• Sunny Kaushal believes that manhood is a fluid concept.
• It is shaped by upbringing, social circles, and career.
• He reflected on the narrative of “boys don’t cry.”

Actor Sunny Kaushal believes that manhood is a fluid concept shaped by one’s upbringing, social circles, and career. “It really depends on how you feel and how you want to take it forward in your own way,” he says, crediting the film industry for making him more liberal in his understanding of masculinity.

Growing up in a society that taught “boys don’t cry,” Sunny admits it took him time to unlearn this narrative. “I’ve gone through that process of deconstructing this narrative in my head and understanding the conditioning with which society comes from. It’s not anyone’s fault. When men are taught not to cry, it is telling them to suppress deeper emotions… but I learned how to use it well as it also teaches you to become more resilient,” he explains.

However, this suppression often hinders discussions around men’s mental health. “It’s high time,” Sunny asserts. “Generational trauma kitna nikal ke aa raha hai. Now when guys talk, you realise that it’s been a long time coming.” He emphasizes that patriarchy affects men too. “I’m not playing the victim card… It’s a small percentage, but it is, nonetheless.”

Sunny credits his father, Sham Kaushal, and brother, Vicky Kaushal, as key influences in his growth. Reflecting on Vicky, he notes, “The influence of Vicky as a man started much later in my life… That is when he actually became a man for me.”

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