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For decades, the portrayal of male characters on screen has followed traditional masculine ideals of being emotionally repressed. Contrary to this portrayal, the World Health Organization says that men worldwide are less likely to seek psychological help, despite experiencing anxiety, depression and burnout. So, what makes them feel like asking for help is a weakness rather than a basic human need?
The answer lies in cultural expectations that continue to silence discussion about men’s mental health.
However, OTT series, especially young-adult dramas, are now challenging the idea of vulnerability as a feminine trait by showcasing men dealing with it. Experts say that this change will bring a big change.
This trend is called the ‘responsiveness aesthetic’, where women admire the emotional intelligence of men.
Speaking about shows that feature men expressing emotions, PSRI Hospital psychologist Arpita Kohli says, “Media can either reinforce harmful stereotypes or provide healthy scripts. When a male character asks for help… it challenges the idea that men should always be in control.”
However, Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant-Psychiatry, Aakash Healthcare, highlights how most young men who seem absolutely fine are dealing with vulnerability alone, “Once they start talking, you realize how much stress they are facing alone – money worries, job pressure, fear of failing their family. They want to open up, but they are afraid people will call them weak.”
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Recent young-adult shows like In the summer I became beautiful (TSITP) And Maxton Hall Explore vulnerabilities in men in a subtle but surprisingly powerful way. In Season 2 of TSITP, when Conrad learns his mother has cancer, he struggles with relationships, anger, and grief. His ultimate decision to attend therapy is framed as a logical step for someone overwhelmed with grief and fear. Similarly, Maxton Hall’s James Beaufort, the internet’s current favorite imaginary boyfriend, has also voluntarily decided to attend therapy in Season 2. After his mother’s death and a car accident, James chooses counseling because he wants to break the generational cycle.
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Dr. Arpita says, “OTT is doing what mainstream cinema has avoided for decades: letting male characters cry, heal and grow without turning them into jokes or villains. We need such content in India.”
Past Celebrity Interviews About Mental Health
Actor Arjun Kapoor opened up about his mental health journey during his talk at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai and urged the youth to prioritize mental health and seek therapy without shame. He stated that “there is nothing wrong with being weak”, adding that “the strongest people are those who can admit their feelings.”
Actor Imran Khan, talking about his struggle with depression, recalls how conversations about mental health were taboo a decade ago. “There wasn’t an attitude of acceptance among people in general. Today’s generation has embraced the idea of mental health care. Their empathy is amazing.”
In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, director Karan Johar said about seeking help from a mental health professional to overcome body dysmorphia, “I feel very awkward going to the pool. I don’t know how to do it without feeling miserable. I’ve worked very hard to overcome that… I always wear oversized clothes… I always think I’m fat. So I don’t want you to see any part of my body.”
On changing male representation
Influencer Nikhil Taneja says, “Men on screen in Bollywood are still largely stuck in hyper-masculine roles. Rare films like ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’, ‘Homebound’, ‘Dhadak’ and ‘Loka’ offer glimpses of men confronting emotions, vulnerabilities and fears, showing that vulnerability is human, not weak. We need more content like this.”
Actor Amol Parashar says, “There is a lot of awareness around mental health… and now cinema has also started capturing these conversations. I personally love stories of hope and courage that inspire the audience to make better choices and fight these problems in solidarity.”
Marketing professional and model, Kaustav Dey says, “Some of the biggest blockbusters over the past few years have been increasingly violent, radical depictions of ‘masculinity’. These are assimilated into the culture by youth looking for role models… I’m glad new series are embracing what’s normal!”
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