 "Women's Day 2025: Sanya Malhotra in 'Mrs', Shabana Azmi in Netflix's 'Dabba Cartel', the female characters we need to root for")
While these women may not fit into the cookie-cutter image of your good girl next door, being neither demure nor mindful, audiences adore them nonetheless. From exposing the spicy affairs of London’s ton, to going to any lengths to regain control over Heeramandi, these Netflix women are no saints, but that’s exactly what has made them audience favourites. This Women’s Day let’s celebrate women we can’t help but root for—
Fareedan, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Fareedan is a storm, unafraid to shake up the shiny castles Malikajaan had built for herself in Heeramandi. She’s willing to make some truly dangerous gambles to get what she truly wants— the keys to the Heeramandi kothi, even if it deems her a villain in the eyes of the other tawaifs.
Why We Root For Her: Yet, despite this icy exterior, Fareedan, as one would call it, is a girl’s girl, who knows a white man’s demands will never outweigh what’s most important— liberty, for the people of the country and for the brave women of Heeramandi.
Penelope Featherington, Bridgerton
Penelope’s Featheringtone leads quite the illustrious double life: shy sweetie by day, scandal-spilling Lady Whistledown by night. She’s awkward in a crowd, pines for Colin a tad too hard, and occasionally lets her quill run wild with tea that burns bridges. But that’s the charm—she’s a mess of loyalty and longing wrapped in pastel gowns.
Why We Root for Her: Penelope’s imperfections make her relatable. Everyone has had a crush they can’t shake or a secret they’re dying to spill. Her quiet strength and sharp wit keep us invested.
Rani, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba
Rani’s is a walking soap opera—scheming, seductive, and a little too extra with her love-and-revenge plots. She’ll set a trap, cry crocodile tears, then strut away like it’s nothing. Her over-the-top antics could be exhausting, but they’re also addictively entertaining.
Why We Root for Her: She’s unapologetic chaos, and everyone loves it. Rani’s knack for turning heartbreak into high-stakes games keeps us guessing—and cheering.
Koyal Chaddha, Dhoom Dhaam
She’s not your typical Sanskari Bahu but an atypical Punjabi Patakha. That is the perfect description for Koyal Chaddha. She may accelerate a bit too hard through some decisions but she’s got her reasons! Far from the sweet docile wife she was expected to be, she’s brave, loud and unafraid to call out her husband on his prejudice, blushing bride be damned.
Why We Root for Her: Hasn’t every girl dreamed of living a double life away from the restrictions and rules of strict parents? It’s hard to fault our Patakha for searching her escape from the monotonous motions of the femininity that she was expected to perform, knowing very well her life was capable of being much, much more. It helps that Koyal looks like a total badass when she’s in her true element!
Sanya Malhotra- MRS
Sanya Malhotra’s Mrs is a film that has triggered a massive debate on social media about the way it narrates the story of a housewife trapped inside a kitchen. Men are definitely triggered. It’s a social drama that attempts to slap the toxicity of patriarchy.
Shabana Azmi- Dabba Cartel
The veteran plays Sheila Jagtap, an associate of crime boss Haji Mastan, and oozes power and even vulnerability to her performance as always.
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