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Indians make the best husbands for Russian women because they are 'open' and emotionally attached to their family, says Russia's leading feminist intellectual Maria Arbatova. In a country that, for the longest time, has had the tag of being a male-dominated culture — an image it is still struggling to shed — would this not be too great a compliment coming a tad too soon?
Arbatova, incidentally, has an Indian partner currently, though after two failed relationships. She feels that the similarity in cultures is what can boost the Yin and Yang relationship between the two partners. We cannot speak for the Russians, but we spoke to a few Indian women in order to find out their views on Indian men and their 'hubby' qualities. Here's what they have to say.
• Tapur Chatterjee, Model
Be it Indian, Russian or Chinese, men will be men. I don't think it's about Indian men being more emotional or open; it depends on the personality of a particular man. I have many friends who are married to foreigners and the only difference between Indian men and foreigners is that Indians are more rooted to their culture and values. An Indian man looks at life differently as compared to a foreigner. Foreigners are more easy-going and open-minded, and this can be both positive and negative. On a personal note, I wouldn't want a man who is too emotional, who is cranky and cries at the drop of a hat.
• Diandra Soares, Model
Arbatova might be living with an Indian man but has she had to deal with his mother? Most Indian men are mamma's boys and I don't think she has had to deal with that aspect of the relationship. Hers is a generalised statement and 90 per cent Indian men are mamma's boys who only listen to their mothers. I think that most Indian men like their women to look hot when they're dating but once married, they want them to look all traditional and coy. In fact, it's just not about the culture — there are as****es in all cultures. I have friends who are married to foreigners but are extremely happy with their husbands.
• Sheetal Mallar, Model
I think Arbatova is in love, which is why she feels everything is so rosy. Men are men and it doesn't matter if they're Indian or otherwise. Whether or not they'll make good husbands depends on the individual. A lot also depends on the way one has been brought up. I have come across foreigners who are more family-oriented than Indian men. In fact, Spanish, Orientals and Italians fit the slot. Personally speaking, I feel Indian men are not very expressive. I think Arbatova just got lucky.
• Manasi Scott, Singer
I disagree with Arbatova. If an Indian man will make a good husband or not is completely individual. I feel that men who are educated, have a lot of social exposure and are honest make good husbands. But I think I know where Arbatova's coming from. Maybe it's her personal experience.
• Ramona Narang, Socialite
Indian men are male chauvinists and extremely possessive. I think Arbatova's is a generalised statement. I totally disagree with her. Whether someone will make a good husband or not depends on the way his mother has brought him up and on what he has his father doing to his mother. I don't think Indian men are as much in touch with their emotions as they should be - they are from the school of thought that believes that men don't cry. In fact, I feel Europeans are more open-minded and understanding. They're more held back at home and in touch with their emotions.
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