Season 4 of Panchayat has generated buzz—not just for the long-awaited love confession between Sachivji (Jitendra Kumar) and Rinki (Sanvikaa), but for what was left out. A much-anticipated kiss between the lead pair didn’t make it to the final cut, sparking debate among fans. In an interview with NDTV, Jitendra Kumar opened up about the decision to exclude the scene, the show's evolving tone, and the importance of actor comfort.

Sanvikaa revealed in a separate interview that she chose not to go ahead with the kiss, feeling it wouldn't align with Panchayat's family-friendly, small-town appeal. She believed a more subtle approach suited the show’s tone and its core audience. Jitendra later clarified that her comments were taken out of context, adding that he had suggested the team prioritize her consent when the scene was first proposed. The original version of the scene was meant to be awkwardly humorous, with the lights going off just as the kiss was about to happen.

While Jitendra has no personal reservations about on-screen intimacy—having previously done kissing scenes, including in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan—he emphasized that such moments must serve the story and feel natural.

He also addressed the show’s tonal shift. Starting from Season 3, Panchayat has evolved from its initial light-hearted storytelling into a more serious, politically aware narrative. Though this change received mixed reactions, Jitendra expressed confidence in the direction the script has taken. He admitted feeling nervous after early reviews but was reassured by the audience’s overwhelming support.

Known for relatable roles in Kota Factory and Panchayat, Jitendra Kumar continues to be a standout performer in the Indian OTT space. (With inputs from Agencies)