players, bringing in 13 ones. Basically, this is a reboot, which is good news because Miami FC could literally not get any worse. First Match: Host Detroit City FC on March 8th at 4pm ET. Founded: 2008. The current Rowdies are a phoenix club of a team that played in the NASL from 1975-1993. Home Field: Al Lang Stadium (7,500 capacity) 2024 Season: 14W – 8D – 11L. Finished 6th in the Eastern Conference; 9th overall. The Rowdies shocked Detroit City FC, winning 3 – 1 in PKs after a 1 – 1 draw, then lost to Charleston Battery 2 – 1 in the semi-finals. Notable Figures: Manuel Arteaga and Cal Jennings shared the top scorer crown in 2024, with 20 goals apiece. Offseason Moves: Nine players departed; nine players arrived. Jennings departed on a free transfer to Charleston, a blow to their attack. First Match: Visit Las Vegas Lights on March 8th. Founded: 2017 Home Field: Protective Stadium (47,000 capacity). It also serves as the home of the NCAA UAB Blazers and USFL Birmingham Stallions (both American football). 2024 Season: 13W – 6D – 15L. Finished 9th in the Eastern Conference; 14th overall. Did not qualify for postseason, though they had more points than the West Conf. 7th and 8th places teams. Notable Figures: USMNT and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards became an investor in 2024. Offseason Moves: In 2024 Birmingham's conversion rate was a lowly 12.5%. The club made big moves to address their front line, bringing on four new faces: Ronaldo Damus and Danny Trejo (USL-C veterans) as well as Sebastian Tregarthen and Lucca Dourado (both are college students making their professional debuts). We'll see if this gamble pays off. First Match: They will host Loudoun United on March 8th at 7pm CT. Founded: 1993. They are the oldest continuously operating professional soccer club in the United States. Home Field: Patriots Point Soccer Complex (5,000 capacity) 2024 Season: 18W – 10D – 6L. Finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference; 2nd overall. They had a strong run in the postseason, defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Tampa Bay Rowdies before being upset by debutante Rhode Island FC 2 – 1 in the Conference Final. Notable Figures: 2024's Golden Boot winner Nick Markanich departed the club for Spain's CD Castellón in January. Offseason Moves: The club made two big moves to shore up their attack. First, they signed Honduran international and seasoned USL vet Douglas Martínez. Second, they also nabbed Cal Jennings from Tampa. Smart business. First Match: Will host USL Player's Shield Winner Louisville City FC on March 8th at 7:30pm ET. Founded: 2006 (as the Carolina RailHawks). They moved up from the third tier USL League 1 three years ago. Home Field: WakeMed Soccer Park (10,000 capacity) 2024 Season: Finished 8th in the Eastern Conference; 13th overall. Snuck into the final playoff spot below Pittsburgh on goal differential. Lost in the quarterfinals to Louisville City FC 3 – 2. Notable Figures: 2024's top scorer Oalex Anderson (13 goals; 3 assists) returns. Offseason Moves: It was a fairly quiet winter for NCFC. Six of their players signed extensions to stay through 2026, giving them a core to build around. They pulled in two experienced defenders (France's Patrick Burner and Trinidad's Triston Hodge) to shore up the defense, and League 1 Player of the Year finalist Pedro Dolabella to provide punch in the attack. First Match: Hosting the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on March 8th at 4pm ET. Founded: 2014. They are one of the most successful USL teams ever, having finished first or second in their conference a record eight times. Home Field: Lynn Family Stadium (15,300 capacity) 2024 Season: Finished 1st in the Eastern Conference; 1st overall. Winner of the Player's Shield. Notable Figures: Team captain Kyle Adams is a New Zealand international who recently signed a multi-year deal to stay in the purple for the foreseeable future. Offseason Moves: Losing 21 year old midfielder Elijah Wynder to LA Galaxy is a blow, though the $400K transfer fee will cushion it. Elijah played in 37 games last season, scoring six times. They have kept their impressive defensive line intact, signing most players to multi-year deals. First Match: Travel to take on Charleston Battery on March 8th at 7:30pm ET.
