In brief
The Hindi web series 'Chiraiya' has quickly gained popularity on JioHotstar by tackling the sensitive issue of marital rape in India, a subject still uncriminalized in the country. The show has ignited discussions on social media regarding consent and misogyny, while facing criticisms for being perceived as anti-male. It follows the stories of two women, highlighting personal struggles against societal norms, as one confronts her husband's violation on their wedding night. While the show aims to spark conversation around these challenging topics, it reflects a broader societal reluctance to acknowledge and legislate marital rape in India.
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 criminalise 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.
Praised by media critics for confronting a subject that is largely seen as taboo, it has sparked conversations on social media about consent and misogyny. At the same time, some commentators have described it as 'anti-men' and 'an attempt to undermine the sanctity of marriage'.
Divy Nidhi Sharma, the show's scriptwriter, says the series follows two women, Kamlesh and Pooja. Kamlesh, played by Divya Dutta, is a middle-aged homemaker who firmly believes that 'women should be interested in cooking and housework.' Pooja, played by Prasanna Bish, is educated, socially conscious, and advocates for gender equality and dignity.
Their worlds collide when Pooja marries Arun – Kamlesh's brother-in-law who she reared as her own son. Seen as the perfect match for Pooja, her dreams of a happily ever after are shattered when he rapes her on their wedding night. When confronted, Arun dismisses Pooja by stating he has 'just taken what's mine.'
'Why do you keep repeating that I raped you?' he asks, asserting that marital rape is not a crime in India.
Dutta insists that the show reflects the importance of consent, especially in marriage, which is often regarded as a sacred bond. 'It’s very difficult to talk about marital rape. Women believe they are alone in this, and that speaking out would disrupt the harmony of their homes,' she states.
The show highlights that according to Indian government data, 6.1% of ever-married women have experienced sexual violence, yet marital rape remains uncriminalized in India, being among a small group of countries that uphold this archaic legal status. Despite campaigns for reform, resistance from religious groups and men's rights activists has kept these laws intact.
The series has garnered an overwhelming response, with viewers expressing gratitude for shedding light on essential issues. ‘Chiraiya’ focuses not only on the struggles of women but also the broader implications of patriarchy and societal conditioning that affect both genders.
