'Panchayat' star Faisal Mallik reveals shoot delay of Season 5; opens up on harsh reality of choosing roles: 'I don't get to choose roles'

Faisal Mallik earned widespread affection as Prahlad Pandey in the hit OTT series 'Panchayat'. The acclaimed actor opened up in an interview recently, revealing that even recognition doesn't immediately translate into creative freedom.

Furthermore, the actor also provided a much-anticipated 'Panchayat 5' update.

Faisal Mallik opens up on courting recognition

Speaking to Pinkvilla, Faisal Mallik revealed that despite his recognition from the hit Prime Video series, the freedom to choose projects isn’t entirely his yet. Mallik said, “Mujhe toh kabhi budget ka iss tarah ka soch kabhi raha nahi. In acting, jaha pe main hoon abhi, waha pe meri choice nahin hain. Koi choose karega tabhi main waha tak pohunch sakta hun.

Abhi mere life main yeh duniya aayi nahin hain ke main choose karu kya karna hain.

” (I have never really cared about the budget in that way. In acting, where I am right now, I don't have a choice. Only if someone chooses me can I reach there. This world (of having the power to choose) hasn't come into my life yet, where I can choose what I want to do.)

Faisal Mallik on how the script determines his choices

Mallik also emphasized that the script, not the screen time, determines his choices.

Maalik revealed candidly, "“Script correct honi chahiye. Kyunki mere kirdhar ke liye zyada badi cheez woh kahani hain. Chahe woh ek bhi scene ka ho. Kaafi kaam mere liye aise hi toh hain. Abhi aayenge woh bhi aise hi hain, ek-do scenes karta hoon. Bahut acchi lage mujhe toh main kar deta hoon.” (For me, the story is more important than the character itself—even if it's just one scene.

I've done a lot of work like that,” he shared. He acknowledged that big films help an artist reach the masses, but building credibility takes time. People watch your work and start to understand what you can bring to the table. Then, the makers decide if you can add value to their project. Even at that point, it’s not me making the choice—it’s them)

Faisal Mallik on 'Panchayat Season 5'

Turning to 'Panchayat' Season 5, the actor confirmed that the much-anticipated shoot has not yet begun. “The shoot hasn’t started yet. Once it does, it’ll take about a year to a year and a half to complete. The team is currently working on the script behind closed doors—the writer is like a scientist, taking his time to perfect it," Mallik revealed with a touch of humour. He confirmed filming will commence next year, with the release depending on the OTT platform’s schedule.