International Men's Day: 5 Male Characters Who Portrayed Sensitivity On Screen

With toxic masculinity being ingrained so deeply in the fabric of society, its idolisation has often contributed to incorrect notions of how men should be and how they must behave. People of our country, who are highly influenced by the Hindi film industry or Bollywood, as we call it, often imitate or follow what the movies teach us, and what our favourite stars enact on screen. Apart from the patriarchy that is so deeply rooted, a major part of the filmography in Bollywood has also contributed to the common man believing that men must be tough and withhold emotions. It's untrue and definitely unhealthy if our future generations grow up in an equal world. However, this thought process is changing, and so are the way films and male characters are written.

Bollywood is not just about tough heroism now, it's also about men showing their emotions unabashedly and being their sensitive selves. As we celebrate international men's day today, we bring to you a few men from the Hindi film industry who have portrayed sensitivity and vulnerability through their characters on screen.

Suggested Reading: From Dil Dhadakne Do To Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Here Are 6 Feminist Male Characters In Bollywood Films

5 sensitive male characters on screen

Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

2008 released Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi which marked Anushka Sharma's debut, had two in one Shah Rukh Khan, Surinder 'Suri' Sahni and Raj. While Raj was a character that behaved in a typical wannabe manner, it was Surinder Sahni's character which won hearts with his simplicity and authenticity. Sahni, who married Tani (played by Sharma) honouring the last wishes of the latter's father, did not just marry her but also tried every bit to be a spouse that respected her with full acceptance of show she was. He showed immense sensitivity to her age, her wishes and her apprehensions by giving her space and providing her with a safe environment. He did not hold back emotions, instead felt a lot and thought as much, something that rarely happens in films like these. Shah Rukh Khan's charisma always works on screen but this time, his vulnerability did.

Abhishek Bachchan in Manmarziyaan

Manmarziyaan shattered more stereotypes than any film has with its impeccable storyline and characters that were written in an honest manner, something that is often overlooked because of the general notion of how relationships or marriages should be in India. But in Manmarziyaan, Robbie (Abhishek Bachchan) embraced the very meaning of what sensitivity means. His vulnerability, emotions and disappointment did not take the shape of violence or toughness but instead showcase a different side of masculinity which is often ignored or not looked up to. Robbie was the most loved character of Manmarziyaan as per popular opinion because he handled his marriage with dignity, respect and logic at a time when, as paper past films and generic reactions, he could have shown toxic male masculinity. If you're a man impressing a woman, know that ">sensitivity is something that is a strength and not a weakness, and that is what women like a lot in men.

Sushant Singh Rajput in Kedarnath

The 2018 released film Kedarnath was monumental not only because it showcased the terrible Uttarakhand floods of 2013, but also because it established late actor Sushant Singh Rajput in a completely different avatar. Rajput played the role of Mansoor, a man who was sensitive not just to his family but to the people he worked with and the strangers he met. Mansoor's sensitivity towards people, to the cause of his homeland, was shown in a deeply vulnerable and effective manner, which made him relatable to a huge extent. Mansoor's relationship with Mukku (played by Sara Ali khan) is endearing and affectionate and it showed his soft side in a completely different way. With Rajput's persona and his character's vulnerability, Mansoor is considered one of the few characters on screen that is appreciated when showcasing authenticity and reliability, which is often disguised by overriding toughness.

Akshay Kumar in Padman

As one of the Hindi film industry’s most bankable actors, Akshay Kumar's following in the country has grown to an unimaginable extent in the past decade. Therefore, what he does with his role massively impacts his fans and those who look up to his filmography. As an actor who plays versatile roles and experiments with scripts, Kumar's portrayal of Laxmikant in the 2018 released film Padman proved to be monumental in more ways than one. His character was deeply affected by the cause of the woman in his family, especially his spouse Gayatri (played by Radhika Apte). Tackling a subject like menstruation which is taboo in most places, especially the village of India, required a certain kind of sensitivity and vulnerability both of which Kumar played with grace and confidence. As a feminist, the progressive person who shattered stereotypes one attempt at a time to start manufacturing low-cost good quality sanitary pads, Kumar aced his character without the worry of judgements.

Shahid Kapoor in Jab We Met 

Kapoor played the role of Aditya Kashyap in 2007 and released Jab We Me, a character which was written beautifully. His character not only displayed emotions when it came to love but also in situations that usually male characters do emote in. His selflessness in love, life and his growth when it came to acceptance of harsh realities was one of the best parts of the film that proved to be a huge blockbuster. Jab We Met's success was huge not because of its numbers but because the country loved and accepted a character like Aditya Kashyap who worked towards creating a safe environment for a woman he had met, for the woman he fell in love with but did not force his love on, and for the families around him that were affected by their decisions in the storyline. There is a scene in the film where Geet (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan) realises that Aditya Kashyap is in love with her and she confronts him asking, "Main tumhe bohot achi lagti hun na?" to which he replies, "Haan, bohot ache, par woh mera problem hai. Tujhe tension lene ki koi zaroorat nahin. (I do like you but that’s my problem. You don't have to worry about it).