Adnan Malik's note about re-evaluating masculinity is something all men can learn from

'While growing up I was teased for being sensitive', says the actor

Adnan Malik has an important message for men and we are all ears. In a recent Instagram post, the Cake star wrote, "There are so many debates about the ethos of masculinity these days. Men, in general, are threatened by a rising tide of assertive, boundary-defining women who have had enough of the casual misogyny."

He added, "With powerful (and I say welcome) movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, I think we as men really need to reappraise what it means to be 'men' and 'masculine'."

PHOTO: FILE

Malik was often nagged for being too sensitive during his growing years. Drawing narrative from his life, he shared, "While growing up I was teased for being sensitive. When my newly-testosterone-fuelled classmates in middle school went around stomping ants nests, I remember being so angry at their self-centeredness, as if they had to express their dominance over everything around them to feel like 'men'."

The actor recalled being teased (read: bullied) when he often raised his voice against the "thoughtless brutality" of his peers. “Here comes 'Mr Don’t Kill the Ants' they would say. The teasing stayed with me for a few years but I survived because I had other things going for me."

The Sadqay Tumhare actor will be starring opposite Mira Sethi.PHOTO: SHOWBIZLOUNGE

However, Malik added he was an excellent sportsman and liked by the ladies. Why, you may ask? "Because I was respectful (and goofy), had good enough grades and essentially had parents who were kind and thoughtful and raised me with the values of living in harmony with the world around me. They saw my sensitivity and nurtured it and supported me. They never wanted me to be the alpha, hyper-sexualised, mega-successful man that so many unfortunate young boys are pressured into emulating."

Malik continued, "I was told to be 'me', to find my 'own truth'. I learnt to believe that being vulnerable, having integrity, being kind, listening to other people, being respectful of women and seeking their consent in all decisions pertaining to them was the way that I could grow into becoming a 'man'."

PHOTO:AYESHA MIR / EXPRESS

He advised his followers to stick to what they believe in, trust their sensitivities and realise their strengths. "Don’t be so brittle that you ultimately break, because life is tough and when all’s said and done, you only really have yourself to live with. So make that person likeable," mentioned Malik.

This, however, isn't the first time the artist has addressed masculinity. In an earlier interview with BBC Asian Network, Malik revealed there is a dearth of diverse male characters in Pakistani films and TV. He questioned the lack of "sensitive and compassionate" male characters in local cinema and wondered why there aren't any who are comfortable with taking no as an answer.

Stating that people nowadays compare themselves to the characters they see on screen, Malik called for the need for versatile roles played by men, ranging from a macho action hero to a shy and sensitive one. “I will play characters that I feel morally aligned to. If I am doing something that is misogynistic, I will definitely have second thoughts,” he concluded.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.