Mumbai, Nov 19 (NationPress) Actor Rajendra Chawla, who will appear in the forthcoming show ‘Lakshmi Niwas’, is commemorating International Men’s Day with a significant message.

The actor expressed that it has been a long time since men were taught to exhibit toughness while suppressing their emotions. He has called on men to redefine masculinity.

In a statement to IANS, he said, “Over the years, society has conditioned men to perceive emotional expression as a weakness. However, I believe that being truthful about your emotions demands remarkable strength.”

He added, “On this International Men’s Day, I encourage everyone to reshape the definition of masculinity, viewing it as a combination of responsibility, empathy, and openness. Let’s strive for a society where men can express their pain without fear of losing respect, and where kindness is valued as much as bravery.”

Previously, the actor reflected on how his life experiences closely align with his character in ‘Lakshmi Niwas’. He shared a poignant childhood memory that imparted to him the true essence of stability and self-sufficiency.

In his earlier remarks to IANS, he stated, “From my viewpoint, a significant part of my life has revolved around creating a home, starting with the singular dream: ek din apna ghar hoga. Coming from a middle-class background, dreaming involved planning, saving, and making sacrifices. I witnessed my parents turn every minor saving into a step toward something greater. I still recall the day my father took me to the bank and said, ‘Beta, today we will open a small fixed deposit in your name.’ Initially, I viewed it as a gift. But moments later, he smiled and said, ‘I’m not giving you money; I’m instilling in you a habit of saving.’ That lesson stayed with me throughout my life. Gradually, those small savings became the cornerstone of my own home.”

In ‘Lakshmi Niwas’, he portrays Srinivas, a devoted and selfless family man who has dedicated his life to managing household duties, his children’s education, their marriages, and fulfilling his wife Lakshmi’s aspirations for the family.

However, while addressing these immediate responsibilities, his long-held dream of constructing a home for his wife often took a back seat. Now, as retirement approaches, that long-standing promise has become the focal point of their relationship.

‘Lakshmi Niwas’ is set to premiere on Zee TV.