'Jaadu ki Jhapi' at Rs 600 for 5 minutes! Girls hiring 'Man Mums' in China to relieve stress

Remember Munna Bhai's iconic 'Jaadu ki Jhapi' from the blockbuster movie Munna Bhai MBBS? Notably, Sanjay Dutt aka Murli aka Munna used the power of hugs to comfort and heal patients. Hugs are an emotional and personal gesture, best shared genuinely freely with loved ones or those in need of comfort and not a commodity to be sold or bought. However, lonely individuals can purchase 'Jaadu ki Jhapi' for Rs 600 for five minutes.

Paid Hugs!

Though it sounds surprising, recently, a new trend has started in China, wherein young women can hire 'man mums' by paying around 50 yuan (Rs 600) for a five-minute hug.

Here, 'man mums' refers to those men who offer comfort and stress-reliving embraces with gentleness. These paid hugs can be accessed through chat apps and locations for hug delivery are usually public places including malls or subway stations.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, 'The term originally described muscular gym-goers. But, now it refers to men who combine physical strength with traditionally feminine traits like gentleness and patience.

Are 'Paid Hugs' Genuine?

A hug is a universal gesture of affection, comfort, and support. A simple hug can provide emotional warmth and reassurance. Involving physical touch, a hug can release tension and stress, offer comfort and boost mood. Hugs can also strengthen bonds and a sense of belonging and are often reserved for family members, friends, loved ones and romantic partners. 

Hugs hold sentimental values and authentic human connection is what makes the gesture meaningful. However, this new trend of 'paid hugs' in China has altered the traditional belief.