Cartel (Alt Balaji) Webseries Actress

Tanuj Virwani, Rithvik Dhanjani and Divya Agrawal are main cast of Cartel.

Rithvik Dhanjani, Tanuj Virwani
Cartel is an Indian Hindi language crime drama web series. Tanuj Virwani, Rithvik Dhanjani, Girija Oak, and Pranati Rai Prakash are main cast of Cartel. The web series also stars Divya Agrawal, Jitendra Joshi, Sanaya Pithawalla, Samir Soni, and Ashwatt Bhatt. The web series is looking full of crime and drama.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ALTBalaji (@altbalaji)

The web series is all set to release on ALT Balaji on 20 August, 2021.

Cartel Web Series

Network	ALT Balaji
Web Series	Cartel (2021)
Release Date	20 August, 2021
Language	Hindi
Country	India
Genres	Crime, Drama
Main Cast	Tanuj Virwani, Rithvik Dhanjani, Girija Oak, Pranati Rai Prakash
Director	yet to be updated

Cartel Web Series Cast (ALT Balaji)

Here is cast list of ALT Balaji web series ‘Cartel’,

• Tanuj Virwani
• Rithvik Dhanjani
• Divya Agrawal
• Jitendra Joshi
• Sanaya Pithawalla
• Samir Soni
• Sushrii Mishraa
• Monica Dogra
• Supriya Pathak
• Girija Oak
• Pranati Rai Prakash
• Aditi Vasudev
• Mrinal Dutt
• Amey Wagh
• Krishna Kaul
• Tannishtha Chatterjee
• Keval Desani
• Vibhav Roy
• Vikram Kochhar
• Kannan Arunachalam
• Anil George
• Ashwath Bhatt
• Mayur More

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

The Iron Ladies of the Underworld: A Deep Dive into the Actresses of Alt Balaji’s ‘Cartel’

Alt Balaji’s crime-drama web series, Cartel, is an epic tale of gangland warfare in Mumbai, a gritty saga of power, betrayal, and family loyalty. The series is distinguished by its massive ensemble cast of over 130 actors, but at its heart lies a powerful narrative driven by the women of the underworld, particularly the formidable matriarch, Rani Maai, and the complex female characters who shape the destiny of the Angre family.

Far from being mere props in a male-dominated crime story, the actresses of Cartel portray figures of immense power, mystery, vulnerability, and lethal efficiency. Their performances were central to the show’s intrigue, establishing them as the true iron ladies of the Mumbai crime-lord family.

Here is a detailed look at the leading and pivotal actresses who commanded the screen in Alt Balaji’s Cartel.

---

The Matriarch: Supriya Pathak as Rani Maai

At the very core of the Cartel universe is Rani Maai, the head of the powerful Angre family and the undisputed “Iron Lady” of the Mumbai underworld. This central character, whose attempted assassination ignites the entire plot, is portrayed with chilling authority by the veteran actress, Supriya Pathak.

The Queen on the Throne

Supriya Pathak’s casting as Rani Maai was one of the most anticipated announcements of the series. The character is the power broker who has managed to keep a fragile peace among the five rival crime lords—Khan, Anna, Angre, Gajraj, and a mysterious movie producer—for years through her sheer will and influence.

• The Role’s Significance: Rani Maai is the foundation of the Angre legacy, having taken over the gang after her husband’s death. The entire 14-episode series is essentially a battle for the throne after she is shot and slips into a coma in the very first episode.
• Performance Review: Pathak’s portrayal was highly praised for its authenticity and depth. Though her physical presence is limited after the initial incident, her character’s legend, influence, and the motivation for revenge drive every plot point forward. She brought a palpable intensity to the role, showcasing the silent strength and calculated ruthlessness required of a gangland matriarch.
• Differentiator from Past Roles: Pathak herself noted the challenge of playing another formidable negative matriarch after her highly acclaimed role as Dhankor Baa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. She stated her deliberate effort to differentiate Rani Maai, giving her a distinct stance and walk to reflect a new kind of power.

Supriya Pathak: A Legacy of Versatility

Supriya Pathak Kapoor is an institution in Indian cinema and television. Her career spans decades, marked by an incredible range of roles.

