There is a misconception that self-care and wellness is only for women, not men. However, gone are the days when “man up’’ was the go-to solution for stress. Today, a growing tribe of men are swapping out stoicism for ‘savasana’. Whether it’s yoga, therapy, or mindfulness apps, from corporate boardrooms to small-town gyms, celebrities, Indian men are unrolling yoga mats, journaling their thoughts, and—yes—meditating.
Of course, not every man is on this journey yet, but the celebs are setting up a good example. Fit-at-50: Akshay Kumar is a prime example of holistic fitness. Beyond his martial arts training and intense gym sessions, Kumar seamlessly incorporates yoga and meditation into his routine. Anupam Kher, known for his powerful performances on-screen, is also a strong advocate for Transcendental Meditation (TM). He shares his insights on social media, inspiring others to explore mindfulness. The trend isn’t limited to one generation or geography. From Vir Das, Vidyut Jamwal and Aamir Khan to Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks, and even Sting, celebrities across the globe have embraced meditation in its many forms—be it for focus, stress relief, or spiritual clarity.
Ranveer Singh practices “active meditation” and evening silence. Taking time before bed to reflect and declutter his mind. Ranbir Kapoor has publicly spoken about how meditation has helped him deal with ADHD.
Bros Before Burnout
It’s not just urban guys in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru— Instagram reels show muscle hunks in Delhi sipping ashwagandha tea post-workout or men in Chennai walking labyrinths as part of digital detox challenges. We’ve long glorified the stoic man—strong, silent, unshakeable. But that image, polished by Bollywood and passed down like heirloom furniture, is cracking. Raghav Sharma, co-founder of a Yoga group, ‘’I was once a work hard, party harder, sleep never,” he laughs. “But two panic attacks and a stress ulcer later, I found myself attending a weekend yoga retreat. I thought I’d be bored out of my mind. But I found peace.”
There are many factors that contribute to this wellness trend — anxiety, job insecurity, relationships, climate change, and just… life hitting hard. Dr. Rukmini Iyer, a psychologist, explains, “For a long time, emotional vulnerability was seen as weakness in Indian men. But in the last few years, we’ve seen a massive shift. Men are realizing that it’s not ‘unmanly’ to seek peace—it’s human.’’
Macho To Mindful
In a world where the pressures of fame and fortune often overshadow the pursuit of inner peace, Transcendental Meditation has emerged as a beacon of hope for celebrities seeking solace amidst the chaos. Yoga instructor Yogi Darshan says, “Some came for back pain, others because their wives pushed them,” he chuckles. “But now, they stay for peace of mind. We start with Asanas, but end up discussing relationships, anxiety, even childhood trauma.’’ Masculinity is evolving from aggressive and aloof to grounded and gentle. And while the “alpha male” narrative still looms large in influencer corners, there’s a quieter counter-movement that’s gaining real traction. The rise of men’s circles, where strangers gather to talk about childhood, stress, and heartbreak— It’s a start from fitness influencers who are now journaling next to chest-day routines.
Breaking The Bro Code
Many men are told to suppress their emotions from childhood with phrases like “Be strong,” “Be a man,” “Don’t cry like a girl.” They are challenging the idea that vulnerability is emasculating. Manu Singh, a meditation coach from Delhi, quips, “Earlier, men came in dragging their wives or girlfriends along. Now the women are sending them alone, saying, ‘he needs this more than I.’’
This shift isn’t just personal, it’s a social shift that is letting men be themselves, listen more, yell less, and apologize without blaming the woman. They show up in relationships with more empathy. Fathers are parenting differently— Bosses are leading less like drill sergeants and more like humans.
Varun Nair (32), a marketing executive who recently began therapy, says, “I realized, real men don’t bottle things up until they explode either.” Dr. Iyer points out, “Men often delay seeking help until the issue becomes a crisis. What we need is early emotional literacy—teaching boys it’s okay to feel.” They’re breathing, journaling, meditating—and not whispering about it in locker rooms. And that? That’s growth.
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