Mumbai, Aug 9: Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar believes that men, like women, are also victims of patriarchy, a concept ingrained in them from a young age.
Speaking on the podcast ‘Figuring Out With Raj Shamani’, Farhan discussed how societal norms teach men to suppress their emotions and always appear strong.
During the conversation, the host referred to a memorable dialogue from Farhan’s 2015 film ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, directed by his sister Zoya Akhtar. The host quoted said, "Tum permission de rahe ho matlabh ke tum apne aap ko ek authority main put kar rahe ho aur woh barabari nahi hai," quoting Farhan from the film.
Responding to this, Farhan remarked, "We are taught that men don’t cry, don’t complain, and just get on with it... Because you have been taught since the time you were a kid that you have to be in control. You are not allowed to be weak. Men today are also victims of that patriarchy..."
The discussion further delved into the struggles men face when it comes to sharing their feelings and asking for help. Farhan noted that women generally find it easier to express their emotions, while men tend to keep their struggles to themselves. "Men, in general, are closeted," he added.
Farhan also shared valuable advice from his father, the renowned lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar. He revealed that his father once told him, “Don’t be happy with your work too soon. That is the greatest learning.”
When asked if he ever experiences self-doubt, Farhan candidly admitted that he sometimes feels like a “fraud” before performing. “Those first minutes before I go on stage… when I am standing at the back. I feel like an imposter. I feel like I am a fraud,” he shared.
