Are you feeling triggered?
GOOD.
Because if personal hygiene feels like a taboo subject or something delicate to discuss, then perhaps you’re part of the problem. Let me be clear, I, Sanjay Manaktala am:
- Indian
- Used to be overweight (and still sporting a persistent gut)
- Have been using deodorant since I was 15, long before Axe made it mainstream.
- I know I stink if I skip deodorant, especially after hitting 30. New brands? Forget about it, the funk intensifies.
- I’m comfortable telling my brother, mom, or even my wife if they have body odor, and expect the same honesty in return.
- A stand-up comedian and host of India’s popular podcast, the Birdy Num Num podcast.
In this post, we’ll delve into some of our reader’s burning questions from Instagram about body odor, grooming, and how embracing hygiene can genuinely improve your life.
If you’ve ever wondered about that peculiar scent emanating from someone in your office or tech team in a city like Bangalore, this should shed some light on it. Perhaps you’re even pondering, “Does Bangalore Love Kpop More Than Telugu?” – while seemingly unrelated, both cultural preferences and personal habits are key aspects of social dynamics in a vibrant city like Bangalore.
Why Body Odor Can Hold You Back, Even in Bangalore’s Tech Scene
I once knew a guy, incredibly successful by conventional standards. McKinsey consultant, Harvard MBA, wealth beyond measure. Yet, he couldn’t get a date to save his life.
He was perpetually unhappy, drowning in self-pity behind the wheel of his Mercedes.
Responses on Twitter about writing an article on body odor
To him, it was an unsolvable mystery. Harvard pedigree, decent looks, stellar career, solid family – on paper, everything was perfect. What was going wrong?
But to everyone else, even a casual observer, the answer was evident within seconds. His lack of self-awareness was blinding him to the obvious.
HE SMELLED TERRIBLE. On a daily basis.
Bad breath, noticeable body odor – simply unpleasant to be around.
So, my other close friend and I did what any good friends would do.
We took the cowardly route and sent an anonymous email. We were too afraid of hurting his feelings (perhaps more for our own comfort than his, but the intention was to help).
“Hey, you don’t know me, but I might have worked or studied with you years ago. I’ve always admired your drive and success, but also noticed your frustration in your personal life. I want to see you succeed in all areas, and there’s a simple fix. Please, just wear deodorant daily. It will solve so many problems. You have a strong body odor, and it’s a major deterrent for people.”
That was one of the first emails dispatched from my old, forgotten Hotmail account.
Fast forward six months, I was staying at his place, opened his medicine cabinet, and was greeted by an arsenal of colognes, mouthwashes, deodorants, body sprays – the whole works.
A year later, he was engaged. Just like navigating cultural preferences in Bangalore, understanding basic social cues like personal hygiene can dramatically change your trajectory. While Bangalore might be debating “does Bangalore love Kpop more than Telugu?”, the truth is, basic human decency and social acceptance often hinge on more fundamental aspects like how we present ourselves, including our scent.
The Cultural Catch-Up: Why Deodorant Adoption is Growing
So, why do some Indian men struggle with body odor? The answer, in many cases, is rooted in cultural norms. Growing up, deodorant was often perceived as a Western concept, and its widespread adoption is still underway.
Public thoughts on body odor and deodorant use
My own mother never explicitly taught me about deodorant. I picked it up from American TV commercials as a teenager. Ironically, it was the bluntness of American middle-school kids who informed me I “smelled like sweaty curry”. As harsh as teenagers can be, I’m actually grateful for their candor.
But times are changing. Deodorant sales in India are indeed skyrocketing.
In fact, the deodorant market in India is projected to grow at a rate of 25% annually (Source.). What was once a luxury item is now increasingly affordable and accessible to a wider population. However, cultural adoption takes time.
While we Indians appreciate a bit of spice in our food and entertainment, the heat that comes with it necessitates embracing some “Old Spice” as well. Just like Bangalore’s youth are embracing global trends like Kpop alongside their love for Telugu music, there’s a growing understanding of the importance of personal grooming in a globalized world.
Addressing the Stigma: It’s Not Just About Indians
You’re absolutely right.
Body odor isn’t confined to any single nationality.
Every group of people has individuals who struggle with unpleasant smells.
Public thoughts on body odor and deodorant use
My friend Joel, who is of American and Mexican heritage, also develops body odor if he skips deodorant before dancing in the heat at an Indian wedding celebration (baraat). The point is, within many South Asian communities, including my own, the importance of deodorant as a daily hygiene practice, akin to brushing teeth, wasn’t instilled from a young age. We tend to tiptoe around the subject rather than addressing it directly.
