Men Written By Women: Celebrating Our Favourite Indian Softboy Protagonists

Men need some good PR asap. From the 'choosing the bear' trend to the recent 'your body my choice' comments online along with the centuries-old history of violence and oppression has really taken a toll on the image of community.

Outspoken feminists and internet sweethearts like Pedro Pascal and Javed Akhtar are almost singlehandedly keeping the boat of healthy masculinity afloat. It's tragic but I can grasp how growing up to be a sensible, well-rounded guy can be hard when there's such mixed messages about what a man should be.

Misogyny is its own kinda prison but I would not want to navigate the murky waters of the ideal masculinity in today's world. Despite the unrelenting gender wars, women have found a way to love the 'enemy' again. And that's through softboys, who are sweet, respectful and most importantly, safe. Softboys come in all shapes and sizes but my favourite have to be the massive gymbros with Hello Kitty pump covers because of the sheer dichotomy. They're also called men written by women since they're a product of the female gaze. Today, we're celebrating our favourite softboys from across Indian cinema. Here are some of our favourites:

Surinder 'Suri' Sahni is the ultimate Indian softboy: an earnest, cardigan-clad embodiment of slow, steady devotion. Played with heartbreaking tenderness by Shahrukh Khan, Suri isn’t the kind of guy who’ll sweep you off your feet at a glance. He’s the one who’ll hold your hand through the storms, even if you don’t notice it at first.

When his young wife Taani admits she has no love left to give, Suri doesn’t rage or retreat. Instead, he quietly transforms; not into some macho hero, but into the charming, borderline ridiculous Raj, all spiked hair, garish shirts, and swaggering dance moves. Yet, underneath the flamboyance, Suri’s sincerity never wavers. His version of seduction isn’t about conquest; it’s about patience, kindness, and meeting his wife where she is. Instead of instant gratification, Suri’s slow-burn approach to love feels almost radical— a reminder that sometimes, the meek really do inherit the earth (or at least the girl). Haule Haule indeed!

Yogi in 'Qarib Qarib Singlle' is the quintessential softboy with a chaotic twist. He’s not your conventional romantic hero: he’s messy, impulsive, and hilariously self-assured, yet somehow manages to charm his way into your heart.

Played masterfully by Irrfan Khan, Yogi’s softboy credentials lie in his vulnerability masked by humor, his unabashed nostalgia for past loves, and his unshakable belief in second chances. His carefree demeanor and poetic one-liners blend make him a walking contradiction of masculine bravado and a comical oddity . He’s the guy who’ll crack an awkward joke in a tense moment but also surprise you with his unexpected tenderness, like a travel buddy who becomes your therapist somewhere between Gangtok and Bikaner. Yogi proves that being unapologetically yourself; quirks, flaws, and all makes you a real man.

Shutu is the guy who blends into the wallpaper, except even the wallpaper gets more attention. He's your lesson in the dangers of softboy-ing too hard. Played with aching vulnerability by Vikrant Massey, Shutu is that sensitive soul at the family gathering who gets saddled with fetching shawls and babysitting duties while everyone else sips whisky and trades witticisms.

Konkona Sensharma masterfully drops him into the center of a 1978 Anglo-Indian nostalgia fest complete with fruit cakes and seance sessions, only to have him quietly unravel under the weight of casual cruelty and unspoken grief. He’s too soft, too sweet, and way too invisible, which is exactly why his tragic end feels like a gut punch. Amongst all the bold personalities in the film, Shutu’s quiet tragedy lingers like a shadow at sunset; delicate, overlooked, but still unforgettable.

Deepak in 'Laapataa Ladies' is a total husband material; yes even if he misplaces his wife. Played with a guileless charm by Sparsh Shrivastava, Deepak might not be the most action-packed character; he mostly frets about the mix-up and dithers over Jaya’s next move but his portrayal radiates a quiet sincerity.

In a village setting steeped in patriarchy, where it’s all too easy for men to toe the misogynistic line, Deepak is a flickering lamp (his name, after all, means 'light') who doesn’t dim under societal pressure. His love for Phool, subtle yet palpable, offers a counterpoint to the film’s broader themes of female agency and defiance. Deepak’s strength is in his gentleness that shines and gives life to both the women in his life.

Jeetu Bhaiya’s transformation in Kota Factory Season 3 is nothing short of a 'Soft Boy Renaissance'. The once invincible mentor who could solve physics problems, crush teenage heartbreaks, and win motivational speaker awards all before breakfast, finally shows some cracks in his armour.

Season 3 lets Jeetu Bhaiya trade his godlike stoicism for something softer, more human, and infinitely more relatable. Instead of bulldozing problems with monologues, he takes a gentler approach, showing vulnerability and compassion, particularly as he faces his own crossroads. His feminine qualities shine through as he nurtures not just his students’ intellect, but also their emotional well-being. When he considers leaving Kota for Jaipur, he doesn’t just ponder ambition but also reflects on how his choices affect others. Being a softboy is a journey and we love a self-correcting king.

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