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Indian television has long had a familiar formula for male leads: stoic, dominant, and often emotionally unavailable. But a refreshing change has been underway. Characters are now layered, emotionally intelligent, and often vulnerable characters that are far from one-dimensional. Here are five actors who have been playing such roles.
Shivam Khajuria
Shivam Khajuria is the newest addition to Anupamaa, and he’s already making waves. With a performance rooted in subtlety and sincerity, Shivam brings emotional realism to a show known for its dramatic highs. His character is layered, morally grounded, and refreshingly restrained, traits rarely allowed to flourish in male characters on mainstream Indian TV. His quiet screen presence speaks louder than over-the-top heroism.
Ankit Gupta
Ankit Gupta has mastered the art of understated intensity. Whether he’s playing a tortured romantic or a conflicted youth, Ankit chooses complexity over cliché. He’s one of the few male leads who doesn’t rely on macho posturing, instead, he leans into silence, emotional depth, and inner conflict.
Fahmaan Khan
Fahmaan brings an earthy charm to every role he plays. In Imlie, he made audiences root for a man who was both strong and flawed, emotional yet decisive. His characters reflect the changing aspirations of men in India, sensitive, progressive, and far from toxic.
Parth Samthaan
Parth has been a youth icon, but he continues to evolve. While his earlier roles capitalized on charm and good looks, he has increasingly chosen roles that delve into emotional wounds, mental health struggles, and vulnerability. His transition from teen heartthrob to nuanced performer reflects the industry’s growth.
Rohit Purohit
Rohit’s calm, controlled, and emotionally aware performance in YRKKH brings a welcome freshness to a long-running saga. His character is far from idealized perfection, it’s flawed, grounded, and evolving.
These actors aren’t just changing the game, they’re creating space for a new kind of male lead. One who isn’t afraid to cry, to love deeply, to show doubt, and to walk away from toxic masculinity.
