Renowned actress Shabana Azmi recently shared her thoughts on the success of her Netflix crime series, Dabba Cartel, attributing much of its impact to writer Shibani Akhtar. She revealed that her biggest hurdle was making sure her character was distinct from her famous role in Godmother (1999).
In a recent chat, Shabana expressed her appreciation for the fantastic reception of Dabba Cartel. She noted, "The key to its success is in the writing. The director had a clear vision, and I have to give a special shoutout to Shibani (Akhtar, the creator), who didn’t ask for any special treatment just because she’s Farhan's (Akhtar, the producer) wife."
In Dabba Cartel, Shabana plays Sheilaben, the cunning leader of the drug cartel. Portraying such a subtle character, where silence conveys so much, required a delicate touch. She mentioned that this experience helped her refine her performance and incorporate a Gujarati dialect to add richness to the role.
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Mar 20, 2026She explained, "The toughest part was ensuring I played her differently from Godmother. Sheila's strength is more understated." Shabana recognized the potential of Dabba Cartel as soon as she read the script, but she also acknowledged the risks involved.
She pointed out that a crime drama led by women is quite rare in Indian entertainment, where female roles often fall into the categories of victims, companions, or seductresses. However, this bold choice proved successful, showing that audiences are ready for new stories featuring strong female characters.
When asked if she has ever considered writing a script, Shabana quickly dismissed the idea, stating it’s not her strength. She believes that writing is a specialized skill that not everyone can master, even though many people try their hand at it casually.
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Mar 20, 2026Coming from a family of famous writers, she has a deep appreciation for the craft but chooses to focus on her passion for acting. With Dabba Cartel ending on a suspenseful note, she teases the possibility of a second season.
She feels the storyline has plenty of potential to grow, making it thrilling to delve deeper into the characters' journeys. She believes the plot naturally sets the stage for an engaging continuation.
Shabana Azmi's Netflix series Dabba Cartel features a talented cast, including Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, and more. The show tells the story of a group of middle-class women who secretly run an underground tiffin service with a sinister twist.
This captivating crime drama premiered on Netflix on February 28. Its success highlights the shifting landscape of Indian entertainment, where stories led by women are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
As the industry continues to change, it will be fascinating to see how the success of Dabba Cartel influences the future of women-led crime dramas in India. For now, Shabana Azmi's role in Dabba Cartel shines brightly, reaffirming her status as one of India's most cherished actresses.
