CHENNAI: For the conventional Chennaiite, who presumably discusses sex in hushed tones, procuring a ‘sex toy’ or a ‘sex aid’ would no more involve a trip to Thailand or China or even Mumbai. Not only can they have them delivered at their doorstep, they can pick from a wide range of them across the counter too.
The market for sex toys and sex aids has been thriving with people no longer playing coy about asking for them. Patni Plaza on Waltax Road appeared much like any other ‘imported goods’ shopping space with Customs Notified Shops littering its narrow corridors.
When we posed as students seeking a ‘premium dildo’, we were directed to a floor dedicated to the trade.
Masquerading as an electronics shop, the space was crammed with dildos of every possible size, shape and colour, vibrating rings, penis elongators and caps and sexual stimulant medication.
There was no attempt to keep things under wraps or hidden from view .
“I can supply any type of dildo you require,” says Shankar (name changed), whose effervescence increased with our pretentious budget.
“Ordinary dildos cost Rs 1,500-3,000. The ‘human’ model is pure silicone and even has veins. It costs only Rs 3,500 and comes with a remote control,” he informs.
Apparently, sales are seasonal and his largest customer base are young and middle aged women.
“Mostly young people like you make purchases, but sometimes I get older women as well,” the trader says with a wink in the eye.
Sex toys are not limited to women, even if dildos are all people have heard of.
Men can choose from vibrating rings (Rs 100 - Rs 1,500), fake vaginas and even sex dolls (life-sized figurines of women that can be blown, used and deflated).
“Since they cost Rs 5,000 or more, we don’t stock too many dolls. Celebrity dolls are popular, though,” says Prakash.
All the goods are ‘Imported from China’ and “100% safe and tested” according to Prakash.
Every other dealer in that complex merely stock duplicates from Burma Bazaar, he cautions.
European products can also be ordered, but the price range is nearly double.
“Chinese goods are neatly packed with an instruction manual. What more do you need?” he asks.
If you’re not a fan of seedy plazas and black plastic bags to hide the banned goods from cops, then you can always place a home delivery order.
Posted on forums on Facebook is the link to a site that has a catalogue of products offered by ‘chennai call boy akshay’.
Complete with product code, price, picture and description the service offers a special ‘cash-on-delivery’ benefit for Chennai customers.
Why? Because the service is based in Chennai! Delivery anywhere else in the country will be done only after pre-payment.