Every year, International Men’s Day reminds us to pause and appreciate the men in our lives, our fathers, brothers, partners, friends, and colleagues who often shoulder responsibilities quietly and selflessly. It’s a day to celebrate their strength, resilience and kindness, while also acknowledging the emotional battles they fight behind their calm exteriors. Beyond appreciation, it’s also a call to action to create spaces where men feel heard, supported and valued not just for what they do, but for who they are. This day encourages us to redefine what strength truly means, not the absence of vulnerability, but the courage to embrace it. It’s a reminder that expressing emotions, seeking help, or simply taking a break doesn’t make a man any less strong.
True masculinity
International Men’s Day is a reminder that being a man is not about hiding your emotions behind a mask of strength. It’s about having the courage to be vulnerable, to feel deeply and to stand by your values even when no one is watching. I believe true masculinity lies in compassion, in the ability to respect, support, and uplift others without losing your sense of self. — Aarya Babbar (Kalikant in Jagriti-Ek Nayi Subah)
Kindness & courage
Through the years, men have been conditioned to believe that showing emotions is a sign of weakness. But I believe that being honest about your feelings takes immense strength. On International Men’s Day, I urge everyone to redefine masculinity, to see it as a blend of responsibility, empathy and openness. Let’s create a world where men don’t have to hide their pain to be respected, and where kindness is celebrated as much as courage.
— Rajendra Chawla (Srinivas in Lakshmi Niwas)
Unconditional love
We often celebrate women for their strength and resilience, but it’s equally important to acknowledge the men who stand beside us, our fathers, brothers, partners and friends who love and support unconditionally. This International Men’s Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate the men in our lives, especially my father. Let’s create space for men to express freely and to receive the same unconditional love they’ve always given us.
— Sonakshi Batra (Jagadhatri in the show with the same name)
Strength with softness
Today’s world needs men who are not afraid to be sensitive, expressive and emotionally aware. International Men’s Day is a celebration of all the men who balance strength with softness, who take care of others, yet don’t shy away from taking care of themselves. It’s also a reminder that men, too, face pressures and expectations that can weigh heavy. By recognising and talking about these issues, we can help build a more balanced and empathetic society.
— Mohak Matkar (Saru in the show with the same name)
True to self
I’ve always believed that being a man is not about proving your toughness, but about being true to yourself, being kind, responsible and emotionally aware. On International Men’s Day, I want to encourage every man to express themselves freely and embrace vulnerability without shame. The world becomes a better place when men are allowed to feel, to heal and to grow. Let’s celebrate every man who chooses empathy over ego and love over silence.
— Sheizaan Khan (Sidhu in Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan)
