Bollywood's Flawed Portrayal of Surrogacy in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Bollywood, known for its grandiose plots and over-the-top storytelling, occasionally takes on sensitive issues with results that range from mediocre to disastrous. One such example is the film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Despite its star-studded cast and progressive themes, the poor representation of surrogacy in the film led to cringe-worthy moments and a miscast of a crucial, modern concept.

Summary of the Plot

The film revolves around Raj and Priya, a couple desperately hoping for a child. They approach surrogacy as a potential solution to their infertility, but the execution of the storyline and the surrounding humor manage to render the entire concept absurd. Raj and Priya's journey includes unrealistic and illogical steps, from Raj's aggressive and inappropriate approach to finding a surrogate to the bizarre and unnecessary sex scenes with a female surrogate.

Elements of the Film

The film features exaggerated action sequences, melodramatic dialogues, and a plot that often defies logic. Raj and Priya's quest for a child through surrogacy includes encounters that are both hilarious and outrageous. These elements contribute to a cult following of absurdity in the film, making it a notable example in the realm of Bollywood's ridiculous storytelling.

Cultural Impact

Despite its numerous flaws, the film garnered attention for attempting to address a sensitive topic like surrogacy. However, its mishandling of the subject has led to widespread criticism and a lack of educational value for its viewers. The film's portrayal of surrogacy as a ridiculous and eventually failing endeavor has done little to educate or inform its audience about the real world of surrogacy.

Key Misrepresentations and Cringe-Worthy Moments

No you don't ask like that for surrogacy: Raj, acting on the urging of his wife, pesters women in the street looking for someone to be his surrogate. This constant pestering, not to mention the public nature, is not only unrealistic but also unethical. Surrogacy is a personal, delicate process that requires careful consent and understanding, not public hounding.

You don't need sex for surrogacy: The film implies that Raj had to have sex with Madhu, a female surrogate, in order to fulfill their dream of having a child. This is both incorrect and a gross misrepresentation of the modern methods of surrogacy. While artificial insemination (AI) might sometimes be part of the process, it is not a prerequisite and certainly not something that should be approached in a sexually aggressive manner. The film could have easily explained that the couple could opt for IVF, which would bypass the need for sexual intercourse altogether.

Heard about IVF: One of the most frustrating aspects of the film is the lack of any mention of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) as an alternative. IVF is a non-invasive method of surrogacy where eggs are fertilized in a laboratory and then transferred to the surrogate. The film's portrayal of the process is not only incorrect but also introduces modern and ethical methods to the audience, which could have been a valuable addition to the storyline.

Who fakes a pregnancy to their family: The final straw for many viewers was the scene where Priya fakes a pregnancy by stuffing pillows under her saree. This scene underscores the film's lack of understanding and respect for the complexities and personal choices involved in surrogacy. Faking a pregnancy is not only unnecessary but also a careless disregard for the real-life experiences of those who actually undergo surrogacy.

These cringe-worthy moments in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke highlight the need for better research and accurate portrayal in Bollywood films. Despite its star-studded cast and a somewhat progressive concept, the film ultimately fails to educate or inform its audience about the true nature of surrogacy.

Conclusion

Bollywood films often attempt to tackle modern and sensitive issues, but the execution can sometimes fall flat. Chori Chori Chupke Chupke is a prime example of how poor representation can lead to misguided perceptions and a lack of educational value. While the film has garnered a cult following for its absurdity, it is crucial for future films to prioritize accuracy and ethical representation of topics like surrogacy.

Keywords: Bollywood, surrogacy, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke