The Surrogacy Literacy of the Indian Surrogate: The Filmy Way.

This article examines the representation and typecasting of Indian surrogate mothers in cinema, focusing on traditional and gestational surrogacy as depicted in films such as *Doosri Dulhan* (1983), *Chori Chori Chupke Chupke* (2001), and *Mimi* (2021). It highlights how traditional surrogates are often portrayed as sexually provocative or "prostitute surrogates," reinforcing social stigmas and misrepresenting the scientific realities of assisted reproduction, while gestational surrogacy narratives show a shift toward more informed depictions but still carry problematic elements. Using Aristotle’s theory of mimesis and Seymour Chatman’s narrative theory, the article critiques these cinematic portrayals for fictionalizing and distorting the legal and medical frameworks of surrogacy in India, which may influence public perceptions negatively. The authors advocate for "surrogacy literacy," a concept aimed at promoting accurate and sensitive representations of surrogacy in media to educate audiences and reduce stereotypes, especially in light of India’s Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which mandates altruistic surrogacy. The study underscores the need for filmmakers to balance artistic license with factual accuracy to responsibly shape societal understanding of surrogacy.