“When I’m with her I’m confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She’s as flighty as a feather
She’s a darling! She’s a demon! She’s a lamb!”

So sang the nuns in The Sound of Music. They were, of course, referring to the character played by Julie Andrews but change the gender in the aforementioned lyrics and you could almost say the same about Ranveer Singh.

Singh has broken every rule in the book that dictates how an A-list actor should behave. His very existence is a massive ‘fuck you’ to toxic masculinity. While his contemporaries and seniors may go about their lives steeped in casual sexism and the Neanderthal notion of how men are supposed to behave, Ranveer Singh doesn’t need to prove his masculinity to anyone. It’s such a joy to see a star be so secure in their identity, to be honest.

So why is Ranveer the perfect modern man?

Because we need more men like him.

Men who aren’t afraid to wear things they like. Men who don’t feel the need to stick to the same old boring shirt and trousers routine because they are afraid that internet nobodies will consider them effeminate.

(Ranveer Singh and Jim Sarbh in a still from Padmaavat)

We need male actors who can take up roles like that of Alauddin Khilji and not shy away from the character’s bisexuality. It is no secret that Singh was the ultimate star of Padmaavat even though the movie was supposed to be on the legendary Queen Padmavati.

And how can we even forget the fact that he endorsed a condom brand, something that no other A-list actor would have dared to do before? While safe sex is always recommended by doctors, many men refrain from using condoms because they feel emasculated to a certain extent. When a star like Ranveer Singh endorses condoms and speaks about how he always carries one, it instantly takes away the stigma that is associated with it. In this, he is like his beau Deepika Padukone. Padukone, one of the most brilliant actresses in the industry, spoke out about depression and how she had faced it at the peak of her career. By doing so, Padukone normalised the topic and perhaps, even saved many lives.

Singh has worn jackets which were originally created for women, he has always been charming and witty and takes criticism sportingly. His films are a joy to watch and he is mature enough to handle Padukone’s success. And it helps that he is easy on the eyes. Ranveer Singh is the hero we absolutely deserve and a man who others should aspire to be.