Neena Gupta on Manju Devi’s Journey in Panchayat: “She Decided to Break the Pattern”
By Yatamanyu Narain | News18 | June 13, 2025 | 8:14 PM IST
As fans eagerly await the return of Panchayat Season 4, acclaimed actress Neena Gupta reflects on the evolution of her character, Manju Devi, whose journey from a reluctant village pradhan to a confident political force has become one of the show's most compelling arcs.
With Panchayat 4 premiering on June 24 on Prime Video, Neena Gupta revealed that a pivotal moment in Manju Devi’s transformation came during the flag hoisting scene in Season 1. “That was Manju Devi’s turning point,” she shared. “In most villages, women are often okay with not knowing or learning certain things, but what I loved about my character was that she decided to break that pattern.”
Gupta elaborated on how her character evolved over the seasons—gaining confidence, asserting independence, and gradually stepping into her own leadership. “It’s a fact that the concept of Pradhanpati still exists in many parts of our country. Through this series, I’m so glad we could show that if women want to take charge and lead, they absolutely can.”
A Season of Power Struggles and Emotional Depth
The upcoming season is expected to explore more intense political rivalries, especially between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi, played by Sunita Rajwar. With elections underway in Phulera, the narrative shifts deeper into questions of leadership, empowerment, and identity.
Speaking about her role, Rajwar said, “What drew me to Kranti Devi was how she commands respect—not just beside her husband but as an equal. She’s not just a housewife; she represents the voice of many rural women who think, act, and lead like any empowered woman would.”
Rajwar emphasized the humanity in her character’s strength and vulnerability. “At the end of the day, we’re all human—we all carry a bit of innocence within us. I feel genuinely happy and grateful to play her.”
A New Chapter for Phulera
The Panchayat 4 trailer has already struck a chord with fans, amassing over 5.5 million views within two days. The familiar backdrop of dusty lanes, local tensions, and humorous village politics returns, but with a sharper focus on the evolving roles of its female characters.
Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, Panchayat continues to blend warmth, realism, and social commentary. The series retains its core ensemble—Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, and others—while deepening its focus on personal growth and grassroots governance.
With battle lines drawn and emotional stakes rising, Season 4 promises to be more than just a rural comedy—it’s a mirror to the quiet revolutions happening in villages across India.
