Are you feeling a bit uncomfortable right now?
GOOD.
Because if discussing personal hygiene feels awkward or stigmatized, then we have a problem. Let me be clear, I, Sanjay Manaktala, identify as:
- Indian
- Formerly overweight (and still sporting a persistent gut)
- A deodorant user since the age of 15, long before it became trendy
- Someone who experiences body odor without deodorant, especially as I’ve gotten older, and particularly when trying new brands
- Someone who is comfortable telling family members, including my mother and wife, if they have body odor, and vice versa
- A stand-up comedian and host of India’s popular podcast, the Birdy Num Num podcast
In this article, I aim to tackle some common questions from our readers, prompted by discussions on Instagram, about body odor, grooming, and how prioritizing hygiene can significantly improve your life.
If you’ve ever wondered about that distinct smell coming from a colleague in your office or tech team, this article is for you.
Why Do Indians Smell? Unpacking the Stereotype
I once knew a man who seemed to have it all – wealth, a prestigious job at McKinsey, and a Harvard education. Yet, he struggled to find romantic success.
He was perpetually unhappy, lamenting his single status from behind the wheel of his Mercedes.
Reactions on Twitter when I announced I would write this article.
He was genuinely perplexed. With his impressive resume, good looks, and solid family background, he couldn’t understand what was going wrong.
However, to those around him, even a brief encounter with a stranger or a waiter would reveal what his lack of self-awareness concealed:
HE HAD TERRIBLE BODY ODOR. On a daily basis.
Chronic bad breath, persistent body odor, making him generally unpleasant to be around.
So, like any good friends, my best friend and I took action.
We opted for the less confrontational approach of an anonymous email, not wanting to hurt his feelings (and perhaps for our own comfort too, but our intention was to help).
“Hi, you may not know me, but we crossed paths professionally or academically years ago. I’ve always admired your drive and achievements, but noticed you seemed frustrated in your personal life. I believe there’s a simple fix that could change everything. Please consider using deodorant daily. Your body odor is quite strong and unfortunately, it’s a major deterrent for many people.”
An early email sent from my disposable Hotmail account.
About six months later, while staying at his place, I opened his medicine cabinet and was met with an array of colognes, mouthwashes, deodorants, and body sprays – he had stocked up on everything.
Within a year, he was engaged.
Why Was Deodorant Not Always Common in India?
So, why do some Indian men have noticeable body odor? Historically, deodorant was perceived as a Western product, and its widespread adoption is still evolving.
It wasn’t considered a necessity in our upbringing.
Some more public opinions on the topic.
My own mother never introduced me to deodorant; I learned about it from American TV commercials as a teenager. Kids in middle school were direct, informing me that I “smelled like sweaty curry.” As blunt as teenagers can be, I’m now grateful for their honesty.
But times are changing. Deodorant sales in India are experiencing rapid growth.
In fact, the Indian deodorant market revenue is projected to increase by 25% annually. (Source). Once a luxury, deodorant is now affordable for most, though widespread acceptance is still in progress.
While our culture enjoys spices in food, the heat they generate necessitates embracing “Old Spice” as well.
BUT BODY ODOR IS UNIVERSAL, WHY FOCUS ON INDIANS?
You’re absolutely correct.
Body odor is not exclusive to any group; everyone is susceptible to it.
My friend Joel, of American and Mexican heritage, also needs deodorant when dancing in the heat at my baraat, or he will develop body odor. However, within many South Asian communities, including my own, the importance of deodorant as a daily hygiene practice, like brushing teeth, wasn’t instilled from a young age. We often avoid directly addressing body odor, preferring to tiptoe around the subject.
Why are we so hesitant about something so fundamental – that in hot weather and sweaty situations, deodorant is essential?
Just as we might need to gently suggest to some Americans that toilet paper alone is not sufficient for hygiene, we need to encourage our South Asian communities to recognize the value of deodorant.
I recall observing colleagues in my IT office who would spend considerable time grooming their hair in the restroom after lunch, yet remained oblivious to the fact that their body odor kept people at a distance.
These same individuals might then turn to online trolling, perhaps stemming from frustration in their personal or romantic lives.
Does this resonate with you?
India is catching up in terms of body odor awareness, perhaps 5-10 years behind. The more we help our friends and family understand they might be contributing to unpleasant smells, the better it is for everyone.
Personal hygiene and grooming are a small investment – roughly $2 or INR 150.
BOOKS THAT HELPED ME IMPROVE MY LIFE (AMAZON)
Deodorant is no longer a luxury, but broad cultural adoption requires time. If you notice someone at the gym, work, school, or within your family with body odor, consider it your social responsibility to help address it.
IMPROVING SOMEONE’S SMELL CAN IMPROVE THEIR LIFE
We all know someone with body odor that no one mentions, fearing offense. But consider the impact of constant unspoken rejection on that person.
It’s far more damaging than the temporary discomfort of a frank, considerate conversation about hygiene.
If you can find a kind or anonymous way to inform someone about their body odor, the positive outcomes can be significant:
- They are likely to take action.
- Their self-confidence can increase.
- They may experience improvements in their professional, personal, and romantic lives.
- Most importantly, they will gain self-awareness.
How to Politely Address Body Odor
- You can initiate a conversation with another colleague (within earshot of the person with body odor) about a hypothetical person who skipped deodorant at a recent event, ruining your evening. The second person can chime in with, “Who would skip deodorant?!”, subtly directing the hint.
- Consider gifting everyone, including the person in question, a $10-20 bottle of cologne and use it yourself in the workplace.
- Send an anonymous email, as I did in my friend’s case.
- In India, it’s not uncommon for bosses and colleagues to directly address hygiene concerns with employees. In some tech companies, employees have even been asked to go home and shower!
Body Odor Shouldn’t Be Taboo, and Hygiene Products Aren’t Just “Western”
Yes, I understand the use of talcum powder, saffron, and other natural fragrance remedies in our culture.
I’m all for natural approaches.
If you prefer spending time on elaborate natural routines with coconut oil and lotions, that’s your choice.
However, we readily use Google and products made in China daily, so let’s discard the notion of rejecting “Western” hygiene products.
Proctor and Gamble isn’t inherently evil, even if large corporations have their issues.
We embrace modernization in nearly every aspect of our lives, it’s time to modernize our approach to personal hygiene as well.
A quick swipe of deodorant can prevent a lifetime of social discomfort.
CONCLUSION
The core issue is that many of us know someone with body odor, may even be unaware of our own, and we struggle to address it openly within our communities, both in India and abroad.
I’ve heard countless stories, especially from the IT sector, of managers having to ask employees to leave meetings to shower or apply deodorant.
This is a real issue.
Does it really need to escalate to that point?
Deodorant technology is advanced. A single application in the morning can last until 10 PM, even in hot and humid climates like Chennai or Mumbai.
As you reduce body odor – and remember, it’s difficult to perceive your own smell – other aspects of your life tend to improve.
This can positively impact your finances, career, dating prospects, romantic relationships, and overall happiness.
Though happiness, admittedly, remains elusive for many of us.
Happy Spraying!
Sanjay Manaktala is a leading stand-up comedian in India, instrumental in building the country’s comedy scene since 2010. His comedy videos and podcasts have entertained and motivated millions. His latest venture is the Birdy Num Num podcast, focused on fostering creativity in life after engineering. Learn more about Sanjay here or visit his YouTube channel.
