Shyja, a native of Kuthuparamba in Kannur doesn’t shy away from introducing herself as ‘Meesakkari’ (woman with a moustache). While some people appreciate her for flaunting her moustache with pride some are doubtful whether it is original. Meanwhile, some others would throw up advices and home remedies that could save her from her ‘condition’. But Shyja is unfazed by all such reactions and maintains her moustache with pride. Even when people stare at her in disbelief, Shyja swears she wouldn’t shave off her moustache that has been with her for so long. “Let it stay there below my nose. I have no problem about it; neither do my husband or family members. So, why do you worry about it,” Shyja asks those who are ‘concerned’ about her moustache or make fun of her. Shyja opens up to Onmanorama about how the moustache assumed so much significance in her life.
“I am in love with my moustache. I wouldn’t shave it off even if am offered the most precious thing. Lots of people have made fun of me and stare at me. But, I haven’t removed the moustache just because they have done that. The only reason for it is that I really am fond of my moustache,” explains Shyja.
Shyja says she has faced quite a lot of questioning stares when she went to enroll her daughter in school or whenever she attends a temple festival. But Shyja doesn’t take them seriously.
Recently, Shyja had undergone a hysterectomy and the doctor had playfully asked her whether the moustache should be shaved. However, Shyja said she would hang herself if she doesn’t find the moustache on her face when she wakes up from sedation.
Shyja says she had small hair growth below her nose when she was a teenager. Gradually, the moustache began getting thicker. But, Shyja never felt the urge to shave it off her face. People mockingly call her ‘meesakkari’, but Shyja says it doesn’t affect her at all. “I am proud of my moustache. That is why my Facebook account is called Meesakkari. I even introduced myself as someone who proudly flaunts my moustache,” notes Shyja.
Shyja says she mostly received positive comments while some people mocked her asking whether she was a man and that only a man should wear a moustache. However, Shyja is adamant that the moustache wouldn’t budge no matter whatever people say or think.
Her husband Lakshmanan, whom Shyja lovingly calls Rajettan supports her in her decision to keep the moustache. Shyja says her husband has never spoken negatively about her moustache. Her daughter Avishka, who is a class eight student and her relatives too are used to Shyja’s love for moustache. However, they joke that she was supposed to be born as a man but a slight mix up had happened.
“I just have one thing to say to those who say bad comments about my moustache or advices me that it is not right for a woman to wear a moustache; you just don’t worry about my moustache. Let it sit there. It is not bothering you in any way. This moustache has only given me happiness,” Shyja signs off.
