Bollywood is known for its glamorous portrayals of love, drama, and action, but it has been changing over time. While we used to see a lot of muscular men with six-pack abs as heroes, now we have characters that challenge those stereotypes. Most of these characters are created by talented women writers, as they bring a fresh perspective to what it means to be a man in Bollywood. And, today, we’ll talk about these inspiring fictional men who break the traditional mold and show us a different side of masculinity.
Sunny in “Dil Dhadakne Do”
In this movie, Sunny, a character written by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, challenges the way some men think about women’s rights. Some guys claim to support feminism, but they often don’t fully understand it. Sunny calls out a man named Manav for his internalized sexism. He shows us what’s wrong with the way some men still think they’re in charge of women. Only a woman writer could bring out this message so effectively.
2. Robbie in “Manmarziyaan”
Kanika Dhillon, a talented woman writer, created the character Robbie, played by Abhishek Bachchan, in this film. Robbie is not your typical hero. He doesn’t fit the usual mold of a macho man. Instead, he’s understanding and patient. He accepts the choices of the woman he loves and doesn’t try to control her. Robbie’s character challenges the idea that men should always be in charge, showing us a more respectful and equal kind of love.
3. Rana in “Piku”
In “Piku,” we meet Rana, a character who doesn’t fit the old idea of a knight in shining armor. He understands that women can take care of themselves and don’t always need a man to rescue them. Rana doesn’t rush to solve Piku’s problems; instead, he listens and empathizes with her struggles. His ability to show empathy instead of just providing solutions challenges traditional gender roles. (Also Read: Why Irrfan Khan As Rana From Piku Will Always Have Our Hearts!)
4. Amol in “Chhapaak”
Amol in “Chhapaak” looks beyond physical appearances. He falls in love with Malti, an acid attack survivor, not because he pities her, but because he admires her strength and courage. His character is inspired by real-life instances, reminding us to see people for who they are on the inside, not just how they look on the outside.
5. Sachin Sandhu in “Thappad”
In “Thappad,” Amrita’s father reacts differently than most fathers would to their daughter’s divorce. He’s not disappointed; he’s proud of her for prioritizing her self-respect. He treats her as a person with her own choices, not as someone he owns or controls. You applaud Sachin Sandhu’s character even more when he questions his son-in-law for his shameful act. (Also Read: Most Hard-hitting Thappad Dialogues)Â
6. Dr. Jehangir Khan in “Dear Zindagi”
Dr. Khan serves as a beacon of emotional support for Kaira. Despite the intimate nature of their therapist-patient relationship, he maintains ethical boundaries. He refuses to exploit his authority and power over Kaira, rejecting her romantic advances and highlighting the importance of professionalism in mental healthcare. (Also Read: Dear Zindagi Dialogues that left us inspired.)
7. Iqbal Syed in “Raazi”
Vicky Kaushal as Iqbal Syed embodies the qualities of a perfect gentleman, displaying kindness and compassion. He not only recognizes his wife Sehmat’s inner conflict but also extends his understanding and apologizes for his family’s disparaging remarks about her country. Iqbal’s character showcases the importance of respect and individuality within a relationship.
8. Kabir, Imran, and Arjun in “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”
These three characters confront their own emotional struggles and demons during their journey. They demonstrate vulnerability and the ability to heal, breaking free from the trope of invincible male friendships that often dominate Bollywood narratives.
These characters, created by talented women writers, offer a fresh perspective on masculinity in Bollywood. They encourage us to question old stereotypes and embrace a more inclusive and empathetic view of men in movies.
