Piku To Gangubai Kathiawadi: 6 Feminist Male Characters In Bollywood Films

This International Men's Day, let's look at some feminist male characters in Bollywood films that we have loved and would like to see more of them. This day is celebrated to acknowledge men and their struggles along with achievements.

For the longest time in Bollywood, men have played the part of main leads in films and were expected to be the stereotypical man who is tough and has the sole responsibility of protecting his family. But with time we have seen softer male characters, more real men represented onscreen which made it even more relatable for the audience. Being tough or soft is in one's nature which one cannot control and that's the beauty of inclusivity because defying patriarchal norms sets everyone free.

Feminist Male Characters In Bollywood

Hamid Fezi In Gangubai Kathiawadi

Gangubai Kathiawadi has celebrated Gangubai in a larger-than-life portrayal along with showing her tragic life. Alia Bhatt has shown her calibre as an actress in this film and how. Bansali has let Gangubai take the centre stage with no other characters overpowering her brightness even though there were quite a few male characters in the plot line. Amongst them, Jim Sarbh's Hamid Fezi struck a mark on the viewers' hearts with his kindness, patience and charm. Hamid is a journalist who is smitten by the aura of Gangu and he becomes an ally to help her achieve the dreams that she didn't even dream for herself.

Sunny Gill In Dil Dhadakne Do

Farhan Akhtar as Sunny Gill was one of those rare characters in Bollywood films who spoke about the importance of a woman's authority over her life. Sunny doesn't force his wish on Ayesha despite his strong feelings for her and backed out completely when he had heard about Ayesha's marriage. Sunny questions Ayesha's husband Manav uttering the iconic ">dialogue, "Aur use tumhari permission ki zaroorat kyu hai?"(And why does she need your permission?) when Manav says that he allowed Ayesha to run her own business. Sunny has only a handful of scenes in the film but he makes a mark as an honourable man to look up to.

Bhaskor Banerjee In Piku

Piku is one of those rare films where the entirety focuses on the female lead and other male characters do not overpower her on screen yet she doesn't come out too strong. Almost all daughters living in India related to this film more than many of the current times. Amitabh Bachchan as Bhashkor Bannerjee is a typical Bengali dad who never forced his daughter into marriage and more surprisingly encourages her to a happy single life with sexual freedom with no judgements. He believes that a woman's job is not about revolving around their male counterparts but about having their own identity. He was stubborn most of the time with his daughter Piku but which father isn't? this is probably how they show their love.

Sahil Mirza In Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

This film revolves around same-sex love which isn't a regular topic in Bollywood films. Rajkummar Rao's character Sahil Mirza could easily be the hero for marrying the girl he fell in love with despite knowing about her sexuality because that's the authority that men hold in society and the struggles that men queer folks face everyday to date. Sahil reunited the lovers instead and became a subplot in their love story willingly. He lent his attention and went beyond and above to make things easier for Sweety. We need more men like him in real life who would stand down for love to win.

Narrotam Mishra In Bareilly Ki Barfi

Another on-screen father that every daughter wants to have was Narrotam Mishra. Narrotam was not a very outspoken person but he always knew what exactly goes inside his daughter Bitti's head. Even though it's a health hazard and shouldn't be promoted but a scene where the father-daughter duo can be seen having a frank conversation about marriage and life as they share a cigarette became relatable to many. Not everyone gets to share this bond with their parents but dearly wish to. Narrotam never forced his dreams or expectations on his daughter and supported her through thick and thin. His empathy and quick comedy made his character memorable.

Jayesh Patel In Jayeshbhai Jordaar

Ranveer Singh's Jayesh Patel was a character based in a patriarchal setup which is way behind any progressive thoughts of gender equality. His parents are eager to have a grandson from his wife who has already aborted six times because gender determination is a tool used for torturing women. With the seventh child on the way when the doctor revealed that it was again a girl, Patel took things into his own hands and decided to stand up against his sexist father. Patel never forced his wife for a male child, rather tried to explain scientifically how he is responsible for the child's sex. Patel was a proud father of two daughters and changed the scenario in his home with determination.

Suggested Reading: Sushmita Sen Birthday: The Epitome Of Grace, Soft Charm And All That