Beyond 'Bhabhi Ji': Unpacking The Everyday Sexism In Indian TV Shows

Indian TV dramas, often characterized by the "saas-bahu" conflicts, frequently portray women as rivals fighting over men. This narrative often reinforces the patriarchal notion that " aurat hi aurat ki sabse badi dushman hai”. Misogynistic and sexist ‘humour’ forms the core of these desi shows making it sound harmless. We call it 'family comedy' but why does this comedy always revolve around women?

Despite the rise of streaming platforms, these programs continue to draw large audiences, often soaking men dominating women as natural, which suggests that many viewers accept or even find relatable the depiction of men dominating women.

When challenged, a common defense is that these shows are just “scripted humour” or “satire”, and that a "feminist lens" shouldn't be applied. However, this misses a crucial point: the reason these scripts resonate with audiences is that they reflect the lived reality of many people, where women are often pitted against each other, are expected to please men, and are subjected to sexist remarks. Scriptwriters, in their pursuit of high viewership, create content that is relatable but that relatability itself is a symptom of a larger societal problem. It raises the question of why we can't create humour that doesn't rely on degrading or demeaning anyone.

The Reality of Sexism in Popular Indian TV Shows

We grew up watching these shows, and it is shocking to realize that they are filled with sexist and patriarchal remarks that we once accepted as normal.

Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma

This show, which I used to be glued to while growing up, is a prime example. The main character, Jethalal Gada, routinely uses derogatory terms like “saatvi fail” and “aye pagal aurat” for his wife, showcasing male dominance. He openly flirts with his neighbour, Babita Ji, an act that would be considered “characterless” if the roles were reversed.

The show also normalises the idea that domestic work is a woman's duty. When the husband of another couple, Madhvi and Aatmaram Bhide, helps his wife with chores, he is mocked by his friends. This normalises gendered domestic roles and makes it seem embarrassing for men to share household responsibilities.

Bhabhiji Ghar Pe Hai

This show centres on two married male neighbours who are secretly infatuated with each other's wives, fantasising about lives with them. The men are portrayed as bored with their own marriages and constantly seek ways to interact with the other's wife. This plot, which is seen as a comical sitcom, raises the question: is this really something to laugh at? Would the situation be viewed as humorous if the wives were the ones cheating?

Balika Vadhu

This series starkly illustrates the harsh reality of patriarchy. The character Anandi is trapped in a child marriage, a situation that denies her the basic right to education and leaves no room for her to question or refuse. While her character challenges these patriarchal roots, the show reminds us that such issues should not exist in the first place.

The Kapil Sharma Show

This famous comedy show has frequently been criticised for its misogynistic humour. The lead actor, Kapil Sharma, makes absurd, sexist jokes about female guests' appearances. Male characters dressed as women are often hypersexualised and objectified. The humour consistently revolves around women, their bodies, and their looks, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Saath Nibhana Saathiya

In this show, the wife, Gopi, is criticised by her husband, Ahem Ji, for her lack of education and for not coming from the same social background as him. He treats her with contempt, often ignoring her and calling her “stupid.” The narrative frames this behaviour as acceptable, rather than abusive.

These “scripted” shows have become a reflection of reality, normalising harmful behaviour. Mocking a wife, objectifying women, and passing sexist comments are all branded as “harmless comedy.” We, as a society, have normalised these behaviours to the point that people replicate them in their own lives. We must critically examine and undeniably upgrade the content we consume. 

If you think all of this is normal, grow up!

Views expressed by the author are their own.