Shibani Akhtar Reflects On The Creative Journey Behind ‘Dabba Cartel’

March 7, 2025: Shibani Akhtar, the creator of the highly anticipated crime drama Dabba Cartel, recently shared her insights into the creative process, the challenges she faced, and the triumphs of bringing this gripping series to life. Premiering on Netflix, Dabba Cartel offers a fresh take on the crime genre by focusing on the unexpected involvement of five middle-class women in a dangerous drug cartel.

The show boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, and Shalini Pandey, who have already captivated audiences worldwide with their outstanding performances. As a first-time creator and producer, Shibani spoke about her personal growth throughout the production journey, the importance of female-driven narratives, and the power of collaboration.

In an interview, Shibani explained what drew her to the project: “I knew that I wanted to create something with a female-led cast, and I wanted it to be in the crime drama genre. It all came together in the most organic way.”

She emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, saying, “It’s been an incredible experience. Luckily, the audience has really embraced the hard work we put into it. It’s such a great feeling to see it come to life.”

The casting process was also crucial for Shibani, particularly when it came to Shabana Azmi, who she always envisioned as the lead. “Before the concept was fully developed, I knew I wanted Shabana Azmi in the lead role. There was no doubt in my mind. She was the perfect fit,” she shared.

Shibani also spoke highly of Jyotika’s approach to the role. “Jyotika was interested from the very beginning. She asked all the right questions, thoroughly researched the project, and made sure she fully understood the depth of her character before saying yes,” Shibani explained.

As International Women’s Day approached, Shibani reflected on the quote, “I am my own warrior,” and connected it to her own journey as a creator. She said, “Navigating this space as a first-time creator and producer was uncharted territory for me. There were so many things I had to learn and so many battles I had to fight along the way.”

She continued, “It’s not as easy as it may look once you see the finished product. There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But through this process, I grew personally and professionally.”

Shibani spoke candidly about the nerve-wracking moments leading up to the premiere of Dabba Cartel. “I was nervous for about an hour during the second screening, but there wasn’t much time to feel nervous before that. We had such tight deadlines that we just kept going. But when I realized the show was releasing the next day, I did have a brief moment of panic—but then it passed,” she admitted.

Created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda, Dabba Cartel also stars Gajraj Rao and Bhupendra Singh Jadawat in pivotal roles. With its unique narrative and a cast full of incredible talent, the show is set to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about releases.

As the series hits Netflix, Shibani’s journey from a first-time creator to the mastermind behind an exciting new crime drama marks a significant milestone in her career—one that is sure to inspire many aspiring creators.