New Delhi [India]: In a world where crime often lurks in the shadows, ‘Dabba Cartel’ offers a refreshing take by focusing on the lives of five middle-class women whose seemingly ordinary dabba (lunchbox) business gets entangled with a dangerous drug cartel. Premiering on Netflix, the series boasts an ensemble cast featuring Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, and more, promising viewers an engaging mix of deep storytelling and powerful performances.
Shabana Azmi’s Complex Character: Kashi
Shabana Azmi, known for her nuanced portrayals, takes on the role of Kashi—an enigmatic woman whose quiet strength commands attention. In an interview with media, Azmi revealed her motivation for choosing the role:
“At this stage in my career, there is no checklist except that I’d like to do something that genuinely interests me.”
Azmi described Kashi as a character who unfolds gradually.
“For the first two episodes, you don’t even quite know what she’s up to. She’s an almost nondescript character, but there are little hints that suggest there’s much more to her than meets the eye,” she explained.
Kashi’s strength lies in her calm assertiveness, according to Azmi.
“She doesn’t need to shout or scream. She is assertive, and her power lies in her conviction. It was fascinating to play someone who holds such authority without being overtly loud about it,” she added.
Perspectives on Feminism and Gender Equality
Azmi also touched upon themes of feminism and gender equality, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
“I think a woman doesn’t have an option to view the world from anything other than a feminine lens. And that’s something that both men and women need to understand,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of balance in both personal and professional spaces.
“It’s the yin and the yang when it’s perfectly balanced. That’s when a person truly becomes complete,” Azmi remarked.
International Women’s Day: A Daily Celebration
Reflecting on International Women’s Day, Azmi emphasized that the day should serve as a reminder of the struggles women have faced for equal rights.
“Every day should be celebrated as Women’s Day, not just one,” she asserted.
Azmi also spoke passionately about breaking gender stereotypes, sharing that her upbringing in a commune where women had equal opportunities was an exception, not the norm.
“Our society is still deeply patriarchal, and sometimes women become victims of this system, believing certain liberties can be taken with them,” she added.
Strength in Silence: Kashi’s Persona
When asked if Kashi’s character mirrored any aspects of her own life, Azmi responded with humor:
“If you’re suggesting I have criminal tendencies, I can promise you, that’s not the case!”
However, she acknowledged that Kashi’s strength stems from the understanding that true power is rooted in conviction and authority, not in anger or loudness.
“It wasn’t always about fighting battles outwardly, but about knowing when to speak up for what matters,” Azmi concluded.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The series, directed by Hitesh Bhatia and written by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher, also features Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Sai Tamhankar, Lillete Dubey, and Gajraj Rao. It was created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda.
With its unique storyline and powerful performances, ‘Dabba Cartel’ promises to be a gripping addition to Netflix’s lineup, exploring themes of empowerment, loyalty, and survival.