'I've Kissed Ayushmann Khurrana Before: Jitendra Kumar Opens Up On Deleted Kissing Scene With Sanvikaa In Panchayat 4

Actor Jitendra Kumar's show Panchayat 4 has been a hit among the audience, and besides it locally-rooted theme, the one thing that made headlines this season was his 'deleted' kissing scene with Sanvikaa. While Sanvikaa had stated in an earlier interview that she was not comfortable doing the scene, Jitendra has now clarified that her statement was taken out of context.

"I think Sanvikaa’s comment was taken out of context. When the scene was proposed, I told the makers to ask her first. Her consent was essential. We wanted to make the scene awkwardly funny -- like they’re about to kiss, and the light goes off. But eventually, it was shot differently," Jitendra revealed.

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He went on to say that while he does not have any issues with on-screen intimacy, he would do it only if it serves a purpose to the story. "I kissed Ayushmann Khurrana in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. I’ve kissed actresses on screen before. As an actor, I don’t have reservations about it. But whether it’s a kiss or any other scene, it has to serve the story. Kahani mein mazaa aana chahiye, audience se connect karna chahiye," he stated.

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What did Sanvikaa say about Panchayat 4 kiss?

In an interview post the release of Panchayat 4, Sanvikaa had shared how she was skeptical about the proposed kissing scene. "In the beginning, no one said anything when the narration was done. But then director Akshat talked to me. He told that in this season we have inserted a scene where Sachiv ji and Rinki will kiss. Earlier the scene was different. Both of them are in the car, she falls down and then they kiss," she revealed.

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She said that she then sought two days from the director to think about it as Panchayat catered mainly to the family audience. "I was worried about how he would react, and I was also not comfortable. So I refused at that time. But when we were shooting, they removed that scene, but they inserted the tank scene," she shared.

Sanvikaa Reveals Being 'Uncomfortable' Kissing Jitendra Kumar In Panchayat 4: 'Was Worried How People Would React'

Panchayat 4 is currently streaming on Prime Video, and the makers recently announced that it is set to return for a fifth season next year. The show also stars Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Ashok Pathak and others in key roles.