My Favourite (And Ideal) Men In Indian Cinema - All Written By Women

In a woman's life, the closest male relationships typically include her father, brother, partner, spouse, and son, each representing important sources of emotional support and connection. When I started to understand the importance of each of my relationships, I realised that none of them were perfect, and neither were the people involved. But how do we get an idea of an ideal father, brother, or partner? For many of us, like billions of others, it's through cinematic characters. Movies have the power to show idealised versions of relationships and personal qualities.

My Favourite Men In Indian Cinema, Crafted By Women

I've read, and believe, that people seek inspiration from movie characters because films create compelling stories and depict perfect versions of relationships and traits. Directors and writers create these characters based on their own insights and observations, tailoring traits they believe will perfectly fit the characters. 

These characters can embody ideal qualities like love, courage, wit, or other admirable traits. They inspire us to seek and develop similar qualities in our own lives and relationships. While real-life relationships are rarely perfect, movies offer a glimpse of what could be and encourage us to strive for better. Characters written by male and female writers have long been a topic of discussion. In this article, we will explore some of the male characters written by women that we admire and idolise.

Disclaimer: I get it, writers do more than just craft characters, they build entire worlds for them. And in no way do I tend to gender-box the craft - this piece is a shoutout to the best characters brought to life by our proficient female screenwriters. 

The Husbands

Let's start with spouses. Robbie from Manmarziyan, written by Kanika Dhillon and played by Abhishek Bachchan, stood out to me as an ideal husband. When I first saw him, I couldn't help but dream of having a partner like him.

Robbie marries a woman, Rumi, who doesn't love him or see him as a partner—not because he isn't worthy, but because she is still healing from her past and figuring out her own life. Despite this, Robbie remains emotionally available and ticks all the boxes of a perfect partner. He is understanding, caring, and non-judgmental. Robbie accepts Rumi for who she is and even helps her figure out what she truly wants in life.

Dhillon also brought us Rishabh Saxena from Haseen Dilruba, played by Vikrant Massey. Rishabh didn't get the wife he or his family had imagined. After their marriage, he was bombarded with advice on how to control his wife, but instead, he chose to protect her from all of them.

Even when his wife cheated on him and he faced ridicule, Rishabh's response was profound. He wasn't a saint who could easily forgive, but he managed his anger and emotions, continuing to stand by her. His actions revealed his deep sense of loyalty, patience, and strength. Rishabh demonstrated what it means to truly love someone by shielding her from the world, showing that true love is about understanding, forgiveness, and unwavering support.

In an interview with SheThePeople earlier, Dhillon discussed how her approach to filmmaking remains unaffected by perceptions, preconceived notions, fundamentalists, and fringe groups. This craft is evident in the characters she creates and in how she sets a high standard for men in the lives of women. "I can fight and give voices to my film characters, but I wish there was a way to fight and give a voice to the countless women out there who are operating from a victimised and suppressed position," she added.

Another spouse that the world swoons over is Iqbal Syed from Raazi, written by Meghna Gulzar and Bhavani Iyer and played by Vicky Kaushal. Despite being an army officer, Iqbal exudes calm and poise. He shows deep empathy towards his new bride, Sehmat, who sacrifices not just her family but also her nation when she marries him. Iqbal's character shines as the perfect husband: he respects his wife's interests, understands the importance of consent, and supports her in finding her own footing. Gulzar has also introduced us to another empathic man Amol Dwivedi, played by Vikrant Massey in Chhapaak, which she co-wrote with Atika Chohan.

The Lovers

Speaking of great lovers, who can forget Sparsh Shrivastav as Deepak from Laapata Ladies, written by Kiran Rao and Sneha Desai? Deepak is not only young, loving, and loyal, but also respectful towards women. He extends this respect not only to his wife and mother but also to a complete stranger like Jaya, helping her rebuild her life when he himself was struggling. This portrayal reflects the essence of a modern, empathetic man navigating challenging circumstances with grace and compassion.

I had attended the film's premiere, where Kiran Rao herself shared insights into how they developed the character of Deepak, crafting a progressive man in a non-progressive environment. Rao shared her dedication to character development, crediting Sneha and the actors for bringing them to life. She said, "We believed in the importance of crafting impactful dialogue and gestures that resonate with Hindi-speaking audiences, aiming to convey more than just the plot." Isn't the way he uttered those simple three-letter words, the way he vowed to help Jaya, and how he stood up for Phool, every gesture, revealing a depth to his genuine character?

Desai, in conversation with SheThePeople, discussed her approach to character writing and her goals. She shared, "I think as Indians, we take up messages, absorb social comments and change when it is told through an entertaining medium. There is a greater chance of acceptance when a social commentary is made through stories rather than compelled through orders."

Another lover character who captured the internet’s heart when it was released was Rocky from Rocky Rani, written by Ishita Moitra. While the film addressed many societal issues, Rocky's character stood out for rising above societal norms. His journey highlights the importance of breaking free from preconceived notions of gender and promoting equality.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Moitra shared, "Incorporating these themes and character developments proved to be a significant challenge, but it was a challenge we writers willingly embraced. Our ultimate goal was to create a film that not only entertained but also encouraged important conversations about societal issues and personal growth."

Next on my list is Dan Walia from October, portrayed by Varun Dhawan and written by Juhi Chaturvedi, who redefines the portrayal of heartbreak, and a lasting grief, on screen. Unlike the usual portrayal of heartbroken male lover characters in movies who turn to alcohol or become abusive, Dan from October takes a different path. Instead, he chooses patience and kindness, facing his grief head-on. 

Chaturvedi has also given us the unforgettable character of Rana Chaudhary, played by Irrfan, in Piku. Rana's charm and authenticity make him a standout character, earning him a special place in the hearts of audiences. Additionally, quick mentions go to Vijay Varma's character Aakash Dogra in Murder Mubarak, written by Gazal Dhaliwal and Anuja Chauhan, further showcasing the depth and complexity of male characters penned by talented female writers.

And The Dads

Let's also shine a spotlight on the creative women behind some of Bollywood's most iconic father figures! Ishita Moitra, the brains behind Rani's dad in Rocky Rani, and Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul, the co-writer behind Amtria’s dad in Thappad, have given us unforgettable father figures.

Now, that's a cinematic legacy worth celebrating!

Views expressed are the author's own.