India, Nov. 19 -- Actor Abhay Verma rose to fame playing the soft-spoken Bittu in Munjya (2023) and has two romcoms up next including Laikey Laikaa. But this gentle, romantic persona is far from the kind of manhood he grew up seeing around. "Growing up in Haryana, manliness meant having physical power over others, but I learnt over time, it's about understanding and not intimidating people," Abhay tells us on International Men's Day today. The actor feels the era of 'mard ko dard nahin hota' is over: "That time is gone. Men now talk about their feelings and embrace vulnerability. It's beautiful when you are able to be yourself." Amid the rise of on-screen 'alpha men,' Abhay is picking roles of sensitive, romantic men. He says, "Terms like 'alpha' and 'sensitive' are subjective and films are for entertainment. Men should protect their family but also show sensitivity." On-screen sensitive men, he says, are "gaining acceptance", helping even 'pseudo alpha' men realize they don't need to fake toughness. Asked about how today's men differ, he says, "We are more understanding and sensitive towards women. For example, women now feel comfortable talking about things like their periods with us, which shows trust and progress."...