EP03: (Gentle*)Men

(Gentle*)MEN – The Unsung Heroes We Never Wrote Songs About

CHAPTER 1

Ye chand sa roshan chehra, zulfon ka rang sunehra…

Gulaabi aankhen jo teri dekhi…

Aankhon mein teri ajab si ajab si adayein hain…

Ek ladki ko dekha toh aisa laga…

I know, I know—you’re probably wondering why I’m throwing Bollywood’s most poetic praises for women into a blog about men. The title clearly says “GentleMen,” so where’s the relevance? Why am I being so unfair to the title?

But you know what’s truly unfair? The sheer absence of Bollywood songs praising men. Women get compared to the moon, the stars, fragrant roses, and even bijli (lightning) when things get extra dramatic. But men?
Silence.
Nothing. At best, they’re called Majnu if they love too much or Devdas if they drink about it.

Today, I want to change that. This is about GentleMen—not the ones who roar like action heroes, but the ones who quietly exist, making life a little easier, a little safer, and a little more beautiful for the people around them.

You’ve met them. Maybe you just didn’t notice.

Maybe you just didn't realize it because ,well, they don't make grand speeches about it.

Like the ones who hold their female friend’s hand in a packed concert—not because they think she’s weak, but because they know how chaotic a human tsunami of a crowd can be.

Or the ones who stand next to your car, guiding you into the tightest parking space without mocking your reversing skills. They don’t scream "Bas bas bas—arre rukkk!!" like their life depends on it. Instead, they patiently gesture, “Aaram se, you got this.”

Or the ones who subtly form a human shield in a club, ensuring that their female friends can dance without worrying about the occasional drunk guy attempting nagin dance a little too close for comfort.

Or the ones who walk on the outer side of the road when it rains so they’re the ones getting splashed with roadside mud—not you. Do they complain? No. Do they look like a walking disaster? Yes.

I’ve met all kinds of men—some loud, some quiet, some who make terrible dad jokes, and some who communicate exclusively through memes. But the ones I’m truly grateful for? The GentleMen.

Because here’s the truth: women, who are often showered with compliments, feel deeply hurt by a single insult. Meanwhile, men, who mostly hear criticisms, cherish even the smallest appreciation because it’s rare.

GentleMen don’t seek validation. But when they do receive it, it means the world to them. A simple "You handled that so well" or "I really respect how you do things" can light up their entire day.

Most men will never buy chocolates for themselves, but will always get them for the women in their life.

And while we are at it, let's talk about some mysteries I still haven't cracked yet—

Men’s skincare routine? Washing their face with whatever is nearest to the sink.

Men’s eyelashes? Naturally longer and fuller than any girl who just spent 800 rupees on mascara.

Men’s way of coping with all the unsaid things? Sitting at a chai tapri for an unreasonably long time, staring into the distance as if bypassers hold the answers to their existential crises.

And the most underrated, underappreciated, and honestly most beautiful thing men do? When a woman, in anger, shouts "Leave me alone!", the GentleMen who stay, waiting for her to calm down.

They don’t hold grudges. They don’t remember fights in HD quality, with date and time stamps, like women do. But they stand there, patient, while we throw tantrums and recall arguments from six months ago with alarming precision.

Okay now I have a question for you, what makes a woman happy? 

I know there are infinitely many things , some small and some big gestures, some gifts , a little love and care, being honest with them, respecting them... see I can't even stop writing myself what actually makes us (women) happy.

And you know what makes men genuinely happy?

India winning another cricket trophy.

That’s it. That’s their ultimate serotonin boost. They’ll smile more for an entire week, go to work in a great mood, tip the tapri wale bhaiya extra, and temporarily forget about career stress, salary struggles, and even their heartbreak. You'll find them randomly enact a bowler right in the middle of a road.

And yes, chole bhature for lunch has the same effect.

Because, honestly? Men are that simple.

CHAPTER 2

Men for men? 

The ones who silently pass a cigarette without asking any questions when their friend is upset.

The ones who don’t need lengthy heart-to-hearts, but just sit together in comfortable silence, knowing that their presence is enough. 

The ones who say, "Bhai, tu tension mat le, main hoon na," and actually mean it. The ones who hug tighter when words fail.

The ones who lend their favorite jacket knowing they might never get it back. The ones who set up a long drive at 2 AM because their friend just got dumped and needs fresh air.
The ones who never say "I love you, bro" out loud but show it in every small action. 

The ones who tease each other mercilessly but will throw hands if anyone else dares to say a word against their friend. 

One may have never seen men cry, even after cremating someone. But you'll see them cry on the last day of their college.

This is men for men.

One might wonder what is so special about the word GENTLE that I have specifically infused before men.

Let me walk you through it—

You may have met men who open doors, I have met GentleMen hold them open until you’ve walked through.

You may have seen a lot men who offer to help. I have met GentleMen who notice when help is needed before being asked.

You may have heard about men who say "Call me when you reach home." I have got GentleMen who stay up until they get the text confirming you're home safe.

You may have met men that say "I’m here for you." I have met GentleMen that show up, without you having to ask.

You may have met men take care of their friends. I am blessed with GentleMen who never let their friends feel alone in their struggles.

You may have met men who listen. I have ranted my stories to GentleMen who remember the little details, the details that often go unseen.

You may have seen a number of men waiting on stairs of a Zara showroom. I have got GentleMen who lend me their hand in Sephora to try lipstick shades on.

You may have met a lot of men who respect women. I am grateful to have GentleMen in my life who respect everyone, regardless of gender.

The word—Gentle might just be a prefix for many people, but holds a great weight ; the kind of weight only men could handle. 

We often hear that men are harsh, unfeeling, and selfish. But sometimes, I refuse to believe that.

Observe how tender a man is with a baby or a child, the toughest guy suddenly starts making silly faces.
Observe how a grown up man talks to his mother, his voice drops, his tone softens and he's just a little boy again.
Witness how men talk to men , you'll realize that they talk in a 300% softer and calm way to a woman. 
Observe a man carrying flowers for his woman, holding her hands in public, walking bare feet after she is tired of her heels.
Observe a father taking care of his daughter. No other person will love a girl more than this man.
Observe how men keep a small picture of the most loved women of his life in his wallet.

Yes, these GentleMen exist—they just don’t demand attention.
And yes, Men too deserve flowers !!

They don’t write sonnets about their kindness, nor do they expect standing ovations for being decent human beings.

But today, I want to acknowledge them.

If you have a GentleMan in your life—your father, brother, friend, or even a stranger who helped you out once—take a moment to appreciate them.

Ask those doofus' to read this post, cause I am sure none of them really does if they themselves come across it. But if you send them, saying that you appreciate them... they'll read it multiple times.

Again, men are that simple. 

They might not be compared to the moon in Bollywood songs, but trust me, their presence is just as comforting on a dark night.

Here’s to the GentleMen.

The world may not sing for you, but today, I will. 🎵