Women’s Day 2026: Shefali Shah, Karishma Tanna, Kajol - Powerful female characters on OTT that redefined storytelling

Women’s Day 2026 is a moment to celebrate women's strength, resilience and inspiring journeys. Over the past few years, OTT platforms have created space for layered female characters who challenge stereotypes and lead gripping narratives. From fearless cops and political leaders to complex anti-heroes, these women have left a powerful mark on viewers. Here’s a look at some memorable female characters on OTT that continue to resonate with audiences.

Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in ‘Delhi Crime’ (2019–2022) earned widespread acclaim. As the determined police officer leading a team investigating brutal crimes, her character combines empathy with unwavering resolve. The Emmy-winning series also stars Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain and Rajesh Tailang, with episodes running close to 50 minutes. This acclaimed series streams on Netflix.

Karishma Tanna delivers a standout performance as journalist Jagruti Pathak in ‘Scoop’ (2023), inspired by real-life events in the Mumbai crime reporting world. The series follows Jagruti as she becomes entangled in a high-profile case that puts her career and reputation at risk. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the show co-stars Harman Baweja and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with episodes lasting around 45 minutes. This series streams on Netflix.

In ‘The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha’ (2023), Kajol plays Noyonika Sengupta, a homemaker forced to return to her legal career after her husband, portrayed by Jisshu Sengupta, is jailed on corruption charges. As she rebuilds her life in the courtroom, Noyonika confronts emotional upheaval and societal judgement. The legal drama also features Kubbra Sait and Alyy Khan, with episodes averaging 35–40 minutes. This series streams on Jio Hotstar.

In the thriller series ‘Mrs Deshpande,’ Madhuri Dixit takes on a darker role as a manipulative serial killer who assists the police in tracking down a copycat murderer. Despite mixed reactions to the series overall, her performance stood out for its complexity and unpredictability. The show features episodes of around 40 minutes and explores psychological mind games between investigators and criminals. The series is available for streaming on Jio Hotstar.

Shabana Azmi commands attention in ‘Dabba Cartel’ (2025), where she plays the formidable matriarch at the centre of a secret network run by seemingly ordinary women. Beneath its domestic façade lies a dangerous operation that challenges the power structures around them. The crime drama also stars Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan and Shalini Pandey, with episodes around 40–45 minutes long. This series streams on Netflix.

In the drama series ‘Made in Heaven’ (2019–2023), Sobhita Dhulipala portrays Tara Khanna, a sophisticated wedding planner navigating Delhi’s elite social circles. While running a luxury wedding business alongside her partner Karan Mehra (played by Arjun Mathur), Tara struggles with ambition, social mobility and emotional turmoil in her marriage. The series also features Kalki Koechlin and Jim Sarbh, with episodes typically running between 45 and 55 minutes. The series streams on Amazon Prime Video.

Sushmita Sen’s powerful performance in ‘Aarya’ (2020–2023) remains one of OTT’s most celebrated roles. She plays Aarya Sareen, a mother who reluctantly steps into the world of crime after her husband’s death to protect her children. The thriller series also features Chandrachur Singh and Sikandar Kher, with episodes running approximately 45–55 minutes. The series streams on Jio Hotstar.

Vaani Kapoor headlines the crime thriller ‘Mandala Murders,’ where she plays Rea Thomas, a CIB officer investigating a disturbing series of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur. The series blends crime investigation with psychological drama and mythology-inspired themes. Each episode runs roughly 40–50 minutes and features an ensemble cast including Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Surveen Chawla. The show streams on Netflix.

Raveena Tandon made a strong digital debut with ‘Aranyak’ (2021), playing police officer Kasturi Dogra. Set in a fictional hill town in Himachal Pradesh, the mystery drama follows Dogra and her colleague Angad Malik (played by Parambrata Chatterjee) as they investigate a chilling case linked to local folklore. The episodes run roughly 45 minutes. This series is available on Netflix.

Rasika Dugal’s Beena Tripathi in ‘Mirzapur’ (2018–2024) stands out as one of OTT’s most complex characters. Initially appearing subdued within a patriarchal household, Beena gradually asserts her own power and agency. The crime saga also features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Shweta Tripathi Sharma, with episodes running between 45 and 60 minutes. This series is available on Amazon Prime Video.