On International Men’s Day, actress Shubhangi Atre, who has been part of shows like Kasturi, Do Hanson Ka Jodaa, and Chidiya Ghar and is currently seen in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, opens up about men’s mental health, emotional equality, and how society must support men the same way it supports women. Speaking about the importance of this day, she says it is a gentle reminder that men also need care, love, and emotional understanding.
Talking about men’s mental well-being, Shubhangi says, “Yes, I truly feel men’s mental health is overlooked. Since childhood, men are told to stay strong and not cry. Because of this, many men grow up thinking they don’t have the right to express their emotions. I feel that becomes a heavy burden for them.” She adds that mental health belongs to every human being, not to one gender.
When asked if men today feel more comfortable showing vulnerability, she explains, “I do see some change today. Many men are slowly learning that it is okay to talk about their feelings. But still, many hold back because they fear being judged. They worry people will call them weak or dramatic.” She believes unlearning old ideas takes time, but progress is happening.
On the kind of support men need, Shubhangi adds, “Men need a support system just like anyone else. They need friends who truly listen, families who give them emotional space, and they should feel free to seek professional help. But many men avoid asking for help because they feel they must solve everything alone.” She says she wishes more men understood that asking for help shows strength, not weakness.
Including men’s emotional struggles in equality conversations is important to her. She says, “Equality means seeing everyone’s struggles, including men’s. Their emotions matter too. We need to create open conversations where men can share freely.” She adds that true equality is when both men and women feel emotionally safe.
Speaking about real strength, Shubhangi shares, “To me, real strength is staying kind and honest even during tough times. It is not about hiding emotions but understanding them.”
Finally, on her own well-being, she concludes, “I take care of myself by staying calm, spending time with my daughter, meditating, and being close to nature. Mental peace comes from small, simple moments.”
