International Men’s Day: Bollywood movies that shaped new stories for men
November 19th is celebrated as International Men’s Day. This day is celebrated globally as a day to raise awareness about the many issues men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence.
But when it comes to men, we’ve long wondered if they’re struggling with their emotions or mental health. A few years ago, that answer might have been beside the point. Because it wasn’t what a man should be, it wasn’t the definition of masculinity, and it was considered a weakness.
The portrayal of masculinity in Bollywood was also along the same lines. However, the industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. It used to be all about masculinity, stoicism, and domination, but now those concepts have changed. Several films have emerged that redefine what it means to be a man, shatter stereotypes, and celebrate diverse expressions of masculinity.
1. Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film changed the way male friendships were portrayed in Indian cinema. The work depicted the vulnerability, emotional depth, and complexity of friendship between men, and challenged the notion that masculinity was defined solely by toughness and bravado.
2. Fashion (2008): Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’ explored the fashion industry and the struggles faced by male models. The film highlighted the pressure to conform to societal standards and broke the stereotype that masculinity does not come with its own expectations and challenges.
3. My Name is Khan (2010): Starring Shah Rukh Khan, the film tackled the themes of diversity, inclusion, and resilience. It depicts a man with Asperger’s syndrome overcoming life’s challenges, showing that masculinity goes beyond physical strength and includes empathy, compassion, and decisiveness.
4.Kapoor & Sons (2016): The film delved into the complexities of family dynamics and relationships. It depicted the vulnerability and emotional struggles of male characters, challenging the notion that strength comes from suppressing emotions.
5. Gully Boy (2019): Depicting Mumbai’s underground rap scene, the film showcases the journey of a street rapper and shows how masculinity is not limited to physical prowess, but encompasses passion, talent and determination to break through social barriers. I emphasized.
