For a female-oriented film to work, you need a great storyline, a brilliant actress to headline it and a smart audience.

However, Bollywood has made many female-focused films, where all the audience remembers, is the male actor in them. Doesn’t make sense, right? 

Think Chak De! India, Pink and Mission Mangal. 

© Cape of Good Films

This makes us appreciate the male actors who have worked in women-centric films and made an impact without taking away the focus or spotlight. We love them because they were supportive, charming and unforgettable in their roles and didn’t overshadow the plotline of the protagonist with their presence. 

© Fox Star Studios

Here are 5 such actors in women-centric movies who we loved for their memorable and yet subtle roles:

1. Irrfan Khan In Piku 

© MSM Motion Pictures

Although there were two brilliant male actors, Piku still remains in Deepika's film which shows her relationship with her father. 

Irrfan as Rana brings the quirk, fun and romance in her life and still doesn’t overshadow her even a bit.  

2. Shah Rukh Khan In Dear Zindagi 

© Red Chillies Entertainment

We didn’t think we could overlook the King Of Bollywood in a movie. 

However SRK perfectly blends in as a character actor, a therapist who helps the protagonist with her mental health, insomnia and family issues like the film demanded.   

3. Vikrant Massey In Chappaak 

© Fox Star Studios

Based on a true story, Deepika’s Chappaak has Vikrant Messay as the male protagonist Amol Dwivedi who supports her throughout the film and plays the role of a friend and impactful reporter with conviction. 

4. Sunny Doel in Damini

© Shemaroo Entertainment

It’s one of the few movies of the older years where the male actors dominated the film. However, Sunny Doel’s portrayal of Advocate Govind Srivastava showed how to play a powerful character without making it your own film.

5. Pankaj Tripathi In Gunjan Saxena 

© Dharma Productions

Pankaj Tripathi is an acting chameleon and is the highlight of any film he does. 

However, in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, he doesn’t take the focus off Janhvi Kapoor and essays the role of a super supportive father to her.

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