Nikhil Taneja Champions Positive Masculinity In 'Be A Man Yaar'

1. Nikhil, 'Be A Man Yaar!' is being acclaimed as India's first masculinity positive show. What do you think sets it apart from other discussions about masculinity in India?

-In a world where we are seeing the rise in conversations around macho, alpha or toxic masculinity, we have tried to provide an alternative conversation. We have attempted to show that there is also space, alongside hypermasculine pop culture portrayals, for a positive, intentional, kinder and gentler masculinity. The conversations on the show are intended to spark conversations offline. So we don't just look at ourselves as a chat show, but hopefully as a starting point to a larger discussion about positive masculinity.

2. In a society where men are often expected to suppress their emotions, how do you approach the topic of vulnerability on your show? What impact do you hope it has on your viewers?

I love this question because it's so important for me to hold space for the guests on the show and be as empathetic as I can in the way I host the conversation. I don't see myself as a journalist or interviewer of a non-fiction show when I'm having a conversation. I almost think of it as two human beings, having an honest, raw, candid, vulnerable conversation about their lives and the stories that led them to being who they are.

For me, this show is the equivalent of a 3 am late-night conversation with a close friend, where you create a safe space to express yourself without the fear of judgment. So during the chat, I also share some stories, anecdotes, feelings and thoughts that I have on the themes we are speaking of because it is only fair that we are both being vulnerable, and we are in this together. The hope is to make the guest, myself and everyone watching feel a little less lonely because they will feel more seen, heard and represented in the stories of the guests.

3. You've featured many personal stories on 'Be A Man Yaar!'. Can you share a particularly powerful story that resonated with you the most?

I don't think any episode has come to the raw honesty of our episode with Bhuvan Bam. It's also the most watched episode of Be A Man Yaar, with 1 million views (and counting) in just 10 days, because it is the most deeply personal episode of the series. In the episode, Bhuvan shared the story of growing up with his father, who suffered from an alcohol addiction. He opened up about how that affected his growing up years, how it affected his family, how it inspired him to create a life for himself where he could break out of that 'curse'.

5. Have you faced any resistance or challenges while promoting a show that focuses on positive masculinity and men's vulnerabilities? If yes, how have you navigated those challenges?

Not at all; in fact, it's been heartwarming to see how quickly and warmly audiences have embraced it. The success and love received have been overwhelming. It shows there is space and necessity for such conversations. I hope people use this show as a way to start these discussions with men in their own lives.

4. What was the pivotal moment or experience that inspired you to create 'Be A Man Yaar!'? Was there a personal journey or observation that prompted you to start this show?

I was diagnosed with clinical anxiety 8 years ago. I was at my career peak then; I was GM at YRF and had produced 4 out of India's first 10 web series hits. Yet I experienced panic attacks and severe anxiety during this successful period.

Messages for Younger Generations

6. What messages do you hope the younger generation takes away from the show?

If there's one message outside men expressing vulnerability or gentleness: it's listening more in today's vocal world. Many love talking; few listen genuinely. This show aims to listen more attentively.

It took me time to overcome therapy stigma. Therapy revealed my anxiety stemmed from societal expectations tied to manhood: earning certain amounts or hitting milestones by specific ages caused stress.

The Journey of Personal Growth

7. Hosting a show like 'Be A Man Yaar!' must have been a journey of personal growth for you as well. What have you learned about yourself and masculinity through this process?

This process reaffirmed empathetic spaces' importance both online and offline for me too! Creating these spaces helped me recognize my need for them too.

I now speak more openly about these issues; many men resonate with my story's burdened-by-expectations theme.

The Future Vision

8. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for masculine positivity in India? How do you see your show evolving?

I hope we transition from being India's first positive masculinity chat show into one among many such platforms.

I envision expanding 'Be A Man Yaar!' into multiple languages someday while including women’s perspectives through duos like mother-son or sister-brother pairs exploring masculinity together.

Favourite Interviews

9. You have interviewed several prominent Bollywood celebs including Kartik Aaryan? Who has been your most favourite to interview? How would you describe the experience?

I cherish every conversation but speaking with Naseeruddin Shah sir & Javed Akhtar Saab was an unforgettable privilege!

Their anecdotes were singular joys; convincing them alone felt surreal! Also memorable were chats with Nakuul Mehta & Bhuvan Bam due their deep personal nature—grateful always!

Bhuvan’s openness impacts many young people facing similar struggles within families battling addiction issues—his trust means everything!

I aim fostering supportive offline communities via future seasons addressing intersectionality across caste-gender-sexuality lenses too!

This journey taught me creating safe conversational spaces matters immensely—for others & myself alike!