Watch Mafia Queens

Mafia Queens of India is a thrilling docudrama series that takes an in-depth look at the lives of some of the most fearsome Indian female gangsters, their reign, and the impact they left on their communities and the country’s crime history. The series is produced by Kavita Chaudhary who has been a veteran scriptwriter and actress in the Indian television industry for decades. Her experience gives the show an authenticity and depth that is unparalleled. Chaudhary, as the anchor, takes the viewers on a gripping journey through the world of women gangsters, a path that is rarely discussed publicly.

The show’s first episode is dedicated to Ashraf Bhatkar, a woman who belonged to a family of Jhansi-based bandits. She joined the gang when she was 15 and later became notorious for her crimes, including murder and dacoity. The episode also features voices of people who encountered her, either as victims or members of her gang.

The second episode, titled ‘Jyoti Amge’ focusses on Jyoti, famously known as the world’s smallest woman. However, the episode does not emphasize the physical attribute of its protagonist but her association with the underworld. Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Jyoti was one of the many girls who, like Ashraf, were abducted by notorious gangs. However, Jyoti’s life takes an unusual turn when a police officer comes to her rescue, offering her an escape from an abusive marriage and the underworld.

Baigum Nawab, another gangster who found a place in the series, was known to be one of the pioneers in the business of extortion. She started working at a young age of 16 and later became one of the most respected and feared criminal figures in Mumbai. In the third episode, which is dedicated to her life, Chaudhary explores Baigum’s background in detail and showcases how she became a mastermind in the art of extortion, especially in the real estate industry.

The series also features episodes centered around other powerful women such as Sonu Punjaban, a former sex worker who became a notorious trafficking queen, Shashikala Ramesh Patel aka Baby Patankar who was a major drug supplier; and Santokben Jadeja, a brilliant woman who took charge of her husband’s criminal activities and controlled gang wars with an iron hand.

Mafia Queens of India breaks the stereotype and highlights the exceptional talents and resilience of the women it features. The show emphasizes how these women, in patriarchal and oppressive societies, carved out and created their own space, and gained power through unlawful means. Although morally questionable, their actions were not justified, but their journeys make for an intriguing watch. The series does not glorify their actions or justify their crimes but presents their stories as it is, without judgment or prejudice.

The show is beautifully shot and edited, with stunning visuals, and the background score adds to the overall impact. The episodes are insightful, captivating and leave the viewers spellbound. Kavita Chaudhary, as an anchor, ensures that the episodes are not merely facts and data but are instead presented with a human touch, that is aplenty in all the stories.

In conclusion, Mafia Queens of India is an excellent docudrama series that showcases the extraordinary lives of some powerful women who were once feared and respected on the streets of India. The series is not only relevant for its entertainment value but also for providing insight into the dark underbelly of the society that India is still grappling with today. Finally, for anyone interested in true-crime stories and Indian history, this show is a must-watch.

Mafia Queens is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on June 5, 2016.