Shayan Taseer to Jai Singh Rathore: 4 characters that redefined masculinity

On International Men's Day, we bring you characters that shattered the stereotypes attached with 'manhood'

November 19 is celebrated as International Men's Day. While the usual narrative in our films and TV dramas might tilt towards misogyny and toxic masculinity. Today we bring you some characters that shattered the very same stereotypes in pop culture.

From Jai Singh Rathore to Terry Jeffords, here are four roles we wish to see more of onscreen.

 

 

1. Shayan Taseer

In the Pakistani drama industry, it's not every day we come across men like Shayan Taseer. Emmad Irfaani's character in Cheekh has been lauded by many. Why, you ask? For doing the absolute bare minimum: standing up for his wife and trusting her. When more than often we see violence by male characters being justified onscreen, Shayan came across as a breath of fresh air. The sad bit is, he was killed off in a rather unnecessary development but his character was a ray of hope for Pakistan's entertainment narrative.

 

2. Jai Singh Rathore

Writer, director Abbas Tyrewala has broken the shackles of toxic masculinity with his 2008 film Jane Tu Ya Jaane Na by using Jai Singh Rathore’s character to relay how an emotionally vulnerable man, who is not insecure about his manhood, can prove to be just as ‘manly.’ As opposed to the conditions attached to becoming a “Ranjhore ka Rathore,” the character of Jai is soft, sweet and attractive. Played by Imran Khan, Jai is intelligent and physically capable of wrecking heavoc, but he picks his battles wisely. Despite the peer pressure to be protective and possessive, he chooses to have a moral compass and common sense.

 

3. The Professor

Álvaro Morte’s Sergio Marquina, alias the Professor, is the mastermind behind the robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain in popular Netflix series Money Heist. But underneath his false identity and criminal mindset – which he justifies by blaming the system – Sergio is meticulous and demonstrates a deep understanding of human psychology.

And despite his evident intellectual and physical superiority, coupled with his powerful position, he never abuses his authority. Perhaps, this is the reason why several women would relate to Tokyo when she feels her ‘sapiosexuality’ taking over while conversing with him. The makers know they have a devised a male character who chooses to maintain stringent moral principles despite being capable of manipulating the situation in his favour. And contrary to his circumstances, the Professor’s calm demeanor allows him to resolve conflicts without fuss, making him an excellent leader and even 'manlier' man.

 

4. Terry Jeffords

 

 

There's a stigma attached to black actors. They're the tough ones - the ones you should steer clear of - in most films/dramas. However, Brooklyn Nine-Nine definitely shattered that stereotype. The makers have captured the softer side of the 'buffed dudes' by putting the spotlight on not just one, but two actors of colour in the show.

Terry Crews, who plays Sergeant Terry Jeffords in the sitcom, could easily qualify as the epitome of a perfect husband, father and leader. He manages to bring out the character many have been longing black actors to portray - one with empathy and kindness.

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