Neena Gupta discusses challenges of filming Panchayat 3 in hot weather

Neena Gupta’s latest series, Panchayat 3, has received widespread acclaim from fans.

Released on Prime Video on May 28, the third season features Neena Gupta reprising her role as Manju Devi Dubey, the pradhan (village chief) of Phulera.

In a recent interview with The Indian Express, the seasoned actress discussed the physical difficulties of shooting the series in intense heat.

Gupta revealed that filming in 45°-47° Celsius temperatures was extremely tough.

She expressed that the grueling conditions made her feel like giving up daily. “We had to shoot in 45°-47° temperature. This time I had to fall off a bike. There were pebbles and gravel on the road and upar se dhoop thi [and it was hot]. It was challenging for all of us—for the actors, for the technicians. Actors could at least stand in the shade with fans in their free time. It was physically very tough to shoot this and maybe that’s why people are liking it because it is so genuine, so people relate to it. Mehnat toh karni chaahiye [one should work hard], it was fun,” she shared.

Reflecting on her current career, Neena Gupta described working on Panchayat as an "exciting phase" in her life.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way, saying, “It is a very exciting phase. I thank God for it at least twice-thrice every day for this phase. I got Panchayat and other work. At this point, I am taking care of my health and hoping for good work to come my way because only work can keep you going in life. Kaam nahi hai toh bohot takleef hoti hai, kaam hai toh jeevan sukhi rehta hai [It is difficult when there is no work, life is good when there is work].”

Gupta also commented on the global appreciation for Panchayat.

She was pleasantly surprised by the show's wide appeal, noting that it resonated with both urban and rural audiences. “I was shocked. Not only the urban population but everyone loves Panchayat. I couldn’t believe it from the first season. People meet me and tell me how they love the show. I was recently shooting in Sydney, a woman came up to me and said that we show the real village life and how her chachi looks like me (the character) back in her hometown. I love how they relate to the characters and in turn to the actors because of the show.”

In addition to Neena Gupta, Panchayat 3 stars Jitendra Kumar and Raghubir Yadav in key roles. The series, which first premiered in 2020 and had its second season in 2022, follows the story of an engineering graduate who takes a job as a panchayat secretary due to limited job opportunities.