Neena Gupta talks about her role in ‘Panchayat’ and the portrayal of women in Indian cinema

Neena Gupta, the veteran actor known for her versatile roles, has once again captivated audiences with her portrayal of Manju Devi in the popular series “Panchayat.” In a recent interview, she revealed that her character resonated with many women across the country.

Gupta plays the effervescent village head, Manju Devi, in the Prime Video show set in Uttar Pradesh. Despite being the village head on paper, it’s her husband who handles all the administrative responsibilities, reflecting a common scenario in many rural areas.

The actor shared that Manju Devi’s character is inspired by real-life women who are content with their household duties and have no ambition beyond that. She believes that the audience relates to her character because many women in India, both in rural and urban settings, follow a similar pattern.

Gupta also touched upon the portrayal of progressive women on screen, mentioning that they often get labeled as negative characters or vamps. Drawing from her own experience in the television show ‘Khandaan,’ she emphasized the need for a more nuanced depiction of bold characters.

“Panchayat,” which also features Jitendra Kumar and Raghubir Yadav, explores the daily struggles of residents in a fictional village. The series received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of rural life, with the second season premiering in May 2022.

Despite playing the role of Manju Devi for two seasons, Gupta admitted that it took time for her to fully embody the character, especially mastering the dialect required for the role. She credited the support of her co-stars, who helped her navigate the nuances of the character.

As the latest season of “Panchayat” delves into politics, Gupta expressed her hopes for addressing the issue of unemployment in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for the youth to prevent social unrest.

Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and created by The Viral Fever, “Panchayat 3” premiered on Tuesday, continuing to showcase Gupta’s talent and the captivating storyline of the series.

In a country where running a household can feel challenging, Neena Gupta’s portrayal of Manju Devi serves as a reminder of the myriad roles that women play in society. Through her character, Gupta sheds light on the untold stories of women like Manju Devi who silently navigate through life’s complexities.