Stars talk about the growing recognition of International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day, observed annually on November 19, is dedicated to celebrating the positive contributions of men to society, family and communities. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the unique challenges men face, including mental health struggles, societal expectations and evolving gender roles. While Women’s Day has long been celebrated globally with great enthusiasm, Men’s Day is gradually gaining recognition, encouraging a balanced perspective on gender appreciation. Celebs share their views.

Expressing gratitude

Anupama Solanki

International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to appreciate the men in our lives, who work hard, support us and are always there for us. This year, I plan to make them feel special by expressing my gratitude. A small gesture, like spending quality time with them or giving them a heartfelt note, can go a long way. It’s important to let them know they are valued and loved. Over the years, Women’s Day has gained a lot of attention, and rightly so, but I’m happy to see that Men’s Day is also being increasingly recognised. Men face their own set of challenges and deserve appreciation for their contributions.

Moment to cherish

Raviraa Bhardwaj

I love pampering the men in my life, making them feel cherished and valued. Whether it’s surprising my dad with his favourite treats, organising a fun day out with friends or simply taking out time to listen and show appreciation, I enjoy creating moments that let them know how much they mean to me. International Men’s Day is a great reminder to go that extra mile and I look forward to celebrating the incredible men who add so much to my life.

Home-cooked meal

Bhawana Aneja

I will make something special for my partner, like a good home-cooked meal. Men usually appreciate that and it’s a great way to make the day special for them. I completely agree that Men’s Day should be celebrated. Every person plays an important role in someone’s life, whether as a son, father, husband, or in any other capacity. The man I look up to in my life is my father. Though he is no longer with us, I continue to follow in his footsteps because he was the strongest person I’ve ever known.

Essence is important

Kapil Verma

Compared to previous years, there is more awareness about International Men’s Day, though I’m not entirely sure about its acceptance. Personally, I don’t believe in commemorating a single day for a gender unless the purpose is clear and meaningful. If it’s just about forwarding WhatsApp messages or posting on social media, it loses its essence. Similarly, while Women’s Day garners more attention, which I believe is justified, we must remember its purpose — promoting women’s empowerment, equality in opportunities, and celebrating their achievements globally.

No comparisons

Ishaan Singh Manhas

It’s heartening to see growing awareness about International Men’s Day. It’s a much-needed opportunity to celebrate the contributions and challenges of men, which often go unspoken. While it’s still not as widely acknowledged as Women’s Day, I believe it’s a step forward in creating a balanced dialogue about gender roles and men’s mental health. I wouldn’t say Women’s Day is overhyped — it’s an essential platform to acknowledge women’s contributions and struggles. That said, I think we can strive for similar enthusiasm when it comes to International Men’s Day. Rather than comparing, we should work towards creating an equal space for celebrating everyone.