From the era of Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendraâs Sholay, toxic masculinity has been a much-debated aspect of the Bollywood culture. We have time and again questioned this tryst. Back in the 70s,  we had male characters that were shown to be macho and female characters were reduced to damsels in distress. Cut to the 90s, we accepted characters like Prem Mehra from Biwi No. 1 who cheats on his wife but the load of the blame is only shared by the girlfriend for an extra-marital affair, instead of the husband. Then we have movies like Veer Zara and Gadar where men were made heroes and they crossed borders to save the women they loved and well, the female characters were just either loyal partners or just loved daughters. Maybe, itâs just the kind of liberation that the women characters got on screen. 

  

Yes, things have changed as now there are movies where you have male leads challenging the toxic masculinity and showing the different shades of men who support women. But, the aspect of toxic masculinity is still very much prevalent 21st-century movies and itâs time that this trend needs to stop. So, we are here to talk about 5 Male Bollywood characters that glorified toxic masculinity and we are not okay with it:

1. Kabir From Kabir Singh

The movie completed a year of its successful run yesterday. It might have got all the applause for Shahid Kapoorâs acting prowess but it was questioned for the character he portrayed as it romanticized toxic masculinity. Well, there is this handsome and hyper alpha male Kabir whoâs obsessed with a submissive Preeti. Thatâs very projection is questionable, let alone pin-pointing every aspect in the movie. Kabir doesnât even let Preeti choose her own friends for that matter and we are celebrating Kabir as if he is some epitome of how men should be. 

  

2. Chulbul Pandey From Dabangg

When famous actors like Salman Khan play such roles, how do you expect a change? You might argue that the portrayal of Chulbul was more done in light of a comic spectacle but, itâs very problematic. If you have watched Dabangg, you know it all. Let me give you a few examples from the movie. So, Rajjo is devastated and is mourning her fatherâs death and Chulbul not only gatecrashes the funeral but also tells people not to grieve as itâs time for Rajjo to celebrate her new life with him. Like seriously? In fact, he introduces himself properly to Rajjo after their marriage. The very item number is questionable as it says, âMunni Badnam Hui Darling Tere Liyeâ. I rest my case here. 

  

3. Bunny From Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

So, many men want to be like Bunny and actually, for that matter, many women want to live life Bunny style. But, the character is problematic and accepting it as it is not a cool idea. Bunny wants to live his life and he decided to live it fully. When he comes back, he realizes his love for Naina. Everything was acceptable till this moment, but you will lose your sanity when he goes to claiming his right on her when he, himself, is not very sure about commitment. Thereâs a scene wherein Naina is sitting with a friend (played by Rana Daggubati) and Bunny is jealous and thinks itâs his right to shun the other man but what about seeking the approval of Naina.

  

4. Sonu From Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety

While I get it that Luv Ranjan wants to show things according to how men feel, this puts me in a very uncomfortable position as it shows a different picture of men who have multiple issues with the opposite gender. So, Sonu advises Titu, who is having issues with his new girlfriend, to have post break-up *** instead of getting into a new relationship. It doesnât stop here. Sonu gives a character certificate to Sweety and tries every way into manipulating Titu to leave her. Do men think of women as only gold-diggers? Now, thatâs objectionable, isnât it? 

  

5. Rahul From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Thinking why Rahul is on the list? Well, he, too, is a prime example of toxic masculinity. From falling in love with someone whoâs beautiful and is not a tomboy to saying things like basketball is not for women, Rahul is nowhere close to being an ideal man but we still idolize his character and in fact, think he is how men should be.

Itâs time that we stop showing only one shade of men as in reality; there are men who are supportive of their partners so why not celebrate them instead?

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