I know I am not the first one to point out this humongous aspect of the average Indian male.
I know I am not the first one to point out this humongous aspect of the average Indian male. But it is such a major sight across the length and breadth of the country that you just cannot let it pass by unnoticed. A majority of males have it, and a good majority of the ones who have it, flaunt it too!
What is it? Well, it's called the great Indian belly trick. Every lane in India the rural as well as urban jungles, in the rich and the poor neighbourhoods has scores of twin layered Michelin-tyres masquerading every hour. And what a sight to behold, it is.
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So where does this journey begin? Is it inborn, is it acquired or is it a symbol of prosperity? None of the above actually! Most men tend to bloat once they hit the mid-20s, especially the ones that get married around 25 or so. Right until the wedding night, the six-pack ably-abbed male enters the bond of marriage and in a week's time, the six packs are replaced by a six-ton abacas!
Nice and round, soft and spongy, are just some of the few endearing terms that go hand-in-hand with the well-endowed belly. In some communities, a huge paunch is actually considered a sign of wealth and prosperity. The lack of which can actually risk males from being ostracised from the community!
A matter that it doesn't imply good health does not admonish the possessor of the adipose tissue. It just is an asset that rubs off the status of the beholder. Therefore, saying no to that extra ghee-rich laddoo is just not possible. Gulpit down, how else do you think the gym at the corner of the street will get its next customer.
And then the most popular reason for the rounded asset is BEER! Yes, the fabled and legendary beer belly. With a good number of drinkers and imbibers in the subcontinent, how could the Indian male save himself from the curse of the pot-belly, it's the good times after all. Grab a pitcher over the weekend with the boys, and it (the belly) is bound to associate itself with the drinker. You drink-I stay, seems to be the motto here!
But no matter how hard you criticise the pot-belly, it is an integral part of the male fraternity. Dads, uncles, grandpas, have all been the epitome of bellydom for ages, and the rich tradition continues. Mota bhai, mota seth, Anna are just a few names we have become accustomed to. I have one too, but I don't want it to drag me down, if you know what I mean!
Waleed Hussain is Chief Sub Editor with MiD DAY
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