Saanvika, the actress who plays the beloved character Rinki in the hit series Panchayat, has recently revealed her initial discomfort with a planned Panchayat kissing scene in the show’s latest season, a moment that was ultimately modified by the creative team.
The discussion comes as the hypothetical fourth season of the Prime Video series receives a mixed reception from fans. While the show has brought widespread fame to its cast, including Saanvika, her recent interview sheds light on the behind-the-scenes considerations that go into crafting the show’s most delicate moments.
Saanvika Opens Up About Discomfort
In a candid interview with Just Too Filmy, Saanvika explained that the kissing scene was not part of the original script she received. “Initially, no one mentioned it during the narration,” she stated. “Later, director Akshat [Akshat Singh] spoke to me and explained that this season would include a kissing scene. He revealed they had added a moment where Sachiv Ji and Rinki would kiss.”
Faced with this new development, Saanvika expressed her hesitation. She considered the show’s broad audience, which includes many families who watch together. “I asked for two days to decide if I was comfortable doing it,” she shared. “I thought about how Panchayat has a diverse audience, especially families.”
How the Scene Was Changed with Cast Support
Saanvika credited her co-star, Jitendra Kumar (Sachiv Ji), for his supportive nature during the process. “Jeetu is a very nice person. He makes you feel comfortable,” she said.
Ultimately, the production team respected her feelings and adapted the scene. “When we were shooting, they removed that scene, and they inserted the tanki [water tank] scene instead,” Saanvika explained. “They said that we will not show it in a bad way and will shoot it in an aesthetic way.”
Despite the change, she admitted to some lingering awkwardness during the filming. “But when we were shooting, it felt awkward,” she confessed, adding that she hasn’t discussed the scene with her family but trusts their understanding.
Mixed Reactions to Panchayat Season 4
While the first three seasons of Panchayat earned near-universal acclaim, the latest installment has seen a more lukewarm response. Some viewers have criticized Season 4 for lacking the comedic charm of its predecessors, with many calling its finale the weakest in the series so far. The show continues to be one of the most-watched series on Prime Video.
