Do "perfect men" really exist? Yes, in Bollywood!
Have you ever watched those short videos or reels where women gleefully show off their boyfriends and husbands, proudly highlighting their supportive, loving, and caring nature? Some even ‘flaunt’ them doing household chores, which surprises many viewers. The comments section of these videos often fills up with remarks like "this only happens in fairy tales" or "you're so lucky." But why does it seem so strange for a man to be empathetic, sympathetic, or just sensitive?
Bollywood has a significant influence on our society. If we look at Bollywood movies, we'll notice that many of them have celebrated hyper-masculinity in men over the years. However, there are a few characters written by women in Bollywood who embody exactly what women want in their partners. But what is it that women truly desire in their men? There are plenty of online opinions, but if you're genuinely curious, keep reading!
Let's kick off our list with the lovable, understanding, and supportive Rana from "Piku," beautifully brought to life by Juhi Chaturvedi.
It might be surprising, but women aren’t always waiting for a hero to come to their rescue. They're perfectly capable of handling their own challenges. Rana, with his wit and outspokenness, isn’t there to solve all of Piku’s problems. He doesn’t see her as a helpless woman in need of saving. Instead, he shows kindness by being a good listener and empathizing with her struggles. Empathy, a trait that many men lack.
Rana embodies what women truly desire in their partners—not just problem solvers or rescuers, but someone who spends time with them, listens to their stories, and empathizes with the utmost respect and regard.
Written by Gauri Shinde, Jug helps Kaira cope with her childhood trauma and internal struggles, offering viewers invaluable lessons on life and relationships. He's an empathetic therapist who uses unconventional methods to assist his clients, encouraging Kaira to conquer her fears and pursue her dreams without judgment.
What makes Jug iconic is his humanity—he's not portrayed as a perfect, all-knowing therapist. Instead, he openly acknowledges his own weaknesses and flaws. He emphasizes that the road less traveled isn't always the right one and finding joy in simpler things is valid too!
A charming and sensitive therapist like Jug has the power to help us navigate love and life successfully.
Written by Bhavani Iyer and Meghna Gulzar, Syed Iqbal from "Raazi" embodies tranquility, solemnity, empathy, and a deep respect for consent. He's the epitome of a perfect gentleman—kind, compassionate, and understanding. Iqbal demonstrates his empathy when he recognizes his wife's dilemma amid negative remarks about her country from other family members, and he isn't hesitant to offer his apology. He not only gives Sehmat the space and time she needs to develop feelings for him but also acknowledges that she doesn't have to compromise her patriotism to be with him.
Throughout the film, Iqbal grapples with his love for Sehmat and his loyalty to his country. He's depicted as a multifaceted character with conflicting emotions and beliefs, which intensifies his interactions with Sehmat and adds depth to their relationship. He sees Sehmat as more than just his wife—as an individual with her own identity. This quality in Iqbal's character is immensely endearing and touching.
In "Chhapaak," penned by Atika Chohan and Meghna Gulzar, Amol stands out as a quietly remarkable character who truly falls for Malti. His love isn't driven by pity, but by genuine admiration for her bravery and resilience. Throughout the narrative, Amol unconditionally supports Malti, showing his rare ability to appreciate her inner strength over her external appearance.
What makes Amol even more compelling is that his character is inspired by a real-life individual, lending authenticity and depth to his portrayal.
Shutu from "A Death in the Gunj" by Konkana Sen is a refreshing change from the tough-guy image often seen in movies, especially in Bollywood. He's quite different from the typical macho heroes we're used to seeing on screen. Shutu is portrayed as a complex character, with layers that slowly unfold as the story progresses.
He's a sensitive and introverted young man who's struggling to cope with the recent loss of his father. This loss has left him feeling lonely and disconnected from the world around him. Despite his inner struggles, Shutu is shown to be intelligent and thoughtful. He has a deep love for literature and enjoys spending time alone, reading books, and observing nature.
Shutu's character challenges stereotypes about masculinity. He's not the loud, ‘brave’ hero we often see in movies. Instead, he's timid, vulnerable, and innocent. He reminds us that men can be complex and have a range of emotions. Are you taking notes, Bollywood?
To all the men reading this, perhaps now you get a glimpse of what women hope for in their partners. These characters are truly inspiring, embodying qualities like gentle masculinity, calmness, kindness, and patience. They're created by amazing women and can offer guidance for men who are striving to be better partners, parents, and, most importantly, better humans.
