In a world where physical appearance often dictates self-worth, a group of bald men in the UAE are standing up against body shaming. These individuals have faced rejections across various aspects of their lives-from marriage proposals to taunts from loved ones. Now, they are finding strength and solidarity through their membership in Motta Global, a support network based in Kerala, India, with about 1,050 members across 26 countries, including more than 120 in the UAE.
The term ‘Motta’ is a literal Malayalam translation of ‘egg’ and is colloquially used in Kerala to describe someone with a shaved head, though it doesn’t necessarily mean baldness. Motta Global provides a platform for like-minded people to interact, share their concerns, and tackle these issues positively. Shilin Chandran, a Sharjah resident and one of the founding members, recounted his struggles with self-esteem, particularly in the context of marriage and family expectations.
Motta Global was founded by Sajeesh Kuttennellur, a stand-up comedian from Kerala, in August 2024. The organization started with a small group of bald men in Kerala’s Thrissur district and has since become a global movement. The group focuses on self-acceptance as a strength and encourages members to be who they are, defying societal beauty standards.
It goes to the length of shaving all the hair several times a week, and its members proudly portray imperfections to be a valued part of it. The people at Motta Global are for changing a world where everyone appreciates being like themselves, shunning body shaming, and promoting confidence, and individuality in each person.
