A poem recited in a video by Ayushmann Khurrana has gone viral. In the brilliant recitation Ayushmann is heard breaking the macho stereotypes of manliness, gently telling us that it’s okay for men to feel the pain, their own and that of the others.
Says Ayushmann, “That is what I’ve been doing in my films also, breaking stereotypes. Playing the hero who doesn’t conform to traditional standards of mardangi comes naturally to me. This poem, which is actually a part of a campaign to promote a brand of men’s accessories The Man Company, that I am associated with, was written by Gaurav Solanki, the writer of my film Article 15.”
Ayushmann says when he heard the poem he immediately identified with it. “I’ve always believed masculinity is not about muscles and swag. It is about sensitivity towards your partner. It’s about caring and sharing …All these thoughts are echoed in the poem. I decided, why not use that platform to make a point?”
The response has been overwhelming. “People are listening to me. It is important that I use my voice effectively.”