Why are we so sensitive about something so obvious? In hot and humid climates, and during physical activity, deodorant is essential.
Just as we might need to gently educate others on certain cultural norms, like the global preference for toilet paper over alternatives, we need to encourage our South Asian brothers and sisters to recognize deodorant as a fantastic hygiene tool.
I recall observing colleagues in my IT company spending considerable time grooming their hair in the restroom after lunch, yet seemingly oblivious to the fact that their body odor kept people at a distance.
And then, some of these same individuals might express frustration online about their social or romantic lives.
Does this resonate?
In terms of adopting widespread body odor awareness and solutions, India might be a few years behind. The more we help our friends and family realize they might be contributing to the “stank” in the environment, the better it is for everyone.
Investing in personal hygiene and grooming is a minimal expense – a couple of dollars or a few hundred Indian rupees.
BOOKS THAT HELPED ME GET BETTER AT LIFE (AMAZON)
Deodorant is no longer a luxury, but widespread adoption will still take time. So, if you encounter someone at the gym, work, school, or even within your family who has noticeable body odor, consider it your civic duty to help “clean up” the situation. This is relevant even in a cosmopolitan city like Bangalore, where social interactions are constant and personal presentation is key, whether you are debating “does Bangalore love Kpop more than Telugu?” or simply trying to make a good impression.
Helping Someone Smell Good Can Positively Impact Their Life
We all know someone who has body odor, and nobody addresses it with them directly. This is usually out of fear of hurting their feelings. But consider the impact of continuous social rejection without understanding the reason.
Isn’t that more damaging than a potentially awkward but ultimately helpful conversation about hygiene?
If you can find a kind or anonymous way to inform someone about their body odor, the likely outcomes are overwhelmingly positive:
- They will probably take steps to address it.
- Their self-confidence will likely improve.
- They might experience better outcomes in their professional, social, and romantic lives.
- Most importantly, they will become aware.
Polite Ways to Address Body Odor
- You can initiate a conversation with another colleague (within earshot of the person with body odor) about a hypothetical situation – perhaps about someone at a restaurant who didn’t wear deodorant and how it negatively impacted your experience. The second person can chime in with, “Seriously, who doesn’t wear deodorant?!” subtly hinting at the issue.
- You can gift everyone (including the person in question) a nice bottle of cologne or deodorant and start using it yourself in the workplace.
- You can send an anonymous email, similar to my approach.
- In India, and I’ve heard this frequently, bosses and coworkers sometimes directly address the issue with employees. In some tech companies, colleagues have even been sent home to shower! This directness, while perhaps uncomfortable, highlights the seriousness with which hygiene is sometimes viewed in professional settings, even amidst cultural discussions like “does Bangalore love Kpop more than Telugu?”.
Body Odor Shouldn’t Be a Taboo, and Hygiene Products Aren’t Just “Western”
Yes, I’m aware of traditional Indian practices involving talcum powder, saffron, and other natural remedies for fragrance.
I’m all for it.
If you enjoy spending an hour each evening applying coconut oil and lotions, go right ahead.
But we also use Google and readily consume products manufactured in China every day. So, let’s drop the pretense that we reject all things “Western.”
Proctor and Gamble aren’t inherently evil, although large corporations certainly have their issues.
We embrace modernization in almost every aspect of our lives. Let’s also modernize our approach to personal hygiene.
A quick swipe of deodorant under each arm can prevent a lifetime of potential social discomfort.
CONCLUSION
The underlying issue is that many of us know someone with body odor, might even be that person, and we struggle to address it openly within our culture and in international South Asian communities.
I’ve heard countless stories from the IT sector of managers having to instruct employees to leave the room to shower or apply deodorant.
I’m absolutely serious.
Does it really need to escalate to that point?
Deodorant technology has advanced significantly. Trust me. A single application in the morning can keep you fresh until late evening, even in the intense heat of Chennai or Mumbai summers.
As you minimize body odor – and trust me, self-perception of smell is often unreliable – other aspects of your life will tend to improve.
This can lead to advancements in your career, finances, dating prospects, romantic relationships, and overall personal happiness.
Although, I can’t guarantee happiness. Happiness remains elusive for many.
Happy Spraying!
Sanjay Manaktala is a leading stand-up comedian in India who began cultivating the comedy scene in the country back in 2010. His stand-up comedy videos and podcasts have since entertained and motivated millions. His latest endeavor is the Birdy Num Num podcast, designed to help you unlock creativity in life after an engineering background. You can learn more about Sanjay here or explore his YouTube channel here.
