As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to reflect not only on the progress women have made in various spheres of life but also on how they are represented in the media. Over the years, Indian television and cinema have witnessed a significant transformation in the way women are portrayed. From being confined to stereotypical roles of dutiful wives and mothers, women are now being shown as complex, powerful, and multifaceted figures who occupy spaces previously dominated by men. From taking on cop roles in shown like Candy, Dahaad and Delhi Crime to navigating grey areas in shows like Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar and Aarya and leading drug cartels in Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo and Dabba Cartel, there are increasing female characters who defy traditional stereotypes and reflect the evolving representation of women in the entertainment industry.
This showcases the broader trend of women moving beyond passive or secondary roles, highlighting their agency, strength, and complexity. The portrayal of female gangsters and criminals is one facet of a much larger movement where women are presented in diverse roles that demonstrate their multifaceted nature—be it as leaders, survivors, or powerful figures who assert control in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Women in Male-Stereotyped Roles
The changing landscape of females is visible in roles traditionally dominated by men. Shows like JioHotstar’s Candy feature Richa Chadha as a fierce, independent female cop, demonstrating that women are just as capable of leading in law enforcement roles. Similarly, in Delhi Crime on Netflix, Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi presents a female police officer leading an intense investigation, breaking the mold of male-dominated crime dramas. In The Trial on JioHotstar, Kajol’s character, a strong-willed lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal world, adds another layer to this evolution, showing women excelling in professions once predominantly occupied by men. These roles not only defy traditional stereotypes but also provide nuanced portrayals of women who are not limited by gender expectations, further reflecting the broader cultural shift toward female empowerment.
Female-Led Cartels and Criminal Empires
A significant shift in Indian crime dramas has been the portrayal of women as leaders of criminal enterprises. Shows like Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo, on JioHotstar, are pushing boundaries by placing women at the centre of high-stakes crime. The narrative of Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo follows a group of women from diverse backgrounds who come together to run a criminal empire. Each character is complex, driven by their ambitions, personal struggles, and unique ways of exercising power within both their families and their illicit businesses. These women are not secondary characters or accessories to male-dominated plots—they are the masterminds, making crucial decisions, managing power dynamics, and controlling a complex world of crime.
The show presents a stark departure from the traditional portrayal of women in crime, who were often depicted as passive victims or moral anchors in contrast to their male counterparts. Instead, these women are proactive, resilient, and strategic, willing to take the risks necessary to maintain control. Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo encapsulates the new wave of female characters who break free from conventional boundaries and emerge as powerful figures with agency and autonomy.
Similarly, Netflix’s Dabba Cartel explores the rise of women in the drug cartel business, focusing on their leadership and dominance in this high-pressure environment. The show highlights a group of women who run the operations, navigate personal rivalries, and manage the intricate dealings of the business. Rather than presenting them merely as participants in a male-driven world, Dabba Cartel gives these women the agency to shape their own destiny, making them powerful forces within the narrative. These portrayals challenge the one-dimensional tropes often associated with women characters- vulnerable, sidelined, or simply sidekicks to male antiheroes. Instead, Dabba Cartel showcases their strength, ruthlessness, and determination, revealing the emotional and psychological toll that a life of crime can take on women.
Complex Female Characters in Crime Dramas
Among the notable shows to explore female gangster narratives is Aarya (JioHotstar), a gripping crime drama starring Sushmita Sen. Aarya is the story of a woman who, after her husband’s sudden death, is thrust into the brutal world of organized crime. What makes Aarya particularly compelling is the emotional depth and internal conflict of its central character. Initially, Aarya is a loving wife and mother, unaware of her husband’s criminal dealings. However, upon his death, she must step into his shoes, protect her family, and take over his illicit empire. Aarya’s transformation from a grieving widow to a calculated and powerful figure is central to the show.
Another show that has made waves in portraying powerful female characters in crime is Mirzapur on Amazon Prime Video. In Mirzapur, Rasika Dugal plays the role of Beena, a pivotal figure who defies conventional expectations of women in the gangster world. Initially introduced as a quiet and seemingly passive character, Rasika undergoes a dramatic transformation as she rises to prominence in the violent, chaotic world of Mirzapur. Her character does not conform to the traditional trope of being subjugated by men or dependent on them. Instead, Rasika’s ambition and resilience propel her to take control and navigate the treacherous landscape of crime with calculated decisions and strategic maneuvers.
Redefining stereotypical roles
In addition to taking on roles in traditionally male-dominated spaces, women on screen are also challenging the stereotypical roles that have long been associated with femininity, particularly those of the dutiful housewife or supportive spouse. In Mrs. on Zee5, the protagonist, played by Sanya Malhotra, begins as a typical housewife but takes charge of her life as she uncovers deeper secrets and embraces her own strength and independence. Similarly, in Killer Soup on Netflix, the central character also evolves from a seemingly passive figure into someone who takes control of her circumstances, challenging the notion that women must stay within the boundaries of conventional roles.
The Power of Moral Ambiguity in Female Characters
What makes these roles so intriguing is the moral ambiguity they present. Unlike traditional heroes and villains, the female characters in these shows are neither entirely good nor bad. Instead, they exist in a complex gray area where right and wrong are often blurred. These women make difficult choices driven by survival, ambition, and the protection of their families, all while operating in a morally compromised world.
This shift towards portraying morally ambiguous female characters is significant because it challenges the long-standing notion that women must always be virtuous and self-sacrificing. The complexities of these characters reflect a broader cultural shift in how women are represented in media. It shows that women can be multifaceted individuals, capable of navigating power, morality, and survival in ways that do not conform to traditional stereotypes. This evolution in storytelling allows for more realistic, nuanced portrayals of women and highlights the diversity of experiences they can embody.
