Ever the Father: Caring Masculinities Among Older Men in Two Bollywood Films

Ideals of masculinity have gradually evolved from dominant traits of "hegemonic masculinity" to a more nurturing concept of "caring masculinity" that recognizes the caregiving roles of men. In this article, we explore the performance of caring masculinities among older men in later life. We do this specifically in the Indian context by analyzing 2 Bollywood films, Piku (2015) and 102, Not Out (2018), which revolve around the lives of 3 widowers aged 70, 75, and 102.

We use a directed content analysis approach to examine the performance of caring masculinities in intergenerational (older parent-adult child) relationships.

Both films exemplify tenets of caring masculinity as 3 older fathers continue to perform caring roles well into their later years. They also navigate a range of emotions and vulnerabilities that challenge behaviors associated with hegemonic masculinity, a mainstay of male role portrayal in Bollywood films. Additionally, the films highlight the complexity and fragility of intergenerational bonds, emphasizing the prevalence of ambivalence rather than pure solidarity or conflict that have traditionally been used to characterize such relationships.

The films challenge the notion of older adults, especially older men, as being primarily care recipients as they age. The performance of caring masculinities allows for a reimagining of masculinity performance in society. The portrayal of men aging within nuclear households without spousal and/or intergenerational support encourages viewers to perceive new roles and realities for older men in India.