Mooche Ho Toh Nathulal Jaise, Warna Na Ho!

Indian moustache—a timeless symbol of pride, honour, and defiance. From ancient traditions to modern society, it stands as a bold statement of individuality. Explore the cultural significance and unwavering spirit behind the Indian moustache, which resonates with pride and exudes an undeniable sense of power.

Pride of Indian Men - Their Moustache. Image Courtesy: Pinterest

In India, moustaches hold far more significance than mere fashion statements. They embody tradition and folklore, closely intertwined with respect, privilege, honour, and a strong sense of masculinity. The colloquial saying "Moochh nahi, toh Kuchh nahi" aptly captures the sentiment, emphasising that a man without a moustache lacks standing.

The famous dialogue from the Bollywood movie 'Sharabi', 1984, "Mooche ho toh Nathulal jaise, warna na ho," has achieved iconic status, serving as a morale booster for men with moustaches across the nation. The legacy of the moustache stretches back to ancient times, even finding roots in the Indus Valley Civilization. From our revered deities to celebrated movie stars and the common man, the moustache has emerged as a symbol of pride and machismo, often causing frustration for those who are unable to grow one.

Nathulal Ki Mooch. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The longest moustache in the world, officially measured by Guinness World Records at 4.29 metres (14 feet), belongs to Ram Singh Chauhan of India.  image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The rich history of upper-lip adornment traces back to the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. In Mansohi Bhattachary's book, "The Royal Rajputs: Strange Tales and Stranger Truths," an intriguing story emerges from Emperor Akbar's court. After the passing of Empress Jodhabai, a decree was issued to shave off the defining marks of manhood in Agra as a sign of mourning. This sparked outrage among the people, particularly the Rajputs, who saw moustaches as a symbol of warrior honour. Even today, the Rajputs of Udaipur and Chittorgarh proudly maintain their beards as a defiant tribute to Maharana Pratap's defiance of Emperor Akbar. Notably, the current world record holder for the longest moustache, measuring an astounding 18.4 feet, is also a Rajput.

Interestingly, the tradition of providing allowances specifically for growing a moustache continues in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the historical choices and legacies that persist within the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) uniform rules.

Veerapan's face on a cosmetic brand product. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

In a curious irony, the infamous South Indian poacher, Veerappan, has become the unexpected face of an international cosmetics brand. His wild and untamed persona now graces the lid of Lush Cosmetic's Moustache Wax, symbolising a captivating contradiction. Despite Veerappan's demise years ago, his hirsute image continues to adorn the packaging, presenting a predictable yet intriguing contrast. Lush Cosmetic's US website promotes the Veerappan Moustache Wax, offering customers the opportunity to add a daring and debonair touch to their facial hair. Priced at $15.95 for a modest quantity, the wax not only styles moustaches but also promises to soften split ends, as affirmed by the company.

Shiva as Lord of the Universe in Benares (Kashi Vishvanatha). Image Courtesy: metmuseum.org/art/collection

In this magnificent portrayal of Shiva, the ascetic lord, his presence is captivating as he is adorned with intertwining cobras. The artwork possesses an astonishingly lifelike quality, resembling a genuine life portrait. Encased in an elegant oval frame reminiscent of late Victorian studio photography, Shiva's divine countenance mesmerises the viewer. Notably, his remarkable moustache stands out, radiating a sense of grandeur and power that enhances his noble appearance. Alongside meticulously crafted pearl ear ornaments, Shiva's facial hair symbolises his masculinity and regal nature.

The arrival of colonial rule brought about a significant shift in the perception of moustaches. British Army officers, in their quest to gain the respect of native troops, recognised the commanding presence that facial hair held. Understanding that moustaches were seen as a symbol of masculinity, they eagerly adopted facial hair to establish their authority over the soldiers. This cultural influence was so profound that illustrations from the late 19th century rarely depicted British or European soldiers without facial hair, underscoring the success of the locals' impact on the appearance of the Company Bahadur personnel.

Homage to Abhinandan Varthaman from Amul. Image Courtesy: Pinterest

Fast-forwarding to early 2019, the valiant Indian Air Force fighter pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman, captured the hearts and admiration of the nation. Abhinandan's distinctive handlebar moustache became an emblem of his heroism and bravery, elevating him to iconic status. The dairy giant, Amul, renowned for its creative and topical advertisements, paid homage to his moustache through a captivating viral video. This gesture resonated deeply with the public, leading to a surge of interest in emulating Abhinandan's facial hairstyle. Hair salons across India offered complimentary haircuts and moustache styling, allowing individuals to embrace the spirit and style of the revered fighter pilot. The BBC news website aptly declared that Abhinandan's moustache had become a potent symbol of "courage and patriotism," further fuelling the desire of countless Indians to sport his distinctive handlebars.

The moustache in Indian culture holds a profound significance, embodying pride and masculinity. It carries a legacy that spans centuries, intertwining with traditions, folklore, and historical events. From the era of colonial rule to the present day, the moustache remains an emblem of honour, respect, and identity. It symbolises the strength, character, and cultural heritage of the Indian people, transcending mere facial hair to become a powerful representation of tradition and a source of deep-rooted pride.