Shabana Azmi, star of Netflix’s latest series Dabba Cartel, recently opened up about the comparisons being drawn between her show and Dimple Kapadia’s Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo, which aired on JioHotstar in 2023. Azmi, 74, admitted to feeling apprehensive about the inevitable side-by-side comparisons between the two shows, especially as both revolve around women navigating the perilous world of drug cartels.
However, she found solace in her daughter-in-law, Shibani Akhtar, who co-created Dabba Cartel. Azmi shared with India Today, “Prior to watching the show, I was concerned that we would be directly compared to it. However, Shibani was confident and assured me that it won’t happen. Seeing her belief, I was also relieved.”
A Unique Approach to Storytelling
Despite initial concerns, Azmi felt reassured upon watching Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo, noting that while it was a well-made show, its premise and tone were different from Dabba Cartel. Azmi elaborated, “They have a completely different setup, quite exotic. Their outfits are very unique and they also have a specific dialect. Our show is very realistic, about these middle-class women. Hence, I really don’t think there is any comparison.”
Dabba Cartel explores the lives of five middle-class women running a dabba (lunchbox) business that unexpectedly plunges them into the world of drug cartels. The ensemble cast includes Azmi, Jyotika, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Nimisha Sajayan, and others. The show is produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and co-created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda.
Contrasting Themes in Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo
In contrast, Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo revolves around Rani Ba, portrayed by Dimple Kapadia, who empowers the women of her village while running a drug cartel disguised as a handicraft business. The series received mixed reviews but gained attention for its bold narrative and Kapadia’s strong performance.
Both shows offer distinct takes on women’s empowerment, but Azmi is confident that Dabba Cartel stands apart due to its grounded, realistic portrayal of middle-class lives.
