Strength in sensitivity: Sony SAB actors reflect on evolving masculinity on International Men’s Day

As the world celebrates International Men's Day on 19th November, conversations around modern day masculinity feel more relevant than ever. With portrayals that highlight vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and compassion, television is becoming a powerful mirror to these evolving ideals. This year, Sony SAB’s talented actors share how their roles highlight a more real, relatable, and inspiring understanding of what it means to be a man today.

Gaurav Chopra, playing Rajveer Shastri in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “International Men’s Day always makes me think of the men who are quietly trying to piece themselves back together. It reminds me of my character Rajveer, a once-successful man now rebuilding himself after a painful past — someone who masks hurt with anger because he doesn’t know any other way. While playing him, I realised how many men in real life do the same. It taught me that healing isn’t weakness; sometimes it’s the bravest thing a man can attempt.”

Rajat Verma, essaying the role of Virat in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Growing up, I saw men who expressed love quietly, fixing things without being asked, showing up without fanfare. My character Virat comes from that same space of gentle strength. On International Men’s Day, I find myself thinking about these men who don’t follow the loud stereotype but lead with patience, empathy, and steadiness. Playing Virat reminded me that sometimes the softest kind of strength is the most lasting.”

Rishi Saxena, who plays Inspector Sanjay Bhosale in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Throughout my life, I’ve met men as mentors, family members, colleagues who showed me that responsibility and warmth can go hand in hand. My character as Sanjay reflects that balance too; he carries authority, but also a deep emotional honesty beneath it. This International Men’s Day, I’m reminded that men don’t have to choose between being strong and being sensitive. The two can coexist, and often do.”

Karan Suchak, playing Indra Dev in Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki Ganesh Kartikey, shared, “Portraying mythological characters has taught me that strength is rarely one-dimensional. Playing Indra Dev, too, has moments of pride, vulnerability, uncertainty — all the things we sometimes forget men feel. On International Men’s Day, I think about how important it is for men to be allowed that emotional range. If there’s one lesson I’ve taken away, it’s that authenticity is far more powerful than pretending to be perfect.”