In the past, masculinity in Bollywood was often synonymous with physical strength, stoicism, and dominance. Heroes of the 70s and 80s, like Amitabh Bachchan’s "angry young man" persona or Dharmendra’s macho image, symbolized an era where men were the stoic providers, silent protectors, and ultimate decision-makers. However, the 21st century has ushered in a transformative shift. Today’s new age heroes are breaking the molds of traditional masculinity, embracing vulnerability, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence, while still maintaining elements of strength and resilience.

They are redefining masculinity in ways that resonate with modern audiences, reflecting broader societal changes around gender, emotions, and relationships. One of the most significant influences on the evolving portrayal of masculinity in Bollywood is the change in societal perceptions of gender. As conversations around gender equality, mental health, and emotional intelligence have grown louder, these themes have started to surface in mainstream cinema. New age actors like Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal, and Rajkummar Rao, among others, have portrayed characters that are far removed from the one-dimensional macho heroes of the past.

These actors, through their nuanced performances, have challenged the stereotype that men must be emotionally unavailable, strong, and aggressive to be considered "manly." Ranveer Singh, one of Bollywood’s most unconventional actors, stands as a prime example of this new brand of masculinity. Known for his flamboyant personality and fearless fashion choices, Singh represents a generation that embraces individuality over conformity. His off-screen persona is as much a departure from traditional masculinity as his roles on-screen. In movies like Gully Boy, he portrays a rapper from Mumbai's slums who is vulnerable, sensitive, and in touch with his emotions.

While his character Murad is gritty and determined, he is also empathetic and caring, particularly in his relationships. Singh’s willingness to wear his emotions on his sleeve, both in his personal life and his film roles, signals a shift in how masculinity is viewed in contemporary India one that values vulnerability as strength. Another actor leading the charge in redefining masculinity is Ayushmann Khurrana. Over the past few years, Khurrana has established himself as an actor unafraid to tackle socially relevant issues. In Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan , for example, he played the role of a homosexual man fighting for acceptance and love in a deeply conservative society. This film, a rare mainstream Bollywood attempt at addressing LGBTQIA+ issues, highlighted the importance of emotional intimacy and challenged the hyper-masculine, heteronormative image of Indian men. His roles in movies like Vicky Donor, where he plays a sperm donor, and Bala, in which he explores the societal stigma around male baldness, continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a "man" in modern India. Khurrana’s characters are frequently flawed and relatable, and his choice of scripts points to a broader willingness to dismantle patriarchal ideals of manhood that have long dominated the Indian psyche. In a similar vein, Vicky Kaushal has also contributed to this evolving narrative. While he first gained recognition for his role as a hardened soldier in Uri: The Surgical Strike, Kaushal has since explored a range of roles that highlight the emotional depth and complexity of men. In Manmarziyaan (2018), he portrays a character who is emotionally volatile and confused, deeply in love but unable to express his feelings in a mature way.

Through his flawed, emotionally messy characters, Kaushal has shown that vulnerability, fear, and emotional confusion are as much a part of the masculine experience as strength and stoicism. His characters often grapple with self-doubt and insecurities, reflecting the realities of modern relationships and the shifting dynamics between men and women in Indian society. Rajkummar Rao, yet another of Bollywood’s new-age actors, has consistently chosen roles that challenge societal stereotypes around masculinity. In films like Newton and Stree, Rao plays men who are far from the traditional "hero." In Stree, he is a tailor who runs from ghosts and exhibits fear a stark contrast to the machismo-laden characters of Bollywood’s past. His performances reject the notion that men must always be the rescuers or protectors, showing instead that it’s okay to be scared or unsure. Rao’s characters demonstrate emotional intelligence and sensitivity, particularly in how they navigate relationships with women. This depiction of men as equals, rather than protectors or dominators in relationships, is a significant shift in the portrayal of masculinity in Indian cinema.

While Bollywood’s new-age heroes are redefining masculinity, veteran stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sanjay Dutt have also contributed to this evolving narrative in their own ways. Shah Rukh Khan, often dubbed the "King of Romance," has long portrayed men who express love, vulnerability, and emotional depth, from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Dunki where he played a therapist encouraging emotional openness. SRK’s charm lies in his ability to balance strength with sensitivity, making him one of the earliest superstars to embrace a more layered masculinity that transcends mere physicality. Salman Khan, known for his action-packed, larger-than-life roles, has also shifted towards a more nuanced portrayal of masculinity in recent years.

In films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, he plays a kind-hearted, emotional man on a mission to reunite a lost girl with her family, shedding his "macho" image to showcase empathy and vulnerability. Similarly, Akshay Kumar, who started his career with tough-guy roles, has transitioned into characters that emphasize responsibility, compassion, and social awareness in films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man and many more. Even Sanjay Dutt, who once epitomized the “bad boy” image, has explored complex characters in movies like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage raho munna bhai that focus on kindness and emotional healing, marking a shift in how these icons of masculinity are represented on-screen today.

This new portrayal of masculinity is also a reflection of changing gender dynamics in Indian society. With increasing urbanization, education, and exposure to global cultural trends, there is a growing recognition that rigid gender roles are outdated. The rise of feminist movements and discussions around mental health have led to more nuanced understandings of what it means to be a man in today’s world. Bollywood’s new age heroes, through their performances, are embodying these societal changes and offering a more inclusive vision of masculinity. The changing image of masculinity is not limited to just the roles these actors choose, but also in how they present themselves off-screen. Ranveer Singh’s bold fashion choices, often deemed as "feminine" by traditional standards, are a rejection of the idea that masculinity is confined to a certain look or behavior. Ayushmann Khurrana, too, has been vocal about the need to break gender stereotypes and promote emotional openness among men. These actors are not only redefining masculinity on-screen but are also challenging societal expectations in their personal lives.  

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has further allowed for more experimental and nuanced portrayals of men. Shows like Made in Heaven  and Sacred Games  have introduced characters who deviate from traditional masculinity. These shows have contributed to the changing landscape of Indian cinema, giving creators the freedom to explore complex, multifaceted male characters without the constraints of mainstream box-office success. This shift is also reflective of a changing audience one that is more willing to engage with stories that challenge societal norms.   In conclusion, Bollywood’s new age heroes are redefining masculinity in ways that reflect the evolving gender dynamics of contemporary India.

Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal, and Rajkummar Rao are leading the charge by portraying men who are vulnerable, emotionally intelligent, and unafraid to challenge societal expectations. These actors, through their diverse roles, are proving that masculinity is not a one-size-fits-all concept. By embracing emotional openness, sensitivity, and individuality, they are not only reshaping the narrative of Indian cinema but also offering a more inclusive and progressive vision of what it means to be a man in the 21st century.