Mumbai: As the world marks International Men’s Day on November 19, conversations around modern masculinity have never felt more relevant. Today’s television screens mirror a changing world—one where male characters embrace sensitivity, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and compassion. On this occasion, artists from Sony SAB reflect on how their on-screen portrayals redefine what it means to be a man in the contemporary era: more real, more empathetic, and more inspiring.
Gaurav Chopra, who plays Rajveer Shastri in Pushpa Impossible, says,
“International Men’s Day always reminds me of those men who silently try to piece themselves back together. Rajveer is one of them—a successful man still recovering from a painful past… someone who hides his hurt behind anger because he doesn’t know any better. Playing him made me realise how many men in real life do the same. I’ve learned that healing isn’t weakness; sometimes, it is the bravest thing a man can attempt.”
From Itti Si Khushi, actor Rajat Verma, who portrays Virat, reflects on a quieter kind of strength.
“Growing up, I saw men who expressed love silently—they fixed things without saying a word, they stood by you without any theatrics. My character Virat comes from that same space of gentle strength. On International Men’s Day, I think of those men who live beyond stereotypes, with patience, empathy, and emotional steadiness. Playing Virat taught me that the softest strength is often the most enduring.”
His co-star Rishi Saxena, who plays Inspector Sanjay Bhosale, speaks about emotional balance.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors, family, and colleagues that responsibility and warmth can coexist. My character Sanjay reflects exactly that—he carries authority, but also a deep emotional honesty. This International Men’s Day reminds us that men shouldn’t have to choose between being strong and being sensitive. Both can, and often do, exist together.”
Meanwhile, Karan Suchak, who plays Lord Indra in Gatha Shiv Parivar Ki Ganesh Kartikeya, highlights the depth within mythological roles.
“Portraying mythological characters has taught me that power is never one-dimensional. Even as Indra Dev, there are moments of pride, hesitation, sensitivity—all emotions we often forget men feel too. On International Men’s Day, I truly believe men deserve the freedom to embrace this full emotional spectrum. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being real is far more impactful than pretending to be perfect.”
Watch Gatha Shiv Parivar Ki Ganesh Kartikeya, Pushpa Impossible, and Itti Si Khushi, Monday to Saturday, only on Sony SAB.
