Bollywood has given us male characters who think they’re hot stuff because they can control women, such as Kabir Singh and Ranvijay Singh. But thankfully, there are rare movie characters who are different. They show that being a real man isn’t about that. Rather, being a real man is all about respecting women and treating them as equal partners. Let’s give it up for these male characters who teach us what true strength is all about.
Real Men Of Bollywood
1. Manoj (Vikrant Massey) from 12th Fail
One of the recent Bollywood films, “12th Fail,” has emerged as the most beloved movie of recent times. Its popularity stems from its inspiring storyline and the heartfelt portrayal of one of Bollywood’s finest male characters – Manoj Sharma.
In stark contrast to regressive and toxic portrayals, Manoj Sharma smashed Bollywood’s concept of alpha. How he passionately fights against poverty and a flawed system to realize his dream of becoming an IPS officer shows who the real alpha is. What sets this character apart is his exceptional respect for his lady love – Shraddha Joshi. If he isn’t a representation of a real man, then who is?
2. Jeetender (Gajraj) from Badhaai Ho
How this husband stands for his wife against the whole society made us fall in love with this feminist character. When his middle-aged wife (Neena Gupta), is scared of having a baby, Jeetender (Gajraj) makes it very clear that he’d always have Mrs. Kaushik’s back. He let her know that he would support her till his last breath.
3. Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal) from Raazi
No one can deny that Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal) from Raazi is the perfect gentlemen that we need in our life. Iqbal is one of the most understanding husbands that we have seen onscreen. He not only gives Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) the time to fall in love with him but also understands that Sehmat didn’t have to give up the love for her country to love him.
4. Kabir (Arjun Kapoor) from Ki & Ka
As this list captures the on-screen characters who bashed the concept of gender roles, then how could we forget Kabir (Arjun Kapoor) from Ki & Ka. This heart-warming character showed us how even men can be homemakers and more importantly, how homemakers deserve equal respect as anyone else.
5. Jai Singh Rathore (Imran Khan) from Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
Jai Singh Rathore a.k.a Rats (Imran Khan) shows how men can be emotional as well. Jai’s character shattered the stereotypes and showed us that men don’t always have to show their machismo to be a good man.
6. Sugandha’s father (Neeraj Sood) from Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
From open enough to discuss the issue of erectile dysfunction to supporting his daughter against the whole world. This unconventional father (Neeraj Sood) shows how feminist fathers support their daughters; no matter what it takes.
7. Paras (Vicky Kaushal) from Lust Stories
How Paras (Vicky Kaushal) evolves from being an ignorant selfish lover to a considerate husband shows how we want our men to be aware of their wives ’ physical needs. It is quite refreshing how he doesn’t let his toxic male ego come in between his marriage and attempts to address his marriage issues calmly.
8. Sunny (Farhan Akhtar) from Dil Dhadakne Do
How could one forget the heated discussion between Manav (Rahul Bose) and Sunny (Farhan Akhtar) about how Manav let his wife, Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra) work? The understanding that he is a feminist because he let his wife work didn’t sit well with Manav. It was such a relief when Sunny called him out for being a pseudo-feminist. At that moment, we hoped that more men would take a stand for women and show the world that men are equally concerned about feminism as women are.
9. Deepak from Laapataa Ladies
Meet Deepak: not your typical macho guy or genius, but definitely a hero. He’s all about doing right by his wife and proving that strength isn’t just about muscles or guns. Kiran believes he’s a shining example for men everywhere. Played with gentleness by Sparsh, Deepak shows us that true strength comes from the heart, not the biceps.
Do let us know your favorite character who smashed the male stereotypes onscreen.