Over the years the definition of being a man is changed.
The time was different men were applauded for rescuing women, understating women, being in powerful situations in short being Heroic. But the scenario has changed and being heroic also has a different meaning. A whole generation is now inclined toward an emotional vulnerable sensitive man who understands a woman.
Source: www.scoopwhoop.com
You will see the massive difference between Male characters written by male writers and the ones written by a woman. The thinking and imagination of men portrayed in such films written by women might have been contradictory reviews as change is something that everyone can’t appreciate.
However, they have been loved by a massive portion of people who wants such change in their lives and in thinking too. Many Bollywood male characters written by women broke the module of toxic hero with the saviour complex and played a big role in a change.
Here is the list of male characters by women filmmakers and writers who rather cheer and support the woman to stay strong than rescue her.
1. Dr Jehangir (Dear Zindagi)
source: www.dnaindia.com
Written by Gauri Shinde character of De Jehangir was played by Shah Rukh Khan in Alia Bhatt and starred in Dear Zindagi. Dr Jehangir was a therapist of Kiara(Alia Bhatt). Who helped her to overcome her fears with patience and positivity. He did not just give her professional help for her problems but made a bond with her. A friendship bond to gain her trust that this man will understand her problems.
He will not solve them but guide her on how to take it positively and come over this. The film helps bring forward the issue of mental health in the most rational way possible. In the end Dr Jehangir also the way he manages her feelings for him without breaking her heart in the worst way possible. Breaking the stereotypes this character won hearts.
2. Sunny Gill (Dil Dhadakne Do)
Source: zeenews.india.com
Even though he was not in the central role of the movie he left a memorable impact on the audience in this role. The character of Sunny Gill is the definition of today’s generation idol man. No, not muscular not rich, tall, dark and handsome but a man who understands a woman. Treat her right and fight for her rights. The film is written by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti and each character in the movie is written beautifully.
Sunny’s role as a feminist journalist who believes in equality of gender clicked with many viewers, especially women. In the conversation between Farhan and Priyanka’s husband where he tells “ who are you to give her permit to work, when we permit someone we put ourselves over them.” And the scene was sold out to audiences and touched all hearts. We need more sunny in our real lives to maintain this equality.
3. Sachin Sandhu (Thappad)
Source: Mumbai mirror
A feminist supportive father is all a girl needs to win any battle against her rights. In the movie Thappad Kumar Mishra did a great job the character was written by Mrunmayee Lagoo. Bollywood has made so many films that speak about domestic violence but this one has different things.
The story revolves around Amrita’s wife who is a housewife and has happy marriage life. Her husband once slapped her and she rose her voice against it and move back to her father’s house. Her father supported her throughout the case and made her feel that she is not overreacting whatever the world says He will stick to her side. Sachin Sandhu encourages his daughter to live on her terms without feeling guilty about her choices. And this is what every woman asked for. Right?
Talking about men Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara boys was also written by a females. Once again female writers Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar did a great job portraying the vulnerable lives of three successful men Kabir, Arjun and Imran. The three characters of the film are played by Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol. The audience loved the character and realised imperfections are perfectly fine.
Also Dan Walia played by Varun Dhawan the portrayal of his heartbreak was written by Juhi Chaturvedi and it was definitely the exception from the years how Bollywood is portraying men.
The change is great. The audience needs more of this in Bollywood characters.
