The Movember fever is on
If you suddenly see a lot of men around you with a stubble right now, chances are (hopefully) that they have taken on the brave task of Movember. It’s growing a moustache for charity in a bid to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues such as depression. No-Shave November is a global movement.
While many are in favour of not shaving the whole month of November, there are a few who are of the opinion that it doesn’t matter if they shave or not. “The idea of not shaving just for the sake of donating doesn’t seem practical to me. I mostly use a trimmer and there’s not much money I am saving in the process. I’d rather shave and still donate to support the cause. Having said that, growing the beard is symbolic and could be a way to create awareness among the people who do not know the significance of it at all,” says Harish Ganeshan, a city-based filmmaker.
Another Hyderabadi, Sandeep Raj, feels that many follow the trend blindly. He says, “Not many know that this is about saving on grooming expenses and donating that money for a cause. But do you really need to grow a beard to donate? Try sacrificing a tub of popcorn the next time you’re at the movies. Beats messing with a barber's livelihood,” he says.
Actor Vijay Devarakonda feels that, “People can donate without growing a beard too, but this movement is to get people to feel a part of something. When you see a dozen guys with beard, it leads to a conversation. And people will be aware of the cause.” So does he follow the trend too? Vijay says, “I would love to, however, it’s my director or stylist who gets to decide my look.”