Though mystery usually belongs to novels and movies, Rajani Pandit lives it every single day. Hailed as India’s first lady private detective, she has spent over four decades decoding secrets, solving crimes, and even saving lives.

From tracking cheating spouses in hotels, infiltrating political campaigns, to uncovering corporate scams, her work often reads like a thriller novel—only, it’s all real. Behind the usual detective image of sunglasses and trench coats, Pandit is a woman driven by grit, courage, and relentless purpose.

Speaking on a podcast with actor Chhavi Mittal, she revealed, “Maine jab se pesha apnaaya hai tab se maut mere saath hi hai”—since the day I took this profession, I have lived with danger.

Her career began right from her college days, when most girls were busy planning their future marriages. Rajani never even had time for such things. “Ladke dekhne ka time hi nahi mila,” she laughs, admitting that her profession consumed her life.

Today, at a time when crime detection is dominated by men, Rajani stands tall as a pioneer who broke stereotypes and created a path for women in India’s private investigation world. Her story proves that truth is stranger—and braver—than fiction.