How often do you see a male cop in a film? Or rather, how many famous female detectives has Indian cinema immortalized? We ask this question because, with the advent of OTT platforms, content and storytelling has drastically changed. The popular releases on ZEE5 have featured leading actresses make a mark with roles that were earlier dominated by the handsome dudes of TV and film industry. To begin with, Jennifer Winget’s portrayal of a military lawyer Monica Mehra was one of the striking features of Code M because it is not often you see a lawyer in the Indian Army who is a female.

Watch the teaser of Code M here:

Same goes for Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya in Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala. Sure, it showed Rajeev Khandelwal’s character as a Michelin-star famous chef but Divyanka essayed the role of a Head Chef at a popular eatery in the web series. Next, you visit a five-star hotel, ask who their head chef is. You’ll get the point we are trying to make!

Sakshi Tanwar as the calm and composed Air Traffic Controller Chief Kiran Mirza in ZEE5 Original The Final Call is par excellence. Not only does she leave a lasting impression with her performance but also breaks the ‘bahu’ mould the audience have associated her for long.

Mission Over Mars (MOM) was special for several reasons, one being that it brought to light the efforts and dedication of female scientists at ISRO. Sakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Nidhi Singh and Palomi Ghosh played the part of the women scientists who made a significant contribution in making India’s Mars Orbiters Mission a supreme success!

Another example of women starring in male-dominated roles is Saand ki Aankh. The Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer movie bring the story of ‘Shooter Dadis’ – Prakashi Tomar and Chandro Tomar. The duo took up the profession of shooting at the age of 60 and have won medals at several tournaments ever since. Of course, Abinav Bindra needs no introduction but thanks to Saand ki Aankh so do the ‘Shooter Dadis’ now!

In the meantime, watch all the episodes of Haiwaan, streaming on ZEE5.