Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has joined the cast of Netflix’s crime-thriller series Dabba Cartel, inspired by an unusual recruitment method courtesy of her daughter-in-law, Shibani Akhtar. This announcement was made during the India Today Conclave 2025, held on March 7, where Azmi appeared alongside co-creator and executive producer Shibani Akhtar, as well as fellow cast member Jyotika, in a session titled Ladies Cartel. Azmi humorously recounted the moment when Shibani “ear-pulled” her into accepting the role.
The casting of Shabana Azmi, a pivotal move by Shibani Akhtar, highlights a familial bond that transcends into professional collaborations. Shibani, who conceived the concept of Dabba Cartel, had always envisioned Azmi in the series. She discussed the idea with her husband and producer-director, Farhan Akhtar, emphasizing Azmi’s indispensable presence. Shibani explained, “I spoke to Farhan about this and said that Shabana has to do this. So, he said, ‘Call her and ask her to do it.’ It was written for her.”
Dabba Cartel, in addition to Shabana Azmi, features an ensemble of talented actors, including Anjali Anand, Jyotika, Shalini Pandey, and Nimisha Sajayan. The series thrives on the synergy of its cast, with Shibani crediting the actors for their enthusiasm and understanding of the ensemble nature of the story. The collaborative environment fostered an authentic portrayal of intricate characters, enriching the narrative further.
Shabana Azmi spoke on the transformative power of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in redefining roles for actors, as well as the broader landscape of content creation. She stated, “Certainly! Not only for actors, actors are getting more choicey roles than they had earlier, but I think OTT has finally defined that content is king.” Reflecting on the changing roles for women in cinema, she noted the opportunity for mature actresses to command central roles, a shift attributed to nuanced character development rather than age.
Actor Jyotika echoed similar sentiments regarding the camaraderie among the cast on the set of Dabba Cartel. She emphasized the supportive environment that allowed each actor to thrive equally, saying, “We all had well-written characters, and we were all secure actors, which brought us all together.” Shabana Azmi added that the series successfully dispels the myth of women as adversaries, showcasing a community where women uplift one another.
The progression of feminism and women’s emancipation in cinema has been a consistent theme in Azmi’s career. During the conclave, she articulated the importance of mainstream representation in effecting social change, asserting, “It has also begun within the mainstream. This is a small step towards that, and I’m sure that there will be many such opportunities.”
As Dabba Cartel premieres on Netflix, the collaboration between Shabana Azmi and Shibani Akhtar marks a significant addition to both of their professional portfolios. It underscores a shared vision of storytelling that challenges conventions, particularly in the portrayal of powerful and complex characters. This series is poised to resonate with audiences keen on stories that reflect nuanced realities, with Azmi’s participation elevating the narrative through her seasoned craft. The journey of Dabba Cartel thus paves the way for continued exploration of female-centric narratives in the OTT space.
