One of the few things the feminists haven’t contemplated about yet to feel on par with men is to sport a moustache. With moustache having such a distinct identity as being a purely a man thing, it’s but natural that men across the world have chosen the string of hair on the upper lip as a symbol to spread awareness about men’s health.
Yes, we are talking about the worldwide movement, Movember, or No Shave November, which is slowly gaining popularity in India as well. Simply put for those who haven’t heard of it (Moustache+November), men shave their face on October 31 and let the hair grow throughout November and raise money for the charity, Movember Foundation. The foundation spreads awareness about men’s health generally and prostate and testicular cancer in particular.
While men paying more attention to their moustache just for the sake of it may sound a bit odd to many, there are a few like Fibin V. Raj who have taken it up seriously to make it popular in our country as a movement. “It’s Movember’s 10th year. It is being talÂked about in India for the last three years and every year the number of brands supporting the cause is on the rise,” says Fibin, fashion designer and course leader at Pearl Academy, Chennai.
Fibin has registered himself with Movember.com and is sporting a mush like 70s’ porn stars. “It’s exciting. I’m someone who has never sported a mush. So when people who know me all these years see me with mush all of a sudden, they get curious and want to know the reason. So I could do my bit to the cause and explain to them about men's health and Movember movement,” says the Mo Bro (that’s how men supporting Movember are addressed, while women supporting Movember are called Mo Sistas). “I feel more manly with mush and most importantly my friends have accepted me how I look now, says Fibin. Seeing him, many of his friends also have decided to follow suit.
Actress Madhushalini feels men are becoming more health conscious of late. “Men spend most of the time outdoors and if they fall sick it affects the whole family. So it’s good for men take care of their health. I always push my brothers to work out so that they stay healthy,” she says. According to her, moustache is a style statement and if it’s going to help a cause everyone should sport one.
For those who think moustache is not an in thing, there are umpteen style sheets and grooming tips doing the rounds online to choose from.
After November 15, halfway through the month, men can mail their photographs with whatever mush style they sport to Movember.com and the site lists other activities organised for and by Mo Bros.
The movement definitely needs starry boost to make it popular in India and Fibin feels actor Ranveer Singh would be perfect to promote this cause. “He is damn good with his current look. When so many other causes get publicity, it’s equally important to promote the welfare of men as well,” concludes Fibin.
