Rasika Dugal Discusses Her Role in Netflix's Kartavya and Women's Representation in Cinema
Rasika Dugal's Evolving Roles in Cinema
Rasika Dugal is renowned for her choice of roles that defy stereotypes and add depth to often overlooked characters. She is set to portray the wife of a police officer, played by Saif Ali Khan, in Netflix's upcoming series Kartavya. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on the transition from playing an IPS officer in Delhi Crime to embodying the cop’s spouse, highlighting the frequently ignored narratives of women connected to men in service roles, such as police or military personnel. Dugal raised the question of whether the film industry genuinely honors women, who are frequently cast in supporting roles despite their significant contributions. She emphasized the necessity for authentic representation and called for narratives that provide women with the recognition, respect, and complexity they deserve.
Rasika Dugal on Female Representation
Rasika Dugal on Female Characters' Recognition
In an exclusive conversation, Rasika Dugal was asked if the portrayal of women in the lives of men in service roles is adequately represented on screen. She responded, "Yes, we do give them enough respect. Not in every film. I've not seen that happen in every film. But I have seen that even with shorter screen time, the roles that used to be cardboard cutouts are not like that anymore. There is some examination of what's happening in a relationship, in the life of a woman. There is an attempt to understand, to give it some sort of value and attention." While she acknowledged that success is not guaranteed, she noted that the intent to improve is often present. Dugal expressed optimism about the industry's progress, believing that it is evolving positively.
Championing Women-Centric Narratives
Rasika Dugal on Supporting Women-Centric Roles
When discussing the push for women-centric narratives in films, Rasika admitted that she is not involved in the decision-making processes, and sometimes prefers it that way. She voiced her concerns about the dismissive attitudes towards crafting meaningful roles for women, labeling them as “lost causes” in some discussions. "I hope there are people in those rooms with better sense who can realize that there needs to be diversity in storytelling for it to be palpable in today's world," she stated. Dugal noted that even small changes are occurring in the narratives she encounters, with efforts to portray these roles as genuine relationships rather than mere stereotypes. She challenged the notion that only male heroes can succeed, asserting that the audience is ready for female-centric stories if given the chance.
About Kartavya
Details on Kartavya
Kartavya is a gripping Hindi crime thriller set to premiere on Netflix. The series features Saif Ali Khan as Pawan Malik, an honest cop whose life spirals out of control following the murder of a journalist during his watch. Rasika Dugal plays his wife in this intense narrative. Directed by Pulkit, Kartavya is scheduled for release on May 15, 2026.