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How Bollywood Has Distorted Our Ideas of Sexuality and Body Image

Written By: Sindhu Kambam
April 13, 2021

Highlights

Bollywood’s idea of sexuality has far-reaching consequences on India’s social fabric.

The impression of sexuality and body image as shown in Bollywood films tend to implant wrong ideas in their minds and mislead them.

Not only women but men too have become the victims of these notions of appealing body image and sexuality.

An international study finds that women in Indian movies are made to emphasize their sex appeal but are unlikely to have professions.

 

  • Quick Read
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We all love Bollywood and most of us even dream of becoming a Bollywood actor or actress. Everything in our daily lives from the way we dress, speak, behave, the style we choose to the way we think has been impacted by the cinemas.

We even see little kids dancing to the songs such as Chikni Chameli from Agneepath and Sheila Ki Jawaani from Tees Maar Khan. This shows the intensity of the impact created by Bollywood on young Indians and our society.

Cinema has far-reaching consequences on the young minds of Indians and Bollywood’s portrayal of women has been stereotypical for way too long.

The depiction of misogyny in Bollywood is hardly a new problem and is deeply rooted in the industry. Kabir Singh, for instance, though criticized for the way it portrayed an abusive relationship as a form of love was one of the highest-grossing movies of 2019.

These movies have made some people fear that it would inspire or even drive people to unacceptable behavior and may promote the dangerous idea that sexual harassment is acceptable.

Most of the youth have forgotten to embrace their bodies. Not everyone’s body type is the same nor has the same skin tone all over their body. It is important to remember that it is their professional necessity that makes the actors take special care to maintain even skin tone and look beautiful to attract the audience.

It’s time for all of us to take the responsibility to inculcate realistic cultural values among the young minds so that at least the next generation would know the reality and show respect towards others as well as themselves.

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Since its inception in the 1930s, Bollywood has been the go-to place for entertainment for a large fraction of the Indians.

We all love Bollywood and most of us even dream of becoming a Bollywood actor or actress. Everything in our daily lives from the way we dress, speak, behave, the style we choose to the way we think has been impacted by the cinemas.

We even see little kids dancing to the songs such as Chikni Chameli from Agneepath and Sheila Ki Jawaani from Tees Maar Khan. This shows the intensity of the impact created by Bollywood on young Indians and our society.

Do these kids know the meaning of those songs?

The lyrics of some of these songs go from bad to worse. Have you ever realized that most Bollywood songs that you rocked to so happily as a child were disgustingly sexist?

How do these kinds of songs and movies influence millions of young and old minds, across urban and rural India?

Bollywood films have a great impact on one’s perception of sexuality and body image. Bollywood films are indeed sold on women for they focus on objectifying women, but these methods adopted to portray women are not only limited to the screen but have a social impact too.

Misogyny is not a new thing in Bollywood

Cinema has far-reaching consequences on the young minds of Indians and Bollywood’s portrayal of women has been stereotypical for way too long.

For a long time, Bollywood romances have solely been an expression of male desire with women having no say. They are portrayed as eye-candy and hyper-sexualized in most of the advertising posters to attract the audience and added to the fuel are the item songs where a female in revealing and modern clothes dances amid a pack of men.

It is very common in commercial films that female characters are objectified as mere sexual objects without intellectual capability, while men are portrayed as strong, professional, and intellectual, and heroic.

The depiction of misogyny in Bollywood is hardly a new problem and is deeply rooted in the industry. Kabir Singh, for instance, though criticized for the way it portrayed an abusive relationship as a form of love was one of the highest-grossing movies of 2019.

“An international study finds that women in Indian movies are made to emphasize their sex appeal but are unlikely to have professions.”

Women are usually portrayed as sexual objects in Indian films and are mostly used for supportive and decorative roles as is evident in Kabir Singh and most Indian films.

Are Bollywood makers fully aware of glorifying and promoting misogyny in relationships?

These movies have made some people fear that it would inspire or even drive people to unacceptable behavior and may promote the dangerous idea that sexual harassment is acceptable. The success of this kind of movie which glorifies misogyny shows that there is still a long way to go to bring a change in the perception of sexuality among young Indians.

Showcase of Body Image

Movies have always been a very effective means of communication and the impression of sexuality and body image as shown in Bollywood films tend to implant wrong ideas in their minds and mislead them.

The female actor is shown beautiful and attractive with a light skin tone and a perfect body which makes the hero get attracted towards her. This portrayal of the women in Bollywood films has led many young girls to achieve the unrealistic beauty standards of the female actors going through the painful process of waxing and other beauty care with the desire to look attractive in the eyes of their partner.

Not only women but men too are the victims of these notions. Bollywood hero is objectified as a tall person with a chiseling physique and without body hair and fat. Most of the men are under hidden pressure to feel good about their bodies and attract their partners.

Most of the youth have forgotten to embrace their bodies. Not everyone’s body type is the same nor has the same skin tone all over their body. It is important to remember that it is their professional necessity that makes the actors take special care to maintain even skin tone and look beautiful to attract the audience.

While some filmmakers are trying to change the depiction of sexuality in Indian films, yet there is much to be done to have empathy and sensibility towards real women and the problems they face.

Bollywood’s idea of sexuality has far-reaching consequences on India’s social fabric. The actors need to realize that overemphasis of sexual scenes can have a huge impact on the young girls and boys and should have the courage to turn down the characters that objectify women with negative body image. 

It’s time for all of us to take the responsibility to inculcate realistic cultural values among the young minds so that at least the next generation would know the reality and show respect towards others as well as themselves.

