Neena Gupta On Manju Devi's Evolution In Panchayat: 'She Decided To Break The Pattern'

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Neena Gupta reveals how the flag hoisting scene shaped Manju Devi's arc in Panchayat. Season 4 premieres June 24, bringing new conflicts and deeper character growth.
The idyllic chaos of Phulera is set to return as Panchayat gears up for its highly anticipated fourth season, streaming on Prime Video from June 24. With elections in full swing, tensions, ambitions, and emotions are running higher than ever—and at the centre of the storm are two women who have gradually emerged as the heart and spine of the village's political scene: Manju Devi, played by Neena Gupta, and Kranti Devi, portrayed by Sunita Rajwar.
The newly released trailer has already set the internet abuzz, racking up over 5.5 million views in just two days. From the unmistakable sight of the lauki to echoes of naare bazi in the dusty lanes of Phulera, the upcoming season hints at a potent mix of power struggles, emotional growth, and the quiet revolution of everyday people. At the core of this evolving story is the transformation of women like Manju Devi and Kranti Devi—characters who, with each season, have shifted from background figures to commanding presences.
Reflecting on her character's growth, Neena Gupta shared that the journey truly began back in Season 1, during the now-iconic flag hoisting scene. 'That was Manju Devi's turning point," she said. '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. She slowly became more firm, more curious, and eventually more independent." Gupta emphasized that such change mirrors real life—never instant, but always possible. She added, '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."
Sunita Rajwar, who returns as the bold and outspoken Kranti Devi, echoed similar sentiments about portraying a woman who commands space with authenticity and strength. 'Playing Kranti Devi has always been a fascinating experience for me," Rajwar said. 'What drew me to her character was how she stands tall, not just beside her husband, but as an equal. She's not just a housewife from a village—she thinks and reacts like any empowered woman would, no matter where she comes from." For Rajwar, the character's mix of boldness and vulnerability resonates on a personal level. 'At the end of the day, we're all human—we all carry a bit of innocence within us. It's not just the audience who connects with the character; the actor does too. I feel genuinely happy and grateful to play her."
Panchayat Season 4 returns with its signature blend of humour, warmth, and unfiltered storytelling that has made it a breakout success. The series brings back its stellar ensemble cast—Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha—and is produced by The Viral Fever. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya, this season promises to explore deeper narratives while staying rooted in the earthy charm that defines Phulera.
With battle lines drawn and personal journeys at crossroads, Panchayat Season 4 is all set to deliver another chapter brimming with surprises, soul, and stories that speak to the everyday Indian.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 20:14 IST