• The Iconic Hansa: Despite her critically acclaimed dramatic and negative roles, she is perhaps most famously known for her comedic turn as the eccentric and beloved Hansa Parekh in the long-running comedy show Khichdi.
• Filmography Highlights: Her work in films like Bazaar (1982), Masoom (1983), and winning multiple Filmfare Awards for her roles showcases her versatility. Her ability to effortlessly transition between high-drama, intense negative roles, and light-hearted comedy makes her one of the most respected figures in the industry.

---

The Enigma: Divya Agarwal as Grizzey

One of the show’s most talked-about performances came from Divya Agarwal, who played the mysterious and multi-faceted character, Grizzey (sometimes spelled Grissy). Her role introduced one of the series’ most complex and visually transformative elements.

The Make-up Artist Assassin

Grizzey is no ordinary member of the Angre family’s operations; she is a master of disguise, an assassin whose real face or identity is unknown to most.

• A Role of Six Faces: Divya Agarwal revealed that her character required her to portray at least six distinct personalities with drastically different physical appearances. This included transforming into an old woman, a transgender person, and various other aliases. This challenging role demanded a complete change in body language, accent, and dialogue delivery for each get-up.
• Prosthetic Transformation: Agarwal documented the rigorous process of wearing prosthetic makeup, which sometimes took hours, completely blocking her senses except for her nose. She called this project an “ode to my father” and a role that would prove her “acting mettle,” viewing it as the equivalent of shooting six different shows simultaneously.

Divya Agarwal: From Reality Star to Leading Lady

Divya Agarwal’s journey to the core cast of a major action-drama series is noteworthy, having built a significant career on reality television before fully transitioning to acting.

• Reality TV Success: She gained prominence as the runner-up of MTV Splitsvilla 10 and the winner of MTV Ace of Space 1. Her biggest reality television win came in 2021 when she was crowned the winner of Bigg Boss OTT 1.
• Early Web Career: Prior to Cartel, she made her acting debut in the horror web series Ragini MMS: Returns 2. Cartel became a major stepping stone, showcasing her dramatic range beyond her reality TV persona.

---

The Femme Fatale and The Family

The narrative of Cartel is further enriched by several other powerful women, including an international celebrity playing the role of a seductive love interest and a celebrated Marathi actress as a key member of the Angre household.

Monica Dogra as Maya

Monica Dogra brought a sophisticated and enigmatic presence to the series as Maya.

• The Mystical Love Interest: Monica played the role of the beautiful, charming, and highly manipulative love interest of Abhay Angre (played by Rithvik Dhanjani). Her character, Maya, was described as the “femme fatale” of the drama, whose motivations were constantly under question.
• Complex Character Arc: Dogra stated that Maya was a “sensuous and mystical” character who “has learnt to use the power of her sexuality to get what she wants.” Her role was designed to keep the audience guessing whether she was a villain using others or a victim being misguided herself, adding a layer of moral ambiguity to the action thriller.
• A Multi-Talented Artist: An American musician and actress of Indian origin, Monica Dogra is also a well-known name in the music scene as part of the electro-rock band Shaa’ir and Func. As an actress, she is known for her roles in films like Dhobi Ghat and the web series The Married Woman.

Girija Oak as Rama

Marathi cinema and theatre star, Girija Oak, joined the ensemble as Rama, a pivotal member of the Angre family.

• The Loyal Daughter-in-Law: Girija Oak’s character, Rama, is the wife of Madhu Angre (Jitendra Joshi) and a beloved daughter-in-law to Rani Maai. She represents the softer, more family-oriented side of the gang’s inner circle, yet holds a strong, quirky personality.
• Connecting the Family: The actress expressed her fondness for the role, noting Rama’s special connection with every member of the Angre family. Her strong camaraderie with her on-screen husband, Jitendra Joshi (an old friend from their theatre days), translated into a convincing on-screen marriage.
• Career Footprint: Girija Oak is a prominent actress known in both Hindi and Marathi entertainment, with notable appearances in Bollywood films like Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan.

