Delhi vs Mumbai: Women’s Safety Insights by Delhi Crime 3 Stars

The debate over which Indian city is safer for women — Delhi or Mumbai — has persisted for decades. Women who have lived in both often share strong opinions shaped by personal experiences. The conversation recently resurfaced with the release of Delhi Crime 3, as cast members Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, and Sayani Gupta shared their perspectives on urban safety, gender dynamics, and city infrastructure.

Delhi’s Perceived Insecurity

Delhi has long faced criticism for safety concerns, particularly for women navigating public spaces after dark. Streets often empty early, contributing to a sense of vulnerability, even for those familiar with the city. Shefali Shah, who plays DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in the series, revealed that her personal comfort level in Delhi remains limited.

“I don’t go out unless I’m shooting. Even if a close friend suggests dinner, I usually refuse. I’ve rarely stepped out in Delhi for leisure,” Shah explained.

She emphasized that the perception of Delhi as unsafe is compounded by cultural and social factors. Shah noted that certain behavioral patterns, such as a lack of respect for personal space, contribute to discomfort, particularly when encountering strangers in public.

“It’s not just about crime. People sometimes disregard boundaries. The wrong person doing the wrong thing can escalate situations quickly,” she added.

Despite its reputation, she clarified that crime is not exclusive to Delhi. “It’s not just Delhi. Sadly, such incidents occur globally. Delhi Crime highlights cases originating there, but the network of crime spreads nationwide,” Shah observed.

Youth, Fearlessness, and Hindsight

Sayani Gupta, who studied and lived in Delhi, reflected on the contrast between youthful fearlessness and the realities of adult awareness. She recalled walking around major areas like Pragati Maidan in her late teens without encountering harm, but acknowledged that hindsight changes perspective.

“When I was 20, I probably felt protected, but now I realize the risks I unknowingly took. Youth makes you braver, but it doesn’t eliminate danger,” she said.

Gupta highlighted that, compared to Delhi, Mumbai offers a greater sense of safety and personal freedom. The city’s round-the-clock activity and focus on individual pursuits create an environment where women can live and work without constant vigilance.

“Mumbai is the safest city to live in for women. You don’t worry about when to leave or what to wear. People are focused on their hustle rather than scrutinizing others,” Gupta noted.

Rasika Dugal: Safety Influenced by Urban Design

Rasika Dugal, who portrays IPS Neeti Singh, pointed out that safety is often shaped by a city’s infrastructure rather than its residents’ attitudes. Her college years in Delhi were marked by caution and a constant need to remain alert.

“I had to watch my back constantly. The city’s reputation restricted opportunities to socialize and explore freely. It wasn’t just my perception; the narrative around Delhi influenced my experience,” Dugal stated.

She believes Mumbai’s perceived safety is tied to practical factors: efficient public transport, late-night activity, and crowded streets create natural surveillance, reducing the likelihood of harassment.

“Mumbai feels safer because the city is always awake, there are eyes on the street, and public transport is reliable. If these factors were different, the safety perception might change,” she explained.

Safety Beyond Geography

All three actors emphasized that safety is multifaceted, involving societal norms, infrastructure, and awareness. While Delhi has earned a reputation for insecurity, it is not inherently more dangerous than other urban centers. Conversely, Mumbai’s perceived safety is enhanced by its urban design and lifestyle rather than solely by the people living there.

“Delhi Crime 3 is not just about Delhi. The criminal activities span across the country, showing that urban safety is a complex issue, not limited to one city.”

The latest season of the critically acclaimed series, directed by Tanuj Chopra, delves into pressing social issues such as human trafficking, policing, and gender-based violence. Starring Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Sayani Gupta, and Huma Qureshi, the series continues to explore the challenges law enforcement faces while addressing systemic crime in India. Delhi Crime 3 will be available for streaming on Netflix from November 13.