Indian men end affair with beards, moustaches

The extravagant beards