A new web series that confronts marital rape in India has put the spotlight on the grim topic in a country that has stubbornly refused to criminalize it.
Chiraiya - the Hindi word for small birds - aired on JioHotstar in March. It has already drawn an audience of millions, making it one of the network's most popular Hindi shows in months.
Praise has been directed at the show by media critics for addressing a subject that is largely seen as taboo, sparking conversations on social media about consent and misogyny. However, some commentators have described it as 'anti-men' and 'an attempt to undermine the sanctity of marriage.'
Divy Nidhi Sharma, the show's scriptwriter, notes that the series follows two women, Kamlesh and Pooja. Kamlesh, played by Divya Dutta, is a middle-aged homemaker who firmly believes 'women should be interested in cooking and housework.' In contrast, Pooja, played by Prasanna Bish, is educated, socially conscious, and vocal about gender equality.
Their worlds collide when Pooja marries Arun – Kamlesh's brother-in-law whom she raised as her own son. Initially seen as the perfect match, Pooja's perception of a fairytale marriage is shattered when Arun rapes her on their wedding night.
During a confrontation, Arun dismisses her horror, stating, 'I’ve just taken what’s mine', and further adds to her despair by saying that marital rape is not recognized as a crime in India.
The series sheds light on the stark realities that many women face, emphasizing that marital rape is a grim reality for too many in India. Government data indicates that 6.1% of ever-married women have experienced sexual violence, yet advocacy to outlaw marital rape faces staunch opposition from religious groups and various activist factions.
Director Shashant Shah insists the intention behind Chiraiya is not to vilify men, but to encourage societal reflection on the issues at hand. He emphasizes: 'Most people are not even aware they are being misogynistic.' While some backlash has emerged, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with messages of appreciation flooding in from viewers who identify with the stories told in Chiraiya.
Dutta, one of the lead actors, expressed pride in the impact Chiraiya is having: 'Rather than just placing the onus on others, this show emphasizes that we must start from home.' It's a reminder that change begins within each and every one of us.'
