How Bollywood Portrays Women as Sex Objects: Part 2
- Dikshita Jain
- May 2, 2022
- 2 min read
“Tu cheez badi hai mast mast” from the movie Mohra, quite literally refers to “women as an item that is sexy.” When I first heard this song, I added it to my playlist without thinking much of it, like usual. Now looking back, I realise how sexist the song is. The fact that women are perceived as an object is enough to know how society views women. Yet, those with a traditional, patriarchal mindset still choose to deny it.
Now, you all might think that I am raising concerns over calling someone “hot” or “sexy.” There is no wrong in calling someone hot, sexy or handsome – as long as it’s consensual. But, there is a difference in objectifying them.
Many who heard the phrase “pataka maal hai,” which translates to firecracker or an item are often said by men saying these triggering comments at other women and myself, at least according to my knowledge. It is NOT a compliment in any way. It is sexual harassment! This is the beginning of understanding how smoothly society and Bollywood continue to get away with songs that contribute to such toxic mindsets about women.
“Jumma Chumma De De” was released in 1991, and I’m sure all of you have heard this catchy Bollywood song at any gathering or event you attended, and had fun listening to it.
It’s always fun listening to Bollywood songs from the beats and vibes they give off. However, as usual, when I understood the meaning of the lyrics, it becomes a whole different meaning to the song that is promoting sexual assault against a “submissive gender.”
The whole song revolves around a conversation between a man and a woman.
It is a Friday night, the man goes to the woman asking her to fulfil her promise of giving him a kiss, but when the time comes, she refuses to give him a kiss and withdraws consent.
During the 90’s, it might have seemed normal, but this is not the case anymore due to more conversations about consent in today’s world.
This song is one of the best examples of the lack of seriousness regarding a woman’s consent to her bodily autonomy.
If there’s one thing we need to be clear about, consent is not complicated. Growing up and listening to Bollywood songs, and watching Bollywood movies, I never even knew what the term consent was. I did not know the term even existed (please check out Consent is like a cup of Tea for more information and educational purposes on consent).
Sex without consent with anyone a crime and assault.
Referring back to the songs, I know it is hard to accept the reality of these songs. We all jam out to these songs, and enjoy listening to them, But we need to stop listening to songs that only disrespect another individual, that reduces their value to a thing.
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