Why ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ Shedding Light On Eating Disorders In This Scene Is So Important

Akanksha Bhatia

As a teenager, I struggled with anorexia for a little over 2 years. And for a long time, I hesitated in talking about it because nobody ever addresses it in India, I was just getting skinny – why would people discourage me from that? However, I saw a glimmer of hope in this scene from Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Netflix

In a short 2-minute scene, Ayushmann Khurrana’s character, Manu explains to Maanvi why he loves working out. And for someone who has struggled with her appearance for ages, it really hit home. 

Manu talks about how he went from not eating to eating too much after the loss of his mother, and he struggled from depression. He was bullied for his appearance and so he saw no other way than to take control of his body completely, which includes nitpicking everything that goes into it. 

Netflix

From excessively working out, to obsessively knowing how many calories everything he eats has, Manu’s character throughout the film is more than just a ‘gym freak’. 

Netflix

And though the film wasn’t really his story, but about Maanvi’s gender identity. That small spotlight being shed on the thought process and emotional vulnerability of someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, is not lost. 

Netflix

He compares working out to a drug, and uses it as a coping mechanism for everything else in his life that he couldn’t control. For this small step that Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui took, by talking about a disorder that just deems most teenagers ‘fussy’ or ‘a picky eater’, I will always be grateful. 


If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that help is a phone call away. You can contact the following helplines for consultation, Hope Care – 9311112377, Aasra – 9820466726, Voice That Cares 8448844845. 

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