Five Male Characters Written By Women That Broke The Mould Of Toxic Masculinity

Over the years, the definition of a 'man' has changed its course. Gone are the times when people applauded men for rescuing women and 'providing' them a better life as the sole breadwinners of the family. This is the era of vulnerable and sensitive men who understand the importance of seeking help when they need it and acknowledging the worth of the women in their lives. Many Bollywood male characters written by women have played a big role in breaking the mould of a toxic hero with a saviour's complex.

With a rise in conversations around masculinity, men have finally realised that it is okay for them to cry, be cared for and take help when in need. Men no longer need to hide their feelings underneath a shell of machoism, nor do they need to adhere to the misplaced paradigms of masculinity that our society worships so passionately. And what better way to counter such stigmas than the influence of cinema?

Women writers and filmmakers have actually played a big role in breaking the stereotypes around masculinity, by creating male characters who are sensitive, understanding and would rather cheer for women than rescue them.

So here are five male characters written by women for Hindi films that we love:

Dr Jehangir from Dear Zindagi

The character of Dr Jehangir in Dear Zindagi is written by Gauri Shinde and played by actor Shah Rukh Khan. The role is that of a therapist to Kaira (Alia Bhatt) who helps her face her worst fears and overcome them with patience. Not only does he serves as a professional help to Kaira, the two also develop a friendship over the course of her therapy sessions. Despite certain professional abnormalities, the film helps bring forward the issue of mental health in the most rational way possible. And what puts Dr Jehangir on this list is not only his professional background, but also the way he manages Kaira's feelings for him without breaking her heart in the worst way possible.

Farhan Akhtar in Dil Dhadakne Do

While his role was not central in the film, Farhan Akhtar managed to leave a deep impact with his character of Sunny Gill. The film is written by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. His role of the feminist journalist who believes in equality clicked with many viewers, especially women. We see Sunny call out a misogynist for his patriarchal views about letting his wife work, asking, why does she need his permission to do so. We need more men like Sunny to stand up for what's right and speak against the male privilege and misogynistic ideas.

Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra in Dil Dhadakne Do.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Boys

The characters of Arjun, Kabir and Imraan are not only idealised for their dreamy and adventurous bachelors trip, but also for their character development throughout the film. Writers Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar did a great job portraying the vulnerable lives of three successful men who have their own respective sets of problems which they overcome during their life-bending trip to Spain. It is a relief to watch these men coming to terms with their flaws and imperfections rather being the archetypical heroes who must score women on their typical bachelors trip. The three musketeers of the film include Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol.

Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Dan Walia in October

The portrayal of heartbreak in October is quite unconventional when it comes to cinema. Through the years, we have witnessed male characters become raging alcoholics and abusive partners until they find a girl to 'fix' their broken heart. But Juhi Chaturvedi's Dan seems like an exception. When he realises that he loved a woman who's incapable of reciprocation his feelings, he did neither of those typical things. He was patient and kind and embraced his grief until he was better. The character of Dan is played by Varun Dhawan in October.

Suggested Reading: Six Web Series Written By Women Writers You Should Add To Your Watchlist

Sachin Sandhu in Thappad

A supporting feminist father is what we need in society. Kumud Mishra did a great job playing the role of Sachin Sandhu in Thappad. This 2020 film revolves around the life of Amrita, a housewife, and her fight to earn back her dignity as a woman. The theme of the film is domestic abuse which has been normalised in our society to an extent that women are told to endure it in order to preserve their marriage. The film is written by Mrunmayee Lagoo. While everyone is against Amrita leaving her husband after he slaps her, Sachin Sandhu encourages his daughter to live on her own terms without feeling guilty about her choices. Isn't that what every girl wants her father to be like?