Pranati Rai Prakash as Sumi Angre

Pranati Rai Prakash portrayed the role of Sumi Angre, the youngest and one of the most sheltered members of the powerful family.

• The Aspiring Actress: Sumi is an aspiring actress, full of life, yet sensitive and emotionally volatile, belonging to the gangster family. Her character goes through an “evolution” and a life-changing “transformation” as she navigates her personal dreams against the backdrop of her family’s dark reality.
• The Outsider’s Journey: Pranati highlighted the contrast between herself and her character; while Sumi is a pampered girl from a gangster family, Pranati comes from a strict Army background and moved out at a young age. This contrast allowed her to explore a different set of emotions on screen.
• Background in Pageantry: Pranati Rai Prakash first garnered public attention as the Miss India 2015 Runner-Up and a contestant on India’s Next Top Model. Cartel allowed her to move into more substantial dramatic roles alongside projects like the web film Penthouse.

---

Other Notable Female Faces in the Cartel

The show’s massive cast included several other talented actresses who played crucial roles in the intricate web of the underworld.

Actress	Character Role	Significance
Tannishtha Chatterjee	Romilla	A critically acclaimed actress known for her work in international and independent cinema, her presence added significant gravitas to the ensemble.
Sushrii Shreya Mishraa	Vaidehi	A model and actress who contributed to the sprawling narrative, adding another layer to the Angre family’s extended network.
Aditi Vasudev	Shweta	Her role as Shweta Angre further detailed the complex interpersonal dynamics and loyalties within the core crime family.

---

The Impact: Female Power in a Gangland Saga

Cartel stands out not just for its action and scale but for its portrayal of powerful and complex female characters. The women of the Angre family and their associates were not passive observers; they were the architects of stability, the drivers of revenge, and the sources of both loyalty and betrayal.

Supriya Pathak’s Rani Maai, even while in a coma, remains the shadow authority, a testament to the power of the matriarch. Divya Agarwal’s shape-shifting assassin, Grizzey, introduces a fascinating blend of glamour and deadly skill. The combined efforts of this stellar lineup—Pathak, Agarwal, Dogra, Oak, and Prakash—ensure that the women of Cartel are just as ruthless, complex, and memorable as their male counterparts, making the series a compelling watch.

The series successfully leveraged the star power of established veterans and the fresh appeal of popular young artists, proving that even in the world of gang wars, the most decisive hands often belong to the women.

---

AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Who is the main actress in the Alt Balaji web series Cartel?

A: The main actress in the Alt Balaji web series Cartel is the veteran Indian actress Supriya Pathak, who plays the central role of Rani Maai, the formidable matriarch and head of the Angre crime family in Mumbai.

Q2: What was Divya Agarwal’s role in the Cartel web series?

A: Divya Agarwal played the challenging and mysterious role of Grizzey (Grissy) in Cartel. Grizzey is a master make-up artist and assassin who is famous for her numerous disguises. To play the part, Divya had to undergo major physical transformations, portraying up to six different characters, including an old woman and a transgender person, often involving extensive prosthetic makeup.

Q3: Who played the character of Maya in Cartel?

A: The character of Maya, the enigmatic and manipulative love interest of Abhay Angre (Rithvik Dhanjani), was played by the musician and actress Monica Dogra. Her character was described as the “femme fatale” of the series.

Q4: What is the plot of the Cartel web series?

A: Cartel is a crime-drama series centered around the Mumbai underworld. The plot revolves around the Angre family, one of the five major gang lords of the city, led by Rani Maai. The peace treaty among the five gangs is shattered after Rani Maai is attacked and goes into a coma, forcing her three sons to step up and wage a war to find the attacker and protect their family and turf.

Q5: Who are the other prominent actresses in the Cartel cast?

A: Besides Supriya Pathak and Divya Agarwal, other prominent actresses in the Cartel cast include:

• Girija Oak as Rama (Madhukar Angre’s wife).
• Pranati Rai Prakash as Sumi Angre (The youngest and most volatile member of the family).
• Tannishtha Chatterjee as Romilla.
• Sushrii Shreya Mishraa as Vaidehi.