Bald and proud: ‘Mottas’ in UAE unite against body shaming

Dubai: 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 endured 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 the Indian state of Kerala - with about 1,050 members across 26 countries, including more than 120 individuals in the UAE - who are celebrating baldness rather than stigmatise it.

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 is a platform for like-minded people to interact, share their concerns, and tackle these issues positively,” said Shilin Chandran, a Sharjah resident and one of the founding members of Motta Global.

Chandran recounted his personal struggles with self-esteem, particularly in the context of marriage and family expectations.

“I was rejected for marriage because I was bald. Three women turned me down,” the 43-year-old said.

At the time, Chandran wore a wig, and there was even an instance where an alliance almost formalised. “I met this lady while wearing a nice wig. She and her family couldn’t tell I was wearing one. The meeting went well, but at the end, I told them that I was bald. I never heard back from them. Many members of our group have shared similar experiences.”

Chandran was devastated by constant taunts from family and friends.

“Forget about friends, my family members used to call me ‘motta’. Initially, I felt bad, but now I take it in stride.”

Eventually, Chandran stopped wearing a wig and found his life partner after an eight-year-long wait.

“I stopped wearing the wig because I wanted my life partner to accept me as I am. Finally, at 36, I found the right partner, and I am happily married,” he said.

Growing movement

Motta Global was founded by Sajeesh Kuttennellur, a stand-up comedian from Kerala. Established in August 2024, it began with a small group of bald men in Kerala’s Thrissur district. “We believe self-acceptance is a strength, not an option. Our message is simple: embrace who you are and let no one define your worth based on appearance. Together, we stand against body shaming to create a world where everyone feels valued just as they are,” said Kuttanellur, who is also president of Motta Global.

Members of the group typically shave their heads several times a week.

UAE chapter

The UAE chapter of Motta Global was established in October 2024, with its first meetup at the Dubai Frame, attended by about 20 members. Since then, it has grown to more than 120 members spread across the emirates, representing a wide range of backgrounds – drivers, electricians, plumbers, technicians, executives, photographers, CEOs, shop owners, entrepreneurs and doctors, among others.

“Many of our members have faced body shaming. Most of them are in their 30s. This group has given them confidence. In a progressive country like the UAE, bald heads are sometimes seen as a fashion statement,” Chandran said.

“We’re growing in strength, but we’re still waiting to welcome our first female member. When that happens, we’ll roll out the red carpet for her.”

Since its inception, the group has supported cancer patients, organised blood donation drives, and promoted Malayalam films like ‘Barroz’, in which actor Mohanlal portrays a bald character. At the Dubai Run 2024, they attracted attention by participating as a group, wearing Motta Global-branded T-shirts.

“The more we come together and speak out, the more we challenge the stigma surrounding baldness. Among other things, we’re planning a desert camping trip. During Ramadan [in March this year], we plan to host an iftar at a labour accommodation,” Chandran said.