Keonjhar: They say that a properly maintained moustache determines the character of a man. Well that may be the case with Purnachandra Mohanta. He was one of those many who felt proud of their moustaches after seeing megastar Amitabh Bachchan praise Mukri’s ‘imperial’ moustache in the Hindi movie Sharabi. The iconic dialogue ‘Mooche Ho Toh Nathulal Jaise Ho Warna Na Ho’ still remains a trendy statement across all generations.
In recent times, Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s ‘gun slinger’ moustache has been the hot topic of discussion. Sources, however, said that the pilot has recently got rid of it to sport a new variety.
Purnachandra, a resident of Koda Khaman village under Patna block, has a special liking for his moustache. He has been nurturing it for long with utmost care for a long time. “I had then just joined a security in-charge at ‘Bilati Odisha’, a sub-division of the Odisha Sponge Iron Limited. At that time, a kind of desire grew in me to grow and keep a moustache,” informed Purnachandra.
Amongst Hindus when there is a death in the family one of the rituals is to shave of the hair, beard and moustache. There have been deaths in Purnachandra’s family, but he has never allowed his moustache to be shaved.
“I regularly apply ghee to my moustache because it helps to keep it soft,” boasts Purnachandra. “I regularly trim it myself. Had I not done so, it would have grown below my chest. My moustache is the symbol of my masculinity,” stated Purnachandra.
Some locals have nicknamed him ‘Raavan’ for his one-foot long moustache. But Purnachandra is not bothered. He informed that many of his friends in the police department are envious of his moustache.
Currently Purnachandra is leading a retired life growing paddy and taking care of his mango orchard. His family comprises three members- his wife, engineer son and married off daughter.
“I will maintain my moustache as long as I live. When I leave this world, it will go with me,” Purnachandra signed off.
PNN