Skills concerning leadership and decision-making have been historically associated with men. The gender chasm between men and women and their aptitudes toward leadership and managing is ever-growing. While the advent of legal barriers protecting women against discrimination in the workforce is present, it does not erase the centuries-old social attitudes. It is through the concerted efforts of artists such as Shefali Shah, who are spearheading the forces to change these attitudes.
Feminist activists and advocates have taken to the media to represent the power of female representation in leadership. Real-life depictions of women in power are impactful in portraying the potential of assimilating women into leadership roles more profoundly. One of the most prominent, thought-provoking examples of such media is the Netflix-based crime series based on real life, Delhi Crime, starring Shefali Shah.
Shefali Shah- A Woman of Power
Shefali Shah is hailed as one of the most prominent actresses in Bollywood cinema. Her work is extremely influential and groundbreaking in the field of feminist cinema. Her work on projects such as Darlings and Jalsa has provided profound insights into the need for women in power.
Even off-screen, it would be important to note that Shah embodies much of the ideals of her roles, through her no-nonsense, intelligent, passionate, and feminist approach. Delhi Crime has been arguably considered her best work to date, as it was amplified further by the show receiving an Emmy nomination, followed by Shah herself receiving a ‘Best Actress’ nomination by the esteemed Academy.
The Personal Impact of Shah’s Nomination
In a conversation with the woman herself by Filmfare, Shefali revealed her initial disappointment for not being nominated along with the show previously. She expressed that she considered the show her best work, and dared to hope for some more recognition. She also explained that when the nomination did come, she attributed it to validation more than anything else. She expresses how important it is for OTT cinema and series to be so impactful because of their far-reaching viewership and stats.
What Is Delhi Crime About?
Delhi Crime uses real-life stories and case files to portray the sheer enormity of the decisions undertaken by the police force, the cracks it exposes in the systemic policing system, and the consequences of stereotyping, violence, and mislabelling. Shah plays the titular character of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, who was in charge of both the Nirbhaya rape case, as well as the Kachha Baniya Gang case. Shah’s performance was chilling in terms of dedication to the role, and the fierceness she brings to the show, driven by her morality, and duty.
What This Means For The Future
The story of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, who arguably solved the most infamous crimes in the country to date, is based on IPS Officer Chhaya Sharma. Her actions and abilities to uncover evidence of such heinous crimes serve as a testament to the power of great leaders and more importantly, the power of women. These stories are known to us because of this sort of media attention and replication in film. The present and the future need to be spectators to the power of women in power, to create a more equal, inclusive, and safer society.
