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Shabana Azmi recently shared her thoughts on the success of her crime drama '
Dabba Cartel
'. She credited writer
Shibani Akhtar
for the show's impact and revealed that her biggest challenge was ensuring her portrayal stood apart from her iconic role in 'Godmother'.
Praising Shibani Akhtar
The actress recently shared her thoughts on the success of 'Dabba Cartel' during an interview with Mid-day. She attributed the show's impact to its strong writing and the director's clear vision. Azmi also commended Shibani Akhtar, the creator, for her professionalism, noting that she did not rely on personal connections despite being Farhan Akhtar's wife.
Portraying Sheilaben
In the series, Azmi portrays Sheilaben, the mastermind behind the drug cartel. The role required a nuanced performance, as Sheilaben’s restrained demeanor and silence were central to conveying her character’s power.
Azmi revealed that working on the film allowed her to refine her performance by incorporating a Gujarati dialect to enhance her character's depth. She emphasized the challenge of portraying Sheilaben differently from her iconic role in Godmother, noting that Sheila's power is more understated and restrained. She also acknowledged the potential of the script when she first read it but recognized it as a bold choice, given that women-led crime dramas are rare in Indian entertainment. She highlighted how female characters are often limited to stereotypical roles, such as victims or seductresses. However, the risk paid off, proving that audiences are eager for innovative and empowering narratives centered around strong female leads.
Shabana Azmi on Writing and Future Projects
Shabana also revealed that she doesn't think she'll write a script because it's not her specialty. She respects writing as a skill, especially coming from a family of writers, but prefers acting. With 'Dabba Cartel' ending on a cliffhanger, she hints at a possible second season, believing the story has room to grow and continue the characters' journeys.
About 'Dabba Cartel'
'Dabba Cartel' features a cast including Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, and others. The series follows a group of middle-class women who run a clandestine tiffin service with a dark twist, making it a gripping crime drama. It premiered on Netflix on February 28.
English (US)