The highly anticipated web series Dabba Cartel is all set to premiere on Netflix on February 28, 2025. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast, the show promises a thrilling narrative revolving around crime, deception, and survival. Days after releasing its teaser, the makers launched the official trailer at a grand event attended by the cast and crew. However, it was veteran actress Shabana Azmi’s candid confession that stole the spotlight.
Shabana Azmi Wanted Jyotika Removed
During the trailer launch on February 18, Dabba Cartel’s director, Hitesh Bhatia, was asked about the process of bringing together such a stellar cast. In response, Shabana Azmi made an unexpected revelation she had initially attempted to have two actresses removed from the project, one of them being Jyotika.
Azmi admitted, “I have a confession to make. There are two actresses in this show whom I wanted to remove. One is Jyotika. She doesn’t know this, but I really wanted her out and wanted to cast someone else. I even told Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Akhtar, ‘Kisi aur ko cast karte hain’ (Let’s cast someone else).”
While Jyotika took this revelation in good humor, laughing at Azmi’s confession, the veteran actress went on to express her gratitude. “Thankfully, they didn’t listen to me. Shibani said, ‘Do whatever you want to, but we are not changing the cast.’ And I am grateful that they stood their ground, as I would have missed the chance to work with her.” When asked about the second actress she wanted removed, Azmi stated that the individual was not present at the event.
A Thrilling Story of Crime and Deception
Dabba Cartel presents a gripping tale centered on five middle-class women whose seemingly ordinary lunchbox service spirals into a high-stakes criminal racket. The series stars Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Gajraj Rao, Sai Tamhankar, Jisshu Sengupta, Lillete Dubey, and Bhupendra Singh Jadawat.
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, Dabba Cartel is created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda. With its intriguing premise and stellar performances, the show is set to be a must-watch on Netflix later this month.
