The use of the words chammak challo in a song can be cool, but its use in real life can land one in legal trouble. Acting on a woman’s complaint in 2009, in which she accused a guy of calling her chammak challo, a court has held that the use of the word amounts to “insulting a woman’s modesty”.
A few years ago, the words used in a Shah Rukh Khan song was a big hit. It was written by Vishal Dadlani. Reacting to the ban on the words, Vishal says “No one should harass anyone and I hope the lady who has been troubled is all right and that she follows through with prosecuting this chap. Well, in the case of our song in Ra.One, it was a husband, singing to his wife. She was dancing with him, and also sang along. Where it is mutual, consensual, and within a relationship, surely a little playful teasing is permitted? Although given our current political scenario, perhaps I should apologise now, before some lunatic files an FIR. I’m deeply sorry if anyone was offended in 2011, and waited this long to realise it.”
Lyricist Manoj Muntashir feels there is nothing wrong with calling a woman chammak challo. “To my understanding, there’s nothing offensive about calling a woman chammak challo. It’s a harmlessly mischievous way to praise a woman’s looks. I have not met one girl in my life who feels demeaned about being called chammak challo,” he says.
He feels more than the words, it’s the intention behind them that makes all the difference. “Offence lies in the undertone and the way they are being said. If spoken with a certain disgrace, a neutral world like jawani sounds uncomfortable. Besides, if chammak challo is indecent, what about katto gilahri, patakha and sexy? All said and done, I respect the court of law and their verdict with utmost faith in the judiciary.”
Writer Juhi Chaturvedi (Vicky Donor, Piku) says, “Yes, chammak challo can be offensive, depending on the context. It’s important that people understand the subtle nuances of language, the use and misuse of the words. I accept and respect the court’s decision. No one will express in literary jargon in day-to-day conversations; colloquial words and slangs will always be a part of our spoken language. However, in an ideal society, no one should talk to each other in a derogatory manner, be it to a woman or a man.”
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 "A still from the song Chammak Challol; (inset) Vishal Dadlani")
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