When I check the analytics for this blog, it intrigues me that so many visitors come from India. If you are one of them, welcome – this post has something for you.
A reader from Mumbai got in touch to tell me about the ground-breaking TV show Hey Prabhu 2. This comedy drama tells the story of Tarun, a young social media influencer with a tendency to over-share.
And what makes this show ground-breaking? Amongst Tarun’s daily difficulties with work, finances and tricky relationships, he also has to contend with premature ejaculation.
After a few awkward episodes in the bedroom, Tarun confides in his friend Sikka who responds in typical male fashion: laughter and teasing.
But Sikka does persuade Tarun to take his worries to a sex therapist. Like the bright young millennial that he is, Tarun opens up and gets to work on overcoming the problem.
It’s refreshing to see a mainstream show cover topics like this, openly and without prejudice. Especially in a country where sexual difficulties are widely considered taboo.
Dev Dutt, a member of the Hey Prabhu cast, sees it like this:
People in our society are still very narrow minded when it comes to speaking about issues related to sex life. Sex is the most natural thing there is and still considered as taboo. The root cause of this is lack of sex education in our country. That’s why be it men or women they have become so cautious to even admit to themselves about their problems.
I think people could be more vocal when it comes to discussing and talking about issues related to sex, at least there should not be any hesitation approaching specialists or doctors for the same.
Dev Dutt
In a recent Times of India blog post, another young writer expressed frustration at legacy attitudes towards sex. He explained that informed conversation about sexual intercourse, and all the pressures and expectations around it, is often shut down as immoral and humiliating.
Yakking and even expressing about one’s own sexuality and sexual orientation is given the tag of vulgarity and shamefulness. This petrification often compels young adults to suppress their needs and desires.
Dhruv Krishna
For exactly these reasons, young adults feel alone with the problems they encounter too. Dr Gautam Banga, a consultant in New Delhi, says erectile dysfunction is considered taboo because people don’t see it as a medical disorder but as sexual incompetence. Premature ejaculation (often called premature ejection in India) carries the same stigma.
Here in the UK, we’re still familiar with such attitudes. Guys who struggle with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction would benefit from more positive and relatable treatment in the media.
It’s refreshing to remind ourselves that millennials experience these issues and all the insecurities around them too. With internet porn providing their sex education, young people might be more susceptible to performance anxiety in the bedroom.
More young people share their personal lives on social media, but feel pressure to gloss everything as perfect and positive. Tarun excels at this too, but we get to see the flipside of his life. We need more Taruns on our screens.
It’s healthy to maintain a sense of humour about these things, and shows like this demonstrate that it can be applied without sniggering and shaming.
I don’t speak Hindi, but it’s clear from the few clips I’ve seen that Hey Pradhu 2 has an upfront style. This is brave and refreshing TV. Netflix and Amazon please take note.
Watch Hey Prabhu 2 on MX Player if your region allows it.
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