Queen Alliance in ‘Mirzapur 4’

Can a crime thriller empower its female characters while telling a tale of men fighting over a crime lord’s legacy? Amazon Prime Video’s Indian original series Mirzapur recently premiered its third season, showcasing some of the most formidable female roles seen in recent mainstream Indian cinema. In an exclusive interview, the show’s leading ladies, Shweta Tripathi and Rasika Duggal, delve into how Mirzapur portrays women.

In the first season, Rasika Duggal’s character, Beena Tripathi, was the most exploited woman in the Tripathi mansion. However, she never let that stop her from carving out her own space and manipulating those around her to her advantage. By the third season, Beena almost forms an alliance that could enable her to lead the pack.

Duggal observes, “Anytime you’ve seen a woman in Mirzapur, even if it might have been a smaller part, she’s had some agency. This is remarkably different from many other things we get to watch. However, the storyline also reflects the patriarchal society we live in, punishing them for exploring their freedom or owning themselves. Yet, at no point do they lack agency.”

She cites the example of the mother of twins Bharat and Shatrughan, highlighting that even minor characters have their own agency or are at least striving to find their space.

Shweta Tripathi loves how Anangsha Biswas’ character, Zarina, seizes and flips opportunities to her favor. “Watching characters, especially women, maneuver situations to their advantage is fascinating. The change is gradually happening, not just onscreen or in the industry, but in society as well. Society is reflected on screen and vice versa. If Rasika and I are shaking things up, I won’t stop.”

Discussing the next season, Duggal expresses hope, “We aim for queens of Mirzapur and an incredible queen alliance.” Tripathi adds, “And men who can accept and respect that.” Duggal quickly interjects, stating that men will be made to accept and respect if they don’t do so willingly.

Tripathi receives varied reactions to her character’s journey in the third season. “It’s intriguing to see men respond to Golu differently; some adore her, calling me ‘King of Mirzapur,’ while others struggle to accept a woman wielding such power. When Season 1 premiered, everyone asked, ‘Where are the women?’ Now that women hold power, some people have issues. This speaks volumes about their upbringing, insecurities, and conditioning.”

She finds the reactions enlightening, offering insights into the world we live in. “I live in a supportive bubble. My parents and family are progressive and encouraging, which has shaped who I am.” Tripathi was thrilled when her father claimed Golu from the third season as his favorite character, a significant compliment because her father is an IAS officer, and her mother and sister are educators.

Duggal, still awaiting her family’s response, reflects on being in awe of certain storylines. She was particularly struck by the narrative of poet Rahim and its impact on Ramakant Pandit, portrayed by Rajesh Tailang. “For me, Rahim’s influence on the conscience of Mirzapur, represented by Ramakant, was the biggest heartbreak. It’s wonderful to see the nuances Ali Fazal brings to his character and Shweta as the don.”

Discussing an actor’s contributions to scenes or character arcs, Duggal emphasizes the importance of strong writing. “I always credit the writers. Their framework is essential for us to give something to our characters. As actors, we creatively contribute and collaborate with our directors and co-actors to enrich scenes as much as possible.”

She provides an example from the end of the third season, where Beena and Kaleen, played by Pankaj Tripathi, finally meet. “It was a straightforward scene on paper. Pankaj suggested a transformation that added depth: when Beena tries to touch Kaleen’s feet, he stops her and hugs her assertively. This subtle addition enriched the moment significantly.”

(This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.)

Source: Forbes