From Janaawar - The Beast Within to Paatal Lok, 05 Cop Characters You Can’t Forget

Cops in crime thrillers are usually remembered for their crisp uniforms, sharp instincts, and tough exteriors. But every so often, a character stands out not just for the cases they crack, but for the inner storms they wrestle with. In ZEE5’s Janaawar – The Beast Within, Sub-Inspector Hemant Kumar isn’t just chasing criminals, he’s navigating unspoken tensions, a deep sense of otherness, and silent battles shaped by his upbringing and identity. It’s this layered journey that makes him more than just another cop on screen, but a character you won’t forget.

Here are 5 unforgettable cops from Bollywood and OTT who redefined what it means to wear the uniform: 

1. Hemant Kumar – Janaawar – The Beast Within (ZEE5)

Hemant Kumar isn’t just chasing criminals, he’s battling the darkness both around and within him. His journey is as personal as it is procedural, he’s solving crimes while confronting what it means to belong, to be believed, and to assert one’s dignity in a system that frequently overlooks him. Bhuvan Arora delivers a layered performance, bringing rare vulnerability and grit to a small-town cop. Tune into ZEE5 to watch how he dismantles darkness – both around him and within.

2. Hathiram Chaudhary – Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime)

Hathiram’s character proves that being a cop isn’t only about rules, it’s about facing societal pressures, confronting injustice, and wrestling with personal conscience. His journey is as much about the inner struggle as the crimes he investigates. Jaideep Ahlawat plays him with raw intensity, making Hathiram one of OTT’s most complex cops.

3. Abhay Pratap Singh – Abhay (ZEE5)

Abhay Pratap Singh is a Special Task Force officer with a unique edge – he can think like a criminal to catch the most dangerous offenders. Played brilliantly by Kunal Khemu, his character balances razor-sharp intelligence with moral complexity, showing that being a cop isn’t just about following rules, but understanding the mind of those who break them. Stream Abhay on ZEE5 to witness a cop whose brilliance goes beyond the badge.

4. DCP Aditya Rathore – Delhi Crime (Netflix)

Aditya Rathore embodies leadership, empathy, and resilience. Based on real events, her character proves that a cop’s role extends beyond arrests, it’s about protecting, understanding, and relentlessly pursuing justice against all odds. Shefali Shah’s commanding performance redefined what an on-screen cop can be.

5. Inspector Sartaj Singh – Sacred Games (Netflix)

Sartaj Singh represents the moral struggle of good cops in a flawed system. His determination, persistence, and humanity make him a character that stays with viewers, showing that courage isn’t just about action – it’s about integrity. Saif Ali Khan brings nuance and humanity to Sartaj, making him both flawed and unforgettable.

These characters, from Hemant Kumar in Janaawar – The Beast Within to iconic roles across Bollywood and OTT, remind us that a badge can represent far more than authority – it can reflect conscience, courage, and complexity. 

Tune in to ZEE5 and see Hemant’s story unfold – where crime meets conscience, and the beast within is always watching