Shefali Shah, known for her compelling portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in the acclaimed series Delhi Crime, has recently shared her candid views on the show's upcoming season, women's safety, and the representation of women in law enforcement. With Delhi Crime Season 3 premiering on Netflix today, November 13, 2025, the conversation around these crucial topics has resurfaced.
Shah returns as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime Season 3, joined by Huma Qureshi and Rasika Dugal. The series, created by Richie Mehta, delves into a new case that blurs moral lines and challenges justice. The official trailer, released on November 4, 2025, offers a glimpse into the season's plot, revealing a chilling network of human trafficking, where people are moved like commodities, identities erased, and lives traded under the guise of opportunity.
In an exclusive interview, Shah emphasized the importance of women being aware and taking responsibility for their safety. "As a woman, you have to be aware of what's going on. You have to keep your antennas up," she stated, highlighting the unfortunate reality that women often need to be hyper-vigilant. She recounted how almost every woman has faced some form of exploitation or harassment, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety. Shah believes that an ideal world is one where women don't have to adjust their lives, but rather, such incidents simply do not occur. She expressed her belief that "our girls will be safe if our sons are raised right," while acknowledging that achieving this is a long-term goal.
The discussion around women's safety also brought up the comparison between Delhi and Mumbai. Shah admitted feeling unsafe in Delhi, revealing that she rarely goes out unless it's for shooting with her team. She pointed out that it wasn't just about crime but also about a lack of respect for personal space, which can make one feel uncomfortable. Sayani Gupta, another cast member, shared her perspective on urban safety, gender dynamics, and city infrastructure. Rasika Dugal, who also stars in Delhi Crime 3, recalled feeling unsafe in Delhi during her college years and emphasized Mumbai's relatively safer environment due to its efficient public transport, late-night activity, and constant presence of people.
Shah also addressed the portrayal of women in uniform, acknowledging the complexities and challenges they face. She emphasized the importance of sensitivity and understanding in portraying these roles, highlighting the "silent sisterhood" and compassion that exists among women. Huma Qureshi added that the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities often leads to exploitation, further exacerbating the problem.
Delhi Crime has garnered international recognition, including an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020. With Season 3, the series promises to delve deeper into themes of justice, compassion, and the personal cost of duty.
