Mumbai, Maharashtra: In an exclusive conversation, author S. Hussain Zaidi, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, actor Jaideep Ahlawat, Ram Gopal Varma and actress Kirti Kulhari discussed 'Mafia Queen of India' and its nuanced portrayal of women in crime. They noted how these stories challenge stereotypes by revealing cunning, resilience, and psychological depth. Rather than glorifying criminals, the focus remains on human experiences, trauma, survival and circumstances shaping their choices. The panel emphasized empathy and emotional authenticity as key to storytelling. They concluded that today’s OTT audiences are increasingly drawn to layered, humanized narratives of the underworld beyond mere violence.
