11 Wholesome Behind-The-Scene Facts About 'Panchayat' We Bet You Didn't Know

    They faked the winter so hard, even the sun felt gaslit.

    Arsheen Kaur Sahni
    by Arsheen Kaur Sahni

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Back when Panchayat first dropped, no one really knew what to expect. It was slow, quiet, and didn’t try too hard, and somehow, that’s exactly why it worked. Four seasons later (yep, the latest one’s now live on Prime Video), it’s become the kind of show people keep going back to.

    The Viral Fever / Via giphy.com

    So we went looking for the little things—stories from behind the scenes, near-misses, and homework—that helped make Panchayat what it is today. Here are some of them!

    1. Remember that Raghu Ram spoof from Rowdies? Yep, that’s the Panchayat director.

    The Viral Fever / Via giphy.com

    Before he was running the show behind the camera, Deepak Kumar Mishra was cracking everyone up online as the guy who nailed a spoof of Raghu Ram. Who would've thought the Rowdies guy would go on to make one of India’s most loved web series?

    2. The show almost had a very different name.

    Prime Video India / Via giphy.com

    Panchayat was originally going to be called SDO Saheb, because the story was based on a Sub-Divisional Officer. But since the Panchayat office kinda became the star of the show, they went with the much simpler—and catchier—Panchayat.

    3. The music has lyrics...but they’re gibberish.

    Giphy / Via giphy.com

    Composer Anurag Saikia wanted something that felt emotional without actual words, so he made up lyrics inspired by Assamese chants for the track “Hiya Tho.” It sounds deep, but it’s actually just beautiful nonsense. And it works.

    4. Jitendra Kumar is an IIT grad who switched careers, just like Abhishek did in Panchayat.

    The Viral Fever / Via giphy.com

    Like his character, Jitendra is an IIT grad who left the corporate life to chase his passion. Thankfully, instead of running a Panchayat office, he landed in front of a camera.

    5. And it wasn’t smooth either—he was rejected by the National School of Drama, and even considered rural politics before choosing acting.

    Person sitting at a cluttered office desk, holding a pen, looking directly at the camera. Shelves filled with files and paperwork in the background
    Panchayat / Via imdb.com

    Before becoming Sachiv Ji, Jitendra Kumar faced a major blow when he was rejected by both the National School of Drama and FTII, despite his passion for acting and a diploma in engineering But that wasn't the only twist. At one point, he even considered switching lanes and entering rural politics before fully committing to his acting career. Talk about a plot twist worthy of Panchayat itself!

    6. Vikas was meant to be a side character, until Chandan Roy changed that.

    A person smiling while carrying a wrapped object on their head
    Panchayat / Via imdb.com

    Chandan Roy originally came in for a minor part. But he nailed his audition so hard that the makers were like “OK yeah, let’s make him central to the plot.” Enter Vikas, the MVP of quiet chaos.

    7. Panchayat Season 3 pulled in 28 million viewers, making it the second most-watched series in 2024.

    A group of people stand outside, looking up in surprise. Feathers and birds are in midair above them. They appear to be in a rural setting
    Panchayat / Via imdb.com

    With over 28 million viewers (yep, you read that right), Panchayat season 3 became the second most-watched series in India in 2024, according to the Ormax Media Report. And guess what? It’s still chilling in the top 3. Not bad for a show where the biggest twist is usually someone stealing an election or a water tank. 

    8. Panchayat won big at IFFI 2024.

    9. The writer literally phoned a mukhiya for research… and got a political rant.

    10. ​​Jitendra Kumar actually sat in on real panchayat meetings to prep for the role.

    Person sitting at a desk, holding a large envelope, surrounded by office supplies and paperwork in a cozy office setting
    Panchayat / Via imdb.com

    Yep, before becoming Abhishek Tripathi, he spent time in Mahodiya village, chilling with local officials, soaking in the everyday chaos, and watching real panchayat meetings go down. No wonder he nailed the confused city guy–turned–reluctant secretary vibe so well.

    11. Panchayat Season 1’s “winter” scenes were actually shot in 47°C heat.

    Five people stand outside a rural community building with framed photos on a table, under festive banners
    Panchayat / Via imdb.com

    Those cozy Republic Day scenes in Panchayat Season 1? Total illusion. The cast was sweating it out in shawls and sweaters while filming in a brutal 45–47°C. There were no air conditioners, no fancy setups, just peak summer, and a lot of patience. 

    By now, Panchayat feels less like a show and more like catching up with old friends in a familiar galli. And with Season 4 now streaming on Prime Video, there’s no better time to head back to Phulera. Haven’t seen the trailer yet? It’s right below, take a peek.

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