Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is running in Maratha Mandir till now as one of the most epic love stories told by Bollywood. But if we were to analyze the male protagonist Raj in 2020, we might not be on the same page as those who adore the film. Sexism, crossing the line on several occasions, toxic masculinity–they could all be used to describe Shah Rukh Khan’s character and TBH, not many of us would enjoy Raj’s annoying presence.
Since we were watching old classics, we couldn’t help but realize there are some glaring flaws in his personality which have been portrayed as cute because Bollywood spins everything like that. Take stalking, casual objectification–how many times have we cringed at the dumb joke made at the expense of a girl in a movie, or been irritated with our personal space invaded? Raj was all of that and more. So we made a list why he would, in most likelihood, not get Simran in 2020. ( i.e. if Simran was a woke feminist )
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a) No concept of space
Imagine dealing with a partner who does not know the importance of space. From the first moment Simran and Raj are stuck in the train compartment, he keeps poking and pestering the poor girl. He even manages to stick her bra in her face. If these things were done to you and then laughed off as a joke, we might’ve already been in jail on assault charges. Back the eff up bro.
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b) Too much entitlement
Even after they are stuck together, which under no circumstances is the premise to fall in love considering this person could be a potential serial killer, rapist, murderer, anything, he continues to be a sexist asshole the whole time. He jokes about them having had sex when they are in the shed, flirts with other women and even manhandles her when she gets drunk. All of this under the garb of playful banter. No, thank you.
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c) Uncommunicated sachcha pyaars
Considering neither of them checked whether the other one was actually single or not, it was mighty high of Raj to assume that Simran would be waiting for him back in India. He leaves everything to fly back, have a masculine hunting competition with Simran’s fiance (because that’s how men view women’s worth) and then convince her that he loves her. Why all of this drama?
If you were that confident that she’s “the one’’, why not communicate to her so that she can prepare too. Not end up at the wedding with no plan, no prior communication and no sense of future planning.
Crdeit: Giphy/SRKajol
d) He was a college dropout with no future plans
Where was their love story headed? Neither did Simran ever ask, nor did she ever mention what she and him plan to do in the future. Considering Raj never even finished his college degree, how was he planning to take their relationship forward? Even Simran does not seem to be bothered about her own education, financial freedom, either.
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e) He’s probably someone with crippling mommy issues
TBH, Raj seems to be an overgrown kid with no understanding of women. He often resorts to last-minute theatrics and singing songs to woo women and if that’s how he thinks it works, we don’t know what else would be in store had anyone gone ahead and agreed to marry him. Plus he hardly seems loyal or trustworthy, intelligent or understanding–Raj is just not how a guy should be in 2020.
Credit: Giphy/ ByPriyaShah
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