Sooraj Barjatya Champions Gentle Heroes Amid Alpha Male Trend in Bollywood
In contemporary Indian cinema, a noticeable shift toward aggressive "alpha male" protagonists has captivated audiences, beginning with the controversial success of Kabir Singh and intensifying with recent films featuring hyper-masculine, angry characters even in romantic narratives. This trend has sparked nostalgia among viewers who fondly recall the gentle, romantic leads of classic movies, particularly those in Sooraj Barjatya's iconic films like Vivaah and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. However, Barjatya himself dismisses the notion that his quintessential hero Prem—a name he assigns to all his male leads—differs fundamentally from characters like Kabir Singh.
Barjatya's Perspective on Love and Masculinity
Barjatya's latest project, the series Sangamarmar, recently premiered on JioHotstar. This heartfelt romantic drama stars Sourabh Raaj Jain and Sheen Savita Das as lovers whose connection deepens over 25 years without marriage. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the director emphasized that audience perceptions of love have remained consistent over time. He describes his male lead as a genuine romantic, stating, "He waits for the woman for 25 years even as she is taking care of her responsibilities." Despite creating characters who boldly challenge traditional macho stereotypes, Barjatya often faces criticism for presenting an unrealistic portrayal of relationships.
With a laugh, Barjatya shares, "Every two to three weeks, people tell me such a world does not exist. Don’t give us this wrong hope. Girls tell me that their parents want this sort of guy for them, and these don’t exist anymore. But I say they exist today too. You just have to find them." This defense highlights his belief in the enduring relevance of gentle heroes in modern society.
Comparing Prem with Alpha Male Characters
Barjatya's films are renowned for replacing conventional toughness with tender romance. For instance, the Prem in Hum Aapke Hain Koun, portrayed by Salman Khan, sacrifices his own love for family harmony, while the Prem in Vivaah, played by Shahid Kapoor, remains steadfast in his commitment after his fiancée suffers a tragic accident. The box-office triumph of Kabir Singh has led some to question whether audiences still desire this Prem-like vibe. Barjatya rejects any binary opposition between the two archetypes.
"They are representations of the same men," he asserts, adding, "Someone must love this passionately. If you look at it, whether it is Kabir Singh, Animal, Prem, or the protagonist from Sangamarmar, but someone must love this passionately. All of them have come through the journeys of their soul. They have their own upbringing and values. But essentially, it is the power of love. I feel they are two sides of the same coin." This perspective bridges the gap between aggressive and gentle portrayals of masculinity in Indian cinema.
Context on Kabir Singh and Animal
Kabir Singh, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, is Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Hindi adaptation of his Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy. It held the record as India's highest-grossing romantic film until Saiyaara surpassed it last year. Meanwhile, Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, ranks among the biggest box-office successes in Indian film history. These films exemplify the alpha male trend that Barjatya addresses, showcasing how diverse representations of love and masculinity continue to resonate with viewers.
As Bollywood evolves, Barjatya's insights remind us that the essence of storytelling lies in exploring the multifaceted nature of human emotions, whether through gentle romantics or assertive alpha males. His work encourages a broader understanding of love's power across different cinematic expressions.
