Shabana Azmi credits Shibani Akhtar for success of Dabba Cartel, reveals ‘most challenging bit’ of crime drama

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Actress Shabana Azmi recently spoke about the success of her Netflix crime drama “Dabba Cartel,” praising writer Shibani Akhtar for its influence. She also mentioned that one of the greatest difficulties she faced was distinguishing her character in this production from her memorable role as “Godmother” in 1999.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share my heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary response to Dabba Cartel. In a chat with Mid-day, the talented Shabana Azmi emphasized that the secret to its success is rooted in its compelling writing and the director’s unwavering vision. I can’t help but give a well-deserved shoutout to Shibani Akhtar, who didn’t rely on favors simply because she’s married to Farhan Akhtar, the show’s producer. Instead, her dedication and talent have truly shined through.

In “Dabba Cartel,” the actress assumes the part of Sheilaben, the cunning head of the drug cartel. Portraying this character who communicates more through her actions than words demanded a subtle and thoughtful performance style.

She mentioned that the encounter refined her portrayal and introduced a Gujarati accent to enhance the character, stating that playing this role distinctly from Godmother was particularly difficult due to Sheila’s subtler power dynamics.

The actress immediately sensed the promise of Dabba Cartel when she first read the script, yet she acknowledged it was a daring decision. She openly confessed that a crime drama spearheaded by women is uncommon in Indian entertainment, with female characters typically relegated to victim, sidekick, or seductress roles. Nevertheless, the risk proved worthwhile, demonstrating that viewers crave innovative stories centered around strong female protagonists.

When asked if she had ever considered penning a script, Shabana Azmi politely declined, expressing that scriptwriting isn’t her strong suit. She acknowledges writing as a craft requiring specific skills, which not everyone can excel at, even though many attempt it casually. Given her family’s background in distinguished writing, she holds the skill in high regard but chooses to remain an actor, where she feels most comfortable.

As Dabba Cartel concludes with an unresolved ending, she suggests there might be a follow-up season. She finds that the storyline has potential for growth, making it intriguing to delve deeper into the characters’ adventures. In her opinion, the plot seems to organically set up a captivating sequel.

In the Netflix series titled “Dabba Cartel,” Shabana Azmi is joined by actors such as Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, and others. This show centers around a band of ordinary women from the middle class who run an illicit tiffin service with a chilling surprise. The suspenseful crime drama premiered on Netflix on February 28.

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2025-04-02 16:07