From Sattu To Rocky: Bollywood Film Husbands Who Defy Patriarchal Norms

Bollywood movies have portrayed wives as "pativrata naari" for ages. With changing times, there is a need to challenge such roles and men need to be shown as supportive, caring and breaking gender stereotypes. Several movies have broken the stereotypical roles of stern, stoic men and portrayed them in softer roles. Here is the list of Hindi movies from Bollywood on supportive husbands that you can watch.

Hindi Films On Supportive Husbands

Veer from Dhoom Dhaam

Veterinarian Veer (Prateek Gandhi) is a naive young man who marries Koyal (Yami Gautam), an independent, free-spirited woman whose confidence unsettles him at first but eventually inspires him to question his own beliefs. Veer eventually grows into a more understanding and supportive partner. The Rishab Seth-directed film satirically spotlights the hypocrisies of patriarchal expectations in modern Indian marriages.

Deepak from Laapataa Ladies

Deepak (Sparsh Shrivastava) is one of the most standout "green flag" men in Indian cinema. His character begins as a simple, somewhat clueless rural man. But his journey reflects growth, empathy, and critical thinking. After realising he mistakenly brought the wrong bride home, he treats the stranger, Pushpa/Jaya (Pratibha Ranta), with dignity and patience. Even without much screen time together, Deepak's affection for his actual wife, Phool (Nitanshi Goel), feels genuine.

Unlike the “saviour complex” seen in many male characters, Deepak doesn’t try to heroically rescue the women in the story. He creates space for them to assert themselves. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, is a delight peppered with strong, entertaining, and nuanced female characters.

Rocky from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh) evolves into a surprisingly progressive, emotionally intelligent, and self-aware partner for Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt). Unlike the stoic male trope, he isn’t afraid to express love, pain, or vulnerability. Rocky stands by Rani, an intellectual and independent woman who comes from a completely different kind of family from his, but does not feel insecure or try to control or compete with her. This film by Karan Johar won hearts for its honest yet entertaining portrayal of characters.

Keshav from Toilet: Ek Prem Katha

When newly-wed Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar) finds no toilet at her marital home, her husband, Keshav (Akshay Kumar), goes to great lengths to build one at their home. Instead of asking his wife to adjust and adhere to regressive norms, he fights his family, societal expectations, and government norms to uphold her right to basic sanitation. The film, directed by Shree Narayan Singh, highlights the issue of women’s dignity and hygiene.

Sattu from Satyaprem Ki Katha

Satyaprem, aka Sattu (Kartik Aaryan), is not your typical Bollywood hero. He’s not the most successful, the most confident, or the most macho. But what he lacks in bravado, he makes up for in sincerity, empathy, and emotional strength. When his wife, Katha (Kiara Advani), opens up about her past relationships and trauma, he is taken aback by her dishonesty but later chooses compassion over pride. Instead of reacting with anger or judgment, Sattu listens, learns, and offers her the space and support she needs to heal. This film is directed by Sameer Sanjay Vidwan.

Shardul from Badhaai Do

While Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) and Sumi (Bhumi Pednekar) are not your typical romantic couple, their 'lavender marriage' is a journey of mutual respect, understanding, and support. Shardul and Sumi, a gay man and a lesbian woman, get married to appease their families, but their relationship gradually evolves into a deeply meaningful friendship. He becomes a source of strength for Sumi and her partner Rimjhim (Chum Darang) and stands up for his truth.

Lakshmikant from Pad Man

Lakshmilkant (Akshay Kumar) is a small-town newly married man who is shocked to see his wife, Gayatri (Radhika Apte), use an unhygienic cloth during her periods. Determined to provide hygienic products and shatter menstruation taboos, he sets out to find a safe, affordable solution, not just for his wife, but for women across India. Lakshmi faces shame, isolation, and ridicule from his family and neighbours, but never stops believing in his mission. The film by R. Balki is based on the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham.

Surinder from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

The movie sees Shah Rukh Khan (Surinder Suri) and Anushka Sharma (Taani Sahni) in the main roles. Shah Rukh Khan plays a supportive husband in the movie, wherein he tries to fulfil the wishes of his wife. To make sure she feels good about participating in a dance competition that is being held locally, he goes out of his way to support her. He pretends to be Raj at the dance institution, so that he can make sure that she has a perfect stud partner for her upcoming participation, besides fulfilling all her needs. Ultimately, when Taani gets to know the reality of Raj (who is Surinder), her love for him increases manifold. 

Kabir from Ki and Ka

It is a one of its kind movie about breaking gender stereotypes. It is a story about a businesswoman and a chef husband who loves staying at home and doing household chores. Arjun Kapoor plays the role of Kabir Bansal, and Kareena Kapoor Khan plays the role of Kia Sahni. Kia makes it clear to Kabir how her work provides her sanity. Both decide to keep doing what they love even after marriage. 

The 2016 movie written, directed, and produced by R. Balki might not have received wide box office recognition but its storyline did provide an instance of a supportive husband. 

Ashok from Tumhari Sulu

The comedy-drama showcases the life of a middle-class housewife named Sulu (played by Vidya Balan) who wants to make a career as a radio jockey. However, her own family including her sisters are not supportive of her working as RJ, and that too in the night shift. Her husband Ashok played by actor Manav Kaul is initially apprehensive of her work and reluctantly drops her at the office. However, things take a toll when he accuses her of neglecting her domestic duties. 

After seeing her popularity and learning how much she enjoys doing her work, he apologises for his words and tries to mend things with her. He takes pride in being called Sulu's husband and is always there to support her in every decision she makes.