Oh, how the times have changed! The definition of a ‘man’ has taken a wild turn over the years. Long gone are the days when society applauded men for swooping in to rescue damsels in distress and acting as the sole providers for their families. We’re living in a new era – a time when masculinity is being dissected and discussed, and men have finally woken up to the fact that it’s perfectly fine to shed a tear or two and guess what? Cinema is here to lend a hand in smashing those outdated stigmas.
When it comes to Bollywood, we have a feast of aggressive, macho men on the silver screen. But there’s a fascinating phenomenon in play here. Sometimes, these male characters are crafted by the ingenious minds of women. Yes, you heard that right! Women writing male characters in the realm of pop culture is an art form in itself, showcasing the incredible depth and understanding they bring to their creative endeavours.
We’ve curated a sensational list of seven Bollywood male characters who were skillfully penned by women.
1) Dr Jehangir from Dear Zindagi
This captivating character was brought to life by the brilliant mind of Gauri Shinde in the movie ‘Dear Zindagi’ and embodied on the screen by the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. Dr. Jehangir, or Jug assumes the role of a therapist for Kaira, portrayed by Alia Bhatt. But he’s not your typical run-of-the-mill therapist. Jug becomes Kaira’s guiding light, helping her confront her deepest fears and conquer them with the utmost patience. As their sessions progress, an extraordinary bond blossoms between them, transcending the boundaries of mere professionalism. Dr. Jehangir also possesses an extraordinary ability to handle Kaira’s blossoming feelings for him, he rejects Kiara without shattering her heart into a million irreparable pieces. We all secretly knew that Dr. Jehangir would grace this prestigious list. His portrayal is nothing short of remarkable, and his impact on the narrative is undeniable.
2) The boys in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Let’s dive into the world of three charismatic characters: Arjun (played by the dashing Hrithik Roshan), Kabir (brought to life by the talented Abhay Deol), and Imraan (charmingly portrayed by Farhan Akhtar). These guys aren’t just your typical dreamy and adventurous bachelors on a trip. Kudos to the brilliant duo of writers, Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, for crafting such multidimensional personalities. These men, despite their success, harbour vulnerabilities and carry their own unique baggage. As the story unfolds, we embark on a life-altering journey with them through the enchanting landscapes of Spain. What sets these characters apart is their willingness to confront their flaws and imperfections. We witness a refreshing narrative where these men unlearn, accept, and understand themselves.
3) Dan Walia in October
Dan was portrayed by Varun Dhawan in the cinematic gem known as ‘October.’ Varun known for his versatility, took on this challenging role, bringing to life a character that was carefully crafted by the talented Juhi Chaturvedi. In Indian cinema, heartbreak is often depicted in a formulaic and predictable manner. We’ve witnessed countless male characters spiral into the abyss of alcoholism and become abusive partners, only to be magically ‘fixed’ by the love of a woman. But Juhi Chaturvedi’s Dan is a breath of fresh air in this regard. When Dan realizes that his love is unrequited, he doesn’t fall into the trappings of the usual clichés. Instead of drowning his sorrows in destructive behaviours, he chooses a different path. Dan displays remarkable patience and kindness as he embraces his grief and allows himself the time and space to heal. It’s a poignant departure from the norm, and it hits you right in the feels. With each scene, he captivates our hearts and draws us into this unconventional tale of heartbreak and self-discovery.
4) Surjan singh shekhawat in Talaash
Yet again a character from the movie ‘Taalash’ by the dynamic duo Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar. Surjan Singh Shekhawat, brilliantly portrayed by Aamir Khan takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we delve into the depths of guilt and grief. He embodies the weight of a parent’s worst nightmare, the heart-wrenching tragedy of losing a child. His character becomes a vessel through which the audience experiences the overwhelming sadness that engulfs a couple, robbed of the dreams and possibilities their child held. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Surjan is nothing short of mesmerizing. He skillfully captures the raw emotions of helplessness, pain, and longing. The ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’ stigma definitely breaks here!
5) Sachin Sandhu in Thappad
In a world craving for supportive feminist fathers, we find solace in the character of Sachin Sandhu, flawlessly portrayed by Kumud Mishra in the impactful film ‘Thappad.’ This thought-provoking masterpiece revolves around the life of Amrita (played by the talented Taapsee Pannu) as she embarks on a journey to reclaim her dignity as a woman. At its core, ‘Thappad’ confronts the disturbing theme of domestic abuse, a reality that has sadly become normalized in our society. Women are often told to endure such mistreatment in the name of preserving their marriages. Mrunmayee Lagoo’s exceptional writing gives life to this narrative. Amidst the sea of opposition faced by Amrita for even considering leaving her husband after a single slap, we find Sachin Sandhu, a beacon of support and understanding.
6) Robbie from Manmarziyaan
Let’s talk about the unforgettable Robbie from the film ‘Manmarziyaan.’ This character of a husband, brought to life with grace and finesse by the talented Abhishek Bachchan, emerges as a shining example of the refreshing evolution of male characters in Hindi cinema. The brilliant Kanika Dhillon to thank for crafting such a memorable personality. Robbie breaks free from the mould, defying expectations and offering a refreshing perspective on masculinity. Robbie is not your typical alpha male or the brooding hero; He is not driven by ego or the need to control others. Instead, he values love, trust, and understanding. He approaches relationships with maturity and respect, showcasing a level of emotional intelligence rarely seen in traditional male characters in Hindi cinema.
7) Raj Batra in Hindi Medium
When it comes to redefining male characters in Hindi cinema, few can match the brilliance of Irrfan Khan, and his endearing portrayal of Raj Batra in the film ‘Hindi Medium’ is a testament to that. Penned by the talented Zeenat Lakhani what sets Raj apart from the traditional male characters is his relatability and vulnerability. He embodies the struggles and insecurities of an ordinary man, navigating the complexities of life with humour and sincerity. Raj’s journey in the film explores the societal pressures and aspirations surrounding education and social status. However, what truly distinguishes him is his genuine desire to provide the best opportunities for his daughter, even if it means confronting his own limitations and stepping out of his comfort zone.
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