Pradeep V Kamat
For centuries, shaving has been an integral part of a man’s daily routine. It’s a ritual that requires preoccupation, precision and patience! As a morning ritual, shaving is a vital component of a groomed male which sets tone for the day ahead.
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Shaving is deeply ingrained in masculine culture. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, with each, man learning the techniques and’ tricks of the trade’ from his grandfather and father. !
That reminds me of my childhood days when as a toddler I would stare at my Dad intently by putting my baby chair. Watching his every moment was pure fun.
Like a surgeon he would open the box and with his deft fingers used his ‘instruments’ in skilled manners or so, it looked at that time. He would then move in upwards and downwards strokes till a thick luxurious foam appeared on his face as if out of thin air! And which gave him resemblance of a Santa Claus!!
All children imitate parents. And I was not the exception. My strong desire to possess an own shaving kit with razor was turned down initially. Seeing my appeals falling on deaf ears I had thrown tantrums. It was only after that did Dad take cognizance and miniature (dummy) set was bought.
With boyish pride, I would after working out with lather with mini brush scrape it off with blunted end of the razor and then move fingers across the face imitating Dad!
After wiping face with warm water, after shave lotion given to me was another luxury I was allowed to indulge in.
During school years with mind more mature than toddler mock shaving lost its meaning. Yet Dad’s shaving still fascinated me.
Years passed and one fine day I noticed slow changes on my face. It was becoming rough, turning into a battlefield of pimples and before I could know what was happening a strand of soft hair in tufts erupted here and there like grass appearing immediately after the first monsoon showers.
Suffused with pride I dashed into the market (Blinkit, Swiggy… were non-existent in late 70’s) to buy the ‘latest’ model with twin blades.
My adult morning ritual had begun! At first it was a pleasure to spend maximum time in front of mirror taking every precaution and care, lest the sharp edge of the razor pierce through my flesh. With accompaniment of singing, humming and soft whistles shaving was a delight, a sheer adult experience.
Much water has flown down the Chapora River (my life line) or rather much lather (foam) has flown down my basin since then!
The once shiny so called latest Gillette metallic handle has dulled with time. Though latest disposable blades like MACH3, Fusion 5 Philips electrical razor et el can still be fitted to that metallic handle the previous charm and attraction about this ritual has long been ceased to exist.
Shaving now, has no longer remained as fascinating experience as it was during yesteryears but just hurriedly performed, another morning chore or more correctly a mundane task to be completed mechanically!
