Breaking the Silence: SIFF and Infinity Studio’s Theatre Drama Sheds Light on Men’s Struggles
Pune, 18th March 2025: The Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) joined hands with Infinity Studio to present the thought-provoking theatre drama Men Will Not Be Men. Premiering on 15th March 2025, the play highlighted the challenges men face in modern society, sparking crucial conversations about men’s mental health and social issues.
A Voice for the Unheard: SIFF’s Role in Men’s Rights Advocacy
SIFF, a non-profit organization dedicated to men’s rights and mental health, has consistently worked towards amplifying the voices of men grappling with emotional and societal struggles. Through initiatives like Men Will Not Be Men, SIFF reaffirms its commitment to fostering an empathetic and inclusive society.
About the Play: A Bold Narrative on Men’s Challenges
Directed by Akshay Bhandwalkar, Men Will Not Be Men delved into the emotional and societal burdens men shoulder. As Bhandwalkar explained, “This play does not advocate ‘masculism’ or oppose ‘feminism.’ Instead, it seeks to humanize men and bring attention to their often-overlooked emotions and struggles.”
Key Themes Explored in the Play
Escalating Demands in Marriage Proposals: The drama highlighted the increasing financial expectations placed on men, such as owning a 2BHK flat, a car, and farmland before marriage, leading to emotional distress and alienation.
Evolving Relationship Dynamics: Modern relationship trends like “situationships,” “benching,” and long-distance relationships were explored, showcasing their emotional toll on men.
Emotional Vulnerabilities and Legal Exploitation: The play shed light on the impact of false legal accusations under BNS69 and the social stigma attached to men, often leading to tragic suicides.
Male Mental Health and Lack of Support: With rising suicide rates among men, the play emphasized the need for government-backed initiatives promoting emotional well-being and support systems.
Leaders Speak: The Need for Change
“Art has the power to start conversations that words alone cannot,” said Sameer Goel, National Coordinator of SIFF. “We are proud to support this drama as it challenges deep-rooted societal norms and highlights issues that men silently endure.”
Anil Murty, Co-founder of SIFF, emphasized the growing complexity of marriages and relationships, stating, “While relationships evolve, marriage laws remain outdated. If courts continue to oscillate between traditional and modern perspectives, public trust in the legal system could erode, leading to dire consequences.”
Shocking Statistics: Male Suicides on the Rise
Citing NCRB 2022 data, SIFF Counsellor Sagar Gunthal pointed out that married men die by suicide at a rate 2.72 times higher than married women. He noted that the fear of marriage is leading to declining marriage rates across India. “For men, marriage increasingly feels like a penalty rather than a privilege,” he warned.
SIFF’s Demands to the Government and Judiciary
To address these pressing concerns, SIFF has outlined five key demands:
Establish Mental Health Support Systems: Create helplines and dedicated programs for men’s mental health.
Reform Marriage-Related Laws: Prevent misuse of legal provisions like BNS69 to ensure fairness and protect men from false accusations.
Launch Suicide Prevention Efforts: Set up a government-backed commission to study and reduce male suicide rates.
Recognize Men’s Emotional Well-being: Break societal stigma through awareness campaigns.
Support for Modern Relationship Challenges: Provide legal and emotional aid to help men navigate evolving relationship dynamics.
About SIFF
Founded in 2005, Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) is India’s largest men’s rights NGO. Over the years, SIFF has actively campaigned for the amendment of dowry laws, reform of Section 498A, opposition to false rape cases, and changes in alimony and child custody laws. The organization also advocates for judicial and police reforms.
As SIFF continues its efforts to bring balance to gender discourse, productions like Men Will Not Be Men serve as crucial catalysts for change, challenging deep-rooted societal perceptions and calling for justice and empathy for men in India.
