Anud Singh Dhaka: “It’s not the age of toxic masculinity anymore”

Jumping from buildings or engaging in violent combat are not examples of real heroism in Anud Singh Dhaka’s eyes. His newest appearance on the big screen, Janhit Mein Jaari, is an attempt to create a new image of a hero, which he claims is the need of the hour. He is portrayed as the devoted husband of a lady who sells condoms in a tiny village by Nushrratt Bharuccha in the movie, which tries to dispel the taboos around condom use and promote awareness of population growth.

“For me that is true heroism… To be able to stand by what he believed in and to be able to support your partner to be able to side with the truth. Maar dhaad, jumping off building and everything is not true heroism. This is not the age of toxic masculinity anymore. We don’t need it. It’s harmful for men as well. In a society, where patriarchy is present, we all are the victims. I understand how women are subjected to it, but men also live under the pressure because of patriarchy”. Dhaka tells us.

How? “They are expected to know it all, expect to have everything in control, expected to be the breadwinner. You are expected to be responsible from an age where you are probably too young… I’m not trying to change anything with the role, but just trying to bring out what true heroism is,” he says, adding, “I hope people relate to it, and subscribe to this thought. Even if they don’t with this film, the thought change will happen soon, it is inevitable. If not with this film, then probably some years down the road”.