Body ImagebollywoodBollywood actorsBollywood filmscinemamisogynySex appealsexuality

Sindhu Kambam

A content writer by profession with a passion in art and science. Being a nature and technology lover, she loves to solve real problems that makes life easier.

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Infano Care

Relationship Tips For Women: How To Identify If Your Male Partner Is Sexually Healthy?

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin
August 17, 2021 | 09:00 AM |
2,965

Highlights

  • Why is sexual health and well-being of utmost importance?
  • Learn about the ‘Male Orgasm’.
  • What are the common male sexual problems?
  • What is Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
  • What are the types of ejaculation difficulties?

  • Full Read
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We are speaking so much about women’s health on Infano, – physical, mental, and sexual. But while giving relationship tips for women, we cannot ignore the health of male partners because the balance for any good sound and healthy relationship requires both partners to be in sync- both physically and mentally.

However, most men are shy to talk about their health especially when it comes to sexual health. A lot of cultural upbringing also surrounds these inhibitions because so much toxic masculinity abounds and sexualized terms like namard, napunsak, impotent, khada nahi hota kya, are some slurs used often for bullying each other that men often don’t want to discuss this for fear of mean ridiculed that he is not “man enough”.

Sexual performance anxiety in bed is a real thing for most men. Though sex is just another hormone- bodily function for reproduction, it is also a pleasurable activity. It is also an activity that bonds two people. So sexual health and well-being are of utmost importance if one is sexually active and wishes to enjoy it.

Relationship tips for women: Learn about the ‘Male Orgasm’

The male reproductive system
The male reproductive system

The male orgasm is the third of four distinct phases comprising ejaculation: arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution/refraction, although not all men ejaculate during an orgasm. Male orgasm results from sexual activity (physical sensation) and arousal (cognitive awareness). It involves multiple hormones, organs, and nerve pathways. Testosterone, a hormone produced in the testicles, plays a central role in this process by enhancing sexual desire (libido) that leads to arousal, erection, and ultimately, orgasm. Also involved are contractions of the muscles of the penis, anus, and perineum which ultimately propel semen from the body. During orgasm, the reward center of the brain is flooded with neurochemicals, inciting the intense emotional response associated with an orgasm. When any of these aspects are affected by physical or emotional issues, the individual may be unable to achieve a normal orgasm.

– www.verywellhealth.com

According to an article by the Harvard Medical School, optimal sexual health for people with penises includes sexual desire (libido) and the ability to get and sustain an erection (erectile function). Male sexual health also covers the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment and treatment of male infertility.

While these conditions do not pose serious medical risks, they can cause stress and create problems in your sex life and personal relationships. Physical health does affect the desire for sex and the ability to have sex, but mental health and emotional factors also play important roles.

What are the common male sexual problems?

What is Erectile dysfunction (ED)

This is the inability to get an erection or to keep it firm enough or maintain it long enough for satisfying sexual activity. Many things can cause ED, including stress, depression, relationship issues, abnormally low testosterone, damage from urological surgery, and even cholesterol-clogged arteries. In fact, it is often an early warning sign for heart disease. Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction should first be evaluated for any underlying physical and psychological conditions. If treatment of the underlying conditions doesn’t help, medication and assistive devices, such as pumps, can be prescribed. ED can be treated with pills, injections into the penis, or devices. 

What are the types of ejaculation difficulties?

Premature ejaculation

This is the inability to delay ejaculation for more than one minute after penetration. The problem might occur during sex with a partner or even during masturbation. Some men might experience natural variable premature ejaculation, which includes periods of rapid ejaculation as well as periods of normal ejaculation. But this does not qualify diagnostic criteria.  The average time from the beginning of intercourse to ejaculation is about five minutes. But lifelong premature ejaculation occurs all or nearly all of the time beginning with your first sexual encounters. Premature ejaculation is a common and treatable problem. Physical and psychological factors can cause premature ejaculation. Medications, counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation — or a combination of these — can help treat this.

Delayed ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation (DE) or “impaired ejaculation,” occurs when it takes a long time for a man to ejaculate. In some cases, ejaculation cannot be achieved at all. While some men experience DE from time to time, but for others, it may be a lifelong problem. When people with penises need 30 minutes of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm and ejaculate.

This is a common medical condition. Delayed ejaculation appears to be caused by an underlying problem that might need treatment. A medical exam, blood test, and urine tests (urinalysis) may be conducted. Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it might include taking medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol or illegal drug use.

Anorgasmia or inability to experience orgasm upon ejaculation

Anorgasmia is a condition that can affect both sexes.  Anorgasmia in people with penises often occurs along with delayed ejaculation and should not be confused with erectile dysfunction or low libido, although these conditions may co-exist. Causes include physiological problems present at birth to side effects from surgery or medications to psychological issues. Treatment is determined once the cause is determined.

Blood tests, biothesiometry, penile sympathetic skin response, and sacral reflex arc testing are some of the medical tests that may be required along with a physical exam and a psychological evaluation. Some medications may also cause this. Treatment may include reevaluating medical prescriptions, psychotherapy, sex therapy, digital prostate massage, or hormone replacement therapy.

From identifying the problem, determining its underlying cause, and getting the right treatment, all of these conditions are mostly treatable. However, the first step is to identify and accept that a problem exists and giving your partner a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about it and the necessary support and medical attention.

For more relationship tips for women, click here.

erectile dysfunctionmale libidopremature ejaculationrelationship tips for women

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

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