Indian entertainment, in its truest sense, has long shared two contrasting sides. The familiar one where the ‘hero’ takes that lead and the ‘heroine’ exists largely as his support system. On the other side is the reflection of power and resilience that resides in strong female characters as seen in classics like ‘Mother India.’ However, OTT has disrupted the imbalance. Female-led stories, which were seen occasionally, are now a frequent occurrence. And now, the female protagonists are not only there for the “lessons in virtue and sacrifice”, but they are also taking the centre stage, irrespective of the genre. Here we have curated a list of must-watch 5 Female-led OTT shows that you simply can not miss!
‘Dabba Cartel’
This series follows a group of women in Mumbai, as their tiffin service becomes a dangerous front for criminal operations. What follows is the force to navigate power, compromises with morality, and loyalty. This thriller-crime drama, starring Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, and Shalini Pandey, is a must-watch if you’re up for some mystery and suspense. You can stream it on Netflix.
‘Maharani’
This is a political drama that follows the rise of an uneducated homemaker as she is thrust into the Chief Minister’s seat. Starring Huma Qureshi, the series offers a compelling journey of a woman’s resilience, transformation, and quiet authority. You can stream this series on SonyLiv.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’
This period drama is set in pre-independence Lahore, and follows the opulent yet brutal life of courtesans. With grand names like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Sanjeeda Shaikh embellishing the star cast, ‘Heeramandi’ is a visually rich saga, driven by oppressed yet strong female characters. You can stream the series on Netflix.
‘Pushpavalli’
The obsessive love of a woman for a man leads her to make disturbing choices. Starring Sumukhi Suresh, Pushpavalli stands out for its unapologetically flawed female protagonist and sharply written humour. Between vulnerability and manipulations, this dark comedy offers an unsettling yet compelling plot. You can stream this series on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Call Me Bae’
This show follows the life of a privileged socialite, played by Ananya Pandey. Her life suddenly falls apart as she is left socially and financially cut off. In the light-hearted drama, she now has to navigate her life, where she unravels self-discovery and ambition. You can stream this show on Netflix.
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