Are you noticing a distinct smell from some individuals, and you’re hesitant to address it? Good. Because if you treat personal hygiene as a taboo or something you can’t openly discuss, you might be part of the problem.
Let me be clear, I, Sanjay Manaktala, am:
- Indian
- Used to be overweight (still working on that gut)
- Have used deodorant since I was 15, way before it became trendy.
- Know I stink without deodorant, especially as I’ve gotten older, and particularly if I switch brands.
- Am comfortable telling my family members if they have body odor, and vice versa.
- A stand-up comedian and host of the popular “Birdy Num Num podcast.”
In this article, we’ll tackle the questions many have about body odor, grooming, and how prioritizing hygiene can genuinely improve your life. If you’ve ever wondered about that persistent whiff in your office or among your colleagues, this should shed some light on the matter.
The Mystery of Body Odor: Why Does It Seem More Prevalent in Some Indians?
I once knew a highly successful friend – Harvard educated, McKinsey consultant, wealthy – yet he struggled to find a romantic partner. He was perpetually unhappy, lamenting his single status while driving a luxury car.
To him, the reason for his romantic failures was baffling. He had the credentials, the looks, the career – everything seemed perfect on paper. But to everyone else, even a brief encounter revealed a glaring issue he was oblivious to:
He had a significant body odor problem. Consistently.
Bad breath, strong body odor, and an overall unpleasant aura made him difficult to be around.
Concerned, my best friend and I did what any overly cautious friends would do. We opted for an anonymous email, wanting to help without causing direct confrontation (and perhaps to avoid personal discomfort).
“Hey, you don’t know me, but I’ve crossed paths with you professionally and academically. I’ve always admired your drive and achievements, but also noticed your frustration in your personal life. There’s a simple fix that could change things for you. Please, consider using deodorant daily. Body odor is a real issue for you, and it’s likely deterring people.”
An email sent from a disposable account.
Fast forward six months, I was staying at his place and peeked into his medicine cabinet. It was overflowing with colognes, mouthwash, deodorants, body sprays – the whole arsenal. A year later, he was engaged.
Cultural Context: Deodorant Adoption in India
So, why might body odor seem more noticeable in some Indian individuals? It often boils down to cultural upbringing and the historical perception of deodorant.
Growing up, deodorant was largely considered a “Western” product, and its importance in daily hygiene wasn’t as emphasized in many Indian households. This is a cultural norm that is gradually evolving.
My own mother never explicitly taught me about deodorant. I learned about it from American TV commercials as a teenager. In middle school, my classmates, with the bluntness of teenagers, were quick to point out that I “smelled like sweaty curry.” As harsh as it was, I’m actually grateful they did. It was a direct, albeit uncomfortable, lesson in personal hygiene.
The deodorant market in India is experiencing rapid growth, indicating a shift in attitudes. Deodorant sales in India are indeed skyrocketing, with revenue expected to increase significantly year over year. (Source.) What was once a luxury item is now increasingly affordable and accessible, but widespread adoption takes time.
While many in India appreciate spices in their food, the heat and humidity necessitate embracing “Old Spice” and similar hygiene practices as well.
Addressing the “Indian” Stigma: Body Odor is Universal
Let’s be clear: body odor is not exclusive to any nationality or ethnicity.
Every population group has individuals who struggle with body odor. My friend Joel, who is American and Mexican, also develops body odor if he skips deodorant, especially when dancing in hot weather. The point is, body odor is a human issue, not an “Indian” issue.
However, within South Asian communities, including the Indian diaspora, there can be a cultural hesitancy to openly discuss or address body odor. Unlike brushing teeth, deodorant use wasn’t always ingrained as a fundamental daily routine. We tend to be more reserved about this topic rather than confronting it directly.
Why the sensitivity around something so basic? In hot and humid climates, and during physical activity, deodorant is as essential as any other hygiene practice.
