Having received widespread praise, Dupahiya explores issues like dowry, colorism, and women’s empowerment while celebrating the simplicity of small-town life. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Sonam Nair opened up about her latest project Duphaiya—a show that beautifully blends humor with hard-hitting social themes
Director Sonam Nair’s Duphaiya has struck a chord with audiences for its refreshing take on social issues like dowry, colorism and women’s empowerment—all wrapped in an entertaining and heartwarming narrative. The series, which has received widespread appreciation, is not just about challenging societal norms but also about embracing the beauty of tradition, family and community living.
In a conversation about her latest work, Sonam Nair shares the inspiration behind Duphaiya, the emotional moments on set, and how she envisions the future of storytelling for female filmmakers.
The journey of Duphaiya began when writers Avinash and Chirag, along with creators and producers Shubh and Salona, approached Sonam with the script. What instantly drew her in was the way the story blended humour with strong messaging. “It had such funny scenes but such great messaging that I immediately said yes,” she recalls in a chat with The Pioneer.
While the core themes of women’s empowerment and societal expectations were evident, what resonated deeply with Sonam was the celebration of simple, traditional life. “Beyond the messaging, what really stood out to me was the beauty of a slow, close-knit village life, where community values still hold strong,” she explains. “That’s something we are losing in cities, and it’s very nostalgic.”
Filming Duphaiya was an emotional experience, particularly because of its emphasis on relationships—especially the father-daughter bond. Sonam, who shares a close relationship with her own father, found herself deeply connected to these moments. “My father was also very much like that—supportive, loving and always there. Those scenes felt very personal to me.” The sense of community portrayed in the show also struck an emotional chord. “That feeling of belonging, of having people around you who care—that’s missing so much in our modern lives,” she reflects.
One of the most celebrated aspects of Duphaiya is its strong female characters, who are both layered and relatable. Sonam credits the script for already having well-defined women, but she emphasizes that casting played a huge role in bringing them to life. “We had to ensure that the comedic element was maintained while also showing their strength and depth. That’s why finding the right actors was so important. Shivan, who plays the lead, is just amazing. And our casting director did a brilliant job ensuring that every character felt real and authentic.”
While Duphaiya highlights women’s empowerment, Sonam also wanted to ensure that male characters were well-developed and balanced. “This isn’t just a female-centric story—it’s about human relationships as a whole,” she says.
The title Duphaiya, which translates to “two-wheeler,” carries multiple layers of meaning within the story. “It symbolises balance,” Sonam explains. “One of the key themes of the show is the balance between tradition and modernity—the older generation holding onto traditions, while the younger generation pushes for change.”
Beyond that, the title also reflects the tonal balance of the show. “For me, it was about maintaining comedy while also delivering emotional depth. That balance was crucial.” As a female director in the industry, Sonam is often asked about the representation of women in filmmaking. While she acknowledges that having women tell female-led stories is important, she also believes in breaking stereotypes. “I love telling female-driven stories, but I also want to direct male-centric stories. We shouldn’t limit ourselves—just like male directors should feel free to explore female narratives, female directors should be able to tell all kinds of stories.” With Duphaiya following the success of projects like Mrs., which also tackled social issues in a fresh way, Sonam believes Indian audiences are becoming more receptive to narratives that challenge norms. “Of course, entertainment is key—I love making entertaining content. But I personally get drawn to stories that do a little more than just entertain. I like narratives that offer something deeper while still being enjoyable.”
While Duphaiya is still making waves, Sonam is already thinking about her next project. “I actually got some ideas while editing the show. For me, the most fulfilling part of filmmaking is when the audience truly connects with the story. So my next project will be something that excites me and resonates with viewers in a meaningful way.”
