Post by : Meena
Hassan
The longstanding debate on which Indian city provides a safer environment for women — Delhi or Mumbai — has sparked renewed conversations ahead of the upcoming release of Delhi Crime 3. Cast members Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, and Sayani Gupta discuss their personal experiences regarding urban safety and gender dynamics.
Delhi’s Issues with Safety
Delhi has often been criticized for its safety concerns, particularly impacting women who venture out, especially after sundown. The early closing of streets adds to a prevailing sentiment of insecurity, even for long-time residents. Shefali Shah, who portrays DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, noted that she feels uneasy about going out in Delhi.
“I only go out when I have to film. Even dinner invitations from friends usually end up declined. Leisure outings in Delhi have been quite rare for me,” Shah commented.
She further explained that cultural factors exacerbate feelings of insecurity in Delhi. She mentioned that disrespect for personal space can lead to uncomfortable encounters with strangers.
“Crime is not the only issue. Sometimes, people ignore boundaries, leading to escalations quickly,” she observed.
Shah also clarified that crime is a nationwide problem. “It’s not a Delhi-exclusive issue. Such incidents happen everywhere. While Delhi Crime showcases local cases, crime networks stretch beyond just one city,” she explained.
Reflections on Youth and Safety
Sayani Gupta, who has lived and studied in Delhi, reflected on the shift from youthful fearlessness to adult caution. She recalled feeling secure exploring places like Pragati Maidan as a teenager, but acknowledged that such innocence fades.
“At 20, I felt invincible, but looking back, I see the risks I took without realizing it. Being young makes you bold but doesn’t shield you from danger,” she reflected.
In contrast, Gupta believes that Mumbai provides a much safer and liberated atmosphere for women. The city buzzes with activity around the clock, creating an environment conducive to women living and working freely.
“Mumbai is the safest city for women. There’s no worry about when to go out or what to wear. People are too busy focusing on their own lives rather than judging others,” she asserted.
Rasika Dugal on Urban Design and Safety
Rasika Dugal, who plays IPS Neeti Singh, highlighted that safety is significantly influenced by a city’s infrastructure rather than merely the behavior of its inhabitants. Her college years in Delhi were riddled with constant alertness.
“I always felt I had to be on guard. Delhi’s reputation curtailed my chances of socializing and exploring freely. My experience was heavily shaped by the existing narrative surrounding the city,” Dugal stated.
She proposed that Mumbai's safety perception stems from practical elements: vibrant public transport, late-night activities, and crowded venues foster natural surveillance and deter harassment.
“Mumbai feels safer thanks to its round-the-clock life; eyes are always on the streets, and public transport is trustworthy. A shift in these dynamics could change how we see safety here,” she said.
Understanding Safety Beyond Borders
All three actors underscored that safety is a complex issue influenced by culture, design, and individual awareness. Despite Delhi’s notoriety, it isn’t inherently riskier than other urban landscapes. Likewise, Mumbai’s perceived safety is a byproduct of its design and lifestyle, not solely its residents.
“Delhi Crime 3 is not isolated to Delhi. It sheds light on criminal behaviors that exist extensively across India, illustrating that urban safety is a deeper, multifaceted issue,” they concluded.
Directed by Tanuj Chopra, the latest installment of the series explores critical social topics such as human trafficking, policing, and gender-based violence. Featuring Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Sayani Gupta, and Huma Qureshi, Delhi Crime 3 will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 13.
English