Just as some cultures might need gentle reminders about toilet paper etiquette, there’s a need to encourage the widespread acceptance and use of deodorant within South Asian communities.
I’ve observed colleagues in IT companies meticulously comb their hair in the restroom after lunch, yet remain unaware that their body odor was off-putting to those around them. Ironically, these same individuals might be the ones expressing frustration online, potentially stemming from personal or social challenges that could be linked to hygiene.
It’s fair to say that India may be catching up in terms of widespread body odor awareness and elimination, and open conversations can accelerate this positive change. Helping friends and family recognize and address body odor benefits everyone.
Investing in personal hygiene and grooming is a small expense – just a few dollars or a couple hundred Indian Rupees. It’s no longer a luxury, but broader cultural acceptance and consistent practice are still developing. If you encounter someone in your gym, workplace, school, or family who has noticeable body odor, consider it a social responsibility to help them address it, discreetly and kindly.
The Ripple Effect: Good Hygiene Leads to a Better Life
We all know someone who has body odor, and often, no one dares to tell them. Fear of hurting feelings silences well-intentioned feedback. But consider the impact of continuous social avoidance and the confusion of not knowing the reason.
The pain of unawareness and social rejection is far greater than the temporary discomfort of a candid, compassionate conversation.
If you can find a polite and private way to inform someone about their body odor, the positive outcomes can be significant:
- They are likely to take action to improve their hygiene.
- Their self-confidence can increase.
- They may experience improvements in their professional, social, and romantic lives.
- Most importantly, they will gain self-awareness and the power to make a change.
Strategies for Tactfully Addressing Body Odor
- Indirect Approach: Discuss with another coworker (within earshot of the person in question) a hypothetical scenario about someone with body odor ruining a date or a social event. The second person can chime in with feigned shock, emphasizing the importance of deodorant, subtly hinting at the issue.
- Gift Giving: Consider gifting everyone in a group, including the individual, a nice cologne or deodorant set. Using it yourself at work further normalizes the practice.
- Anonymous Communication: Replicate the anonymous email approach, offering gentle and constructive feedback without direct confrontation.
- Directness (in some cultures): In some Indian workplaces, particularly in more direct corporate cultures, managers or colleagues might directly inform employees about their body odor. In extreme cases, employees have even been asked to go home and shower. While blunt, this reflects a growing recognition of hygiene in professional settings.
Modernizing Hygiene: Beyond Traditional Practices
While traditional Indian practices like using talcum powder, saffron, and natural fragrances have their place, modern hygiene demands a more comprehensive approach.
Embracing natural remedies is perfectly fine. If you enjoy spending time on elaborate skincare routines with coconut oil and lotions, continue to do so. But in a world where we readily use Google and consume products from all over the globe, it’s time to move past the notion that modern hygiene products are somehow “Western” and therefore unnecessary or undesirable.
Large corporations are not inherently evil, and hygiene products offer tangible benefits. Just as we modernize various aspects of our lives, we should also modernize our approach to personal hygiene.
A quick swipe of deodorant can prevent a lifetime of social and personal setbacks.
CONCLUSION: Smelling Good is Good for Life
The core issue is that many of us know someone with body odor, or perhaps are unaware that we ourselves might have it. And we often struggle to address it, especially within close-knit communities.
Stories of managers having to ask employees to leave and freshen up highlight the seriousness of the issue in professional environments.
Does it really need to reach that point?
Modern deodorant technology is highly effective. A single application in the morning can provide all-day protection, even in hot and humid climates.
By prioritizing hygiene and eliminating body odor – something we often cannot detect in ourselves – we can positively impact various aspects of our lives.
Improved hygiene can contribute to professional success, enhance romantic prospects, boost social confidence, and potentially even increase personal happiness. While happiness is complex and multifaceted, feeling fresh and confident is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Happy spraying, and here’s to a fresher, more confident you!
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 beyond traditional engineering paths. Learn more about Sanjay here or explore his YouTube channel here.
