While Panchayat Season 4 saw Binod (Ashok Pathak) and Vidhayak Ji (Pankaj Jha) grab the spotlight with their scene-stealing performances, it was actress Sanvikaa, who plays the soft-spoken yet strong Rinki, who made headlines off-screen. Her blossoming romance with Sachiv Ji (Jitendra Kumar) offered a gentle emotional counterpoint to the political drama of the season. But behind the scenes, a creative decision stirred up discussion.
In an interview with Just Too Filmy, Sanvikaa revealed that she had refused to do a kissing scene with her co-star Jitendra Kumar. According to her, her decision was rooted in both personal comfort and consideration for the show’s family-friendly audience.
She said, “In the beginning, no one said anything during the narration. But then the director, Akshat (Vijaywargiya), spoke to me. He said that this season we have included a scene where Sachiv Ji and Rinki share a kiss. Earlier, the scene was different — they were in a car, she falls, and then they kiss.”
The actor added, “I asked for two days to think it over. I was worried—Panchayat has all kinds of viewers, but mostly it’s watched by families. I was also not very comfortable. So, I refused at that time. When we were finally shooting, they removed the scene and added the water tank scene instead.”
‘I kissed Ayushmann Khurrana in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’
Following Sanvikaa’s statement, Jitendra Kumar has offered further clarity. In an interview with NDTV, Jitendra said, “I think Sanvikaa’s comment was taken out of context. When the scene was proposed, I told the makers to ask her first. Her consent was essential. We wanted to make the scene awkwardly funny—like they’re about to kiss, and the light goes off. But eventually, it was shot differently.”
Jitendra also spoke about his own comfort level with on-screen intimacy. He shared, “I kissed Ayushmann Khurrana in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. I’ve kissed actresses on screen before. As an actor, I don’t have reservations about it. But whether it’s a kiss or any other scene, it has to serve the story. Kahani mein maza aana chahiye, audience se connect karna chahiye.”
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While Panchayat continues to enjoy a loyal fanbase and cult status, Season 4 drew mixed reactions from viewers, with some expressing disappointment over the pacing and fewer comedic moments. Despite, the mixed response, the makers have officially confirmed Panchayat Season 5, which is slated to premiere in 2026.
