Actor Worship Khanna: Many men are considered as Alpha-males, expected to hide emotions
When it comes to being more expressive about how they feel, actor Worship Khanna says that men have a lot to work on. The actor, who has been a part of shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Meri Doli Mere Angana, Ishq Subhan Allah and web series like Hello Jee, Cold Lassi and Chicken Masala and the current show Pati Brahmachari, says that we are living by unrealistic standards for men when it comes to masculinity.
“In our country, many men are considered ‘alpha males’ who are expected to hide their emotions. That common phrase, ‘Mard ko dard nahi hota’ (Men don’t feel pain), is something I completely disagree with,” he says.
Talking about his own feelings, and how he likes to express them, he says, “I believe emotions and feelings don’t have a gender. Whether it’s a man or a woman, both can feel . Just because someone is a man doesn’t mean he shouldn’t cry, and just because someone is a woman doesn’t mean she can cry openly. I’m sorry, but I don’t believe in this mindset. Every human being has emotions, and everyone has the full right to express them freely. Men should also be able to express their emotions openly. I’ve seen many so-called ‘alpha males’ and honestly, I don’t think hiding your pain or suppressing your emotions makes you more of a man. A true man is someone who is kind, respectful, and honest, a real gentleman. Being masculine doesn’t mean you have to bottle up your feelings.”
He adds, “Maybe because I’m an actor, I connect more with emotions. I believe strongly in feelings. I always speak from my heart. If I feel like crying in front of someone, I never stop myself. I don’t worry about being judged. I don’t think, "Oh no, I’m a guy, or I’m an actor, what will people say if I cry?" No. I’m a human first, and I want to live all my emotions fully.I never hold back any of my feelings. If I’m angry, I express it. If I’m sad, I cry. If I feel love, I show it no matter who is in front of me. So I really feel that men should not hide their emotions. We need to end this old belief that men have stronger mental health just because they are men. Not all of us have one heart beating in our chest. We all need love, care, understanding, and someone to just listen to us.”
He says that men need to be encouraged to speak up. “If people say that girls have this emotional advantage that they can cry, express their feelings, and get what they want then I say, why should girls have all the fun? Guys, you can do the same! Who’s stopping you? You also have every right to express your emotions, your happiness, your pain, your worries. Tell people how you feel. What’s the point of hiding your pain? Just think even if sharing your problems doesn’t immediately solve them, at least you’ll feel lighter from the inside. And once your heart feels lighter, you’ll be able to think more clearly, and maybe even find a better way or strategy to deal with your situation.
That’s why I feel people need to be encouraged to open up more about their emotions. Listen to your heart. Don’t hold back your emotions. Emotions are a beautiful gift from nature no one should try to control them. We should live them fully. Whatever emotions you’re feeling whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, love, laughter, crying, singing, sleeping, or eating live them. Feel them. Express them. The more you allow yourself to feel your emotions, the easier life will become.Please, don’t hold back your emotions. Let them flow. Let them be felt. Let them be heard,” he says.