Are you reacting to that title?
GOOD.
Because if you consider personal hygiene a stigma or a sensitive subject, then you might be part of the problem. Let me clarify, I, Sanjay Manaktala –
- Am Indian
- Used to be overweight (and still have a persistent gut)
- Have used deodorant since I was 15, long before it became trendy.
- Will smell unpleasant if I skip deodorant, especially now that I’m over 30. This is even more noticeable when I switch to a new brand for some reason.
- Am comfortable telling my brother, mother, or even my wife if they have body odor, and they do the same for me.
- Work as a stand-up comedian and host one of India’s leading podcasts, the Birdy Num Num podcast.
In this article, I aim to address some common questions from our readers on Instagram concerning body odor, grooming, and how prioritizing hygiene can significantly improve your life.
If you’ve ever wondered about that distinct smell from a colleague in your office or tech team, this should provide some clarity.
Unpacking the Stigma: Why the Question “Why Do Indians Smell?” Arises
I once knew a friend who seemed to have it all: wealth, a prestigious job at McKinsey, an MBA from Harvard. Yet, he struggled to find a romantic partner.
He was perpetually unhappy, drowning in self-pity while driving his Mercedes. He was genuinely perplexed. A Harvard MBA, good looks, a successful career and family – on paper, everything was perfect. What was going wrong?
However, to those around him, the issue was glaringly obvious within moments of interaction. Even a stranger or a waiter could quickly discern what he, in his lack of self-awareness, failed to recognize.
HE HAD TERRIBLE BODY ODOR. On a daily basis.
Bad breath, persistent body odor, and generally unpleasant to be around.
So, my closest friend and I did what any supportive friends would do.
We took the cowardly route and sent an anonymous email. We were hesitant to hurt his feelings, or perhaps more accurately, to avoid the uncomfortable confrontation, but we genuinely wanted to help.
“Hey, you don’t know me, but I worked with you or studied with you years ago. I’ve always admired your hard work and success, but I’ve also noticed your frustration in your personal life. I want to see you succeed there too, and it’s something easily fixable. Please consider using deodorant daily. It will solve many of your problems. You have a strong body odor that is a major deterrent for many people.”
That was an excerpt from one of my initial emails sent from a disposable Hotmail account.
About six months later, while staying at his place, I happened to open his medicine cabinet and was met with an impressive collection: numerous cologne bottles, mouthwash, deodorants, body sprays – the whole arsenal.
A year after that, he was engaged.
Cultural Context: The Delayed Adoption of Deodorant in India
So, why do some Indian men have noticeable body odor? Primarily, because deodorant was historically viewed as a Western product, and its widespread adoption is still ongoing.
Its importance simply wasn’t emphasized culturally.
Growing up, my own mother never introduced me to deodorant. I learned about it from American TV commercials as a teenager. Ironically, it was the not-so-subtle comments from white middle school kids telling me I “smelled like sweaty curry” that made me aware. As harsh as teenagers can be, in retrospect, I’m grateful for their bluntness.
The statistics speak for themselves: deodorant sales in India are experiencing a massive surge.
In fact, revenue from deodorants in India is projected to increase by 25% annually. (Source). Deodorant has transitioned from a luxury item to something affordable for most, but widespread acceptance takes time.
While India embraces spice in its cuisine, the resulting heat necessitates embracing deodorant as well.
Addressing the “Indian” Stereotype: Body Odor is Universal
Absolutely, it’s crucial to acknowledge that body odor is a universal human phenomenon.
Every demographic has individuals who struggle with body odor.
My friend Joel, who is of American and Mexican heritage, and was part of my wedding procession (baraat), also develops body odor if he skips deodorant before dancing in warm weather. However, within many South Asian communities, including my own, the consistent use of deodorant isn’t as ingrained as habits like brushing teeth. We often tiptoe around the topic of body odor instead of addressing it directly.
Why are we so sensitive about something so fundamental? In hot and humid climates, and during physical activity, deodorant is essential.
Just as it’s important to educate some people about the necessity of toilet paper, it’s equally important to encourage our South Asian communities to understand the benefits of deodorant.
I recall observing colleagues in my IT company spending significant time grooming their hair in the restroom after lunch, yet remaining oblivious to the fact that their body odor was off-putting to those nearby.
And these same individuals might then resort to online negativity, possibly stemming from personal frustrations or unmet needs.
Do you see the connection?
India is catching up in terms of body odor awareness, and the more we help our friends and family recognize if they are contributing to unpleasant smells, the better it is for everyone.
Personal hygiene and grooming are a small investment, costing perhaps $2 or INR 150.
BOOKS THAT HELPED ME GET BETTER AT LIFE (AMAZON)
Deodorant is no longer a luxury, but widespread adoption will still take time. If you notice someone at the gym, work, school, or even within your family emitting body odor, consider it a social responsibility to help address it.
The Positive Impact of Good Hygiene: Improving Lives
We all know someone with body odor, and often, no one dares to tell them. This reluctance stems from fear of hurting their feelings. But consider the impact of constant social avoidance and the lack of awareness about the issue.
Isn’t that more detrimental than a potentially awkward but ultimately helpful conversation?
If you can find a kind or anonymous way to inform someone about their body odor, the outcomes can be transformative:
- They are likely to take action to improve their hygiene.
- Their self-confidence will increase.
- They will perform better in their professional, personal, and romantic lives.
- Most importantly, they will become aware of the issue and empowered to address it.
Discreet Ways to Address Body Odor
- Initiate a conversation with another colleague (within earshot of the person with body odor) about a hypothetical situation where someone’s body odor was unpleasant, perhaps at a restaurant over the weekend, ruining a date or outing. The second person can chime in with a surprised reaction like, “Who doesn’t wear deodorant?!” subtly delivering the message.
- Gift everyone, including the person in question, a nice bottle of cologne or deodorant, and start using it yourself at work.
- Send an anonymous email, as I did in my story.
- In India, it’s not uncommon for bosses and coworkers to directly address body odor with employees. In some tech companies, colleagues have even been sent home to shower!
Breaking the Taboo: Hygiene Products are Not “Western” Exclusives
Yes, I am aware of traditional Indian practices like using talcum powder, saffron, and other natural fragrances and remedies.
I have no objection to these.
If you wish to spend an hour each evening applying coconut oil and lotions, feel free.
However, we readily use Google and Chinese-made products daily, so let’s abandon the notion that we reject “Western” products outright.
Corporations like Proctor & Gamble are not inherently malicious, though large corporations may have their issues.
We are modernizing every aspect of our lives, so it’s time to modernize our approach to hygiene as well.
A quick swipe of deodorant under each arm can prevent a lifetime of social discomfort.
CONCLUSION: Hygiene as a Key to Personal and Social Well-being
The core issue is that many of us know someone with body odor, might even be that person ourselves, and we struggle to address it, both within India and in international South Asian communities.
Stories abound, especially in the IT sector, of managers having to ask employees to leave meetings and go shower or apply deodorant.
This is a real issue.
Does it really need to escalate to that point?
Deodorant technology has advanced significantly. A single application in the morning can provide protection until late evening, even in hot and humid climates like Chennai or Mumbai summers.
By minimizing body odor – and remember, we are often unaware of our own smell – many aspects of life can improve.
This can positively impact your financial prospects, career advancement, dating life, romantic relationships, and overall personal happiness.
Although, happiness itself remains elusive for many.
Happy spraying!
Sanjay Manaktala is a leading stand-up comedian in India, instrumental in building the country’s comedy scene since 2010. His stand-up videos and podcasts have entertained and motivated millions. His latest venture 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.
