When Mohanlal appeared in a diamond advertisement—graceful, adorned, and unapologetically himself—it was more than just marketing. It was a cultural signal. Not long ago, Fahadh Faasil wore a nose ring in a jewellery campaign with quiet confidence. Before that, Mammootty portrayed a closeted gay man in Kaathal – The Core with rare sensitivity and depth. These moments go beyond art or cinema. They are cultural nudges that challenge us to rethink long-held ideas about masculinity, gender roles, and self-expression.
A Return to What Was Once Normal
The truth is, this is not entirely new. History reminds us that kings, warriors, and leaders once wore jewels, silks, and kohl with pride. Crying was not seen as weakness but as heroic honesty. Men danced, cooked, nurtured, and expressed themselves without stigma. Pink was considered masculine, and blue feminine. Across societies, fluidity was accepted, roles were shared, and even matrilineal leadership structures thrived.
It was colonialism, capitalism, and control that built rigid boxes. Softness became shameful, fashion became feminized, and emotions were stripped away from what it meant to “be a man.”
Why Representation Matters Today
When Mohanlal glides across a screen in diamonds, it is not just a brand campaign—it is a quiet unraveling of stereotypes. Whether these campaigns are genuine change or clever marketing, they are starting conversations that matter. And in a world that often silences men’s softness, even commercial choices like these can be powerful catalysts for cultural shifts.
What About the Workplace?
While cinema may be reclaiming lost ground, the workplace still carries the weight of old scripts. “Be strong.” “Don’t cry.” “Don’t ask for help.” These messages continue to shape professional expectations of men, and by extension, how teams function.
But inclusion at work means creating space for all forms of gender expression. So what if a male colleague pierces his ears, grows his hair long, or wears bright clothing—does that make him any less capable? If a woman prefers dressing in suits or chooses a style coded as masculine, should her competence be questioned? Should gender expression influence whether someone is seen as a leader, a team player, or a professional?
Modern leadership is showing us a better way. Vulnerability builds trust, sensitivity strengthens collaboration, authenticity drives culture, and inclusion ensures that every employee—regardless of gender identity or expression—feels safe to show up fully. These values not only strengthen workplace culture but also directly impact employee engagement, retention, and performance.
Choosing Grace Over Grit
The cultural shift we are witnessing in cinema and media offers valuable lessons for organizations. Power does not always need to roar. Sometimes it is quiet, empathetic, and graceful. For workplaces that truly want to embrace inclusion, it is time to move beyond rigid stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. Encouraging men to express vulnerability and women to break out of traditional roles creates healthier teams and more innovative organizations.
The redefinition of masculinity is not about diminishing strength—it is about broadening the meaning of strength to include grace, care, and authenticity. For workplaces committed to inclusion and equity, supporting this shift is not just progressive; it is essential.
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