Bollywood, since times immemorial, has been selling us some weird ideas about love, life and everything beyond. And we? We EAT that with both hands. So let’s take a moment to point out some extremely problematic characters that we probably should have called out years ago.
1. Rahul from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Rahul just wanted the most “feminine” girl, or all of them. Not is he just a sleazy lying cheat, he also refuses to give his own best friend any respect as a woman until years later when she magically transforms into a sari-wearing goddess.
2. Kundan from Raanjhanaa
Kundan, oh Kundan. From threatening her, to constantly stalking her, even almost drowning her - there’s no end to how EXTREMELY problematic this character was. The film still aims to make you have a soft corner for the guy, and my only question is...why?
3. Ayan from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Ayan, well, he can NOT take no for an answer. This next-level-creepy guy just wouldn’t let go, and Karan Johar, to make things worse, makes sure the girl has cancer just so an ending is accepted. Because how can a guy love a girl and not get her? Never.
4. Prem from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Prem leaves no stone unturned when it comes to fat-shaming his wife. He makes fun of her and mocks her in front of his friend, and is obviously constantly bringing her down. Things take a strange turn when he wins a race with her on his back. Apparently, that fixes everything for him.
5. Charlie from Happy New Year
Charlie, my friends, is the slut shamer we didn’t need. Throughout the movie he calls Mohini a “prostitute”, calling her dance “cheap”. Unfortunate for us, she is *obviously* still really into him because he is an English speaking man. Weird, so weird.
6. Nick from Salaam Namaste
His girlfriend gets pregnant and all hell breaks loose. Nick asks her to get an abortion, and when she refuses, (guess what) he leaves her. He does continue to live with her, but doesn’t help her as she struggles with her pregnancy. Yay, huh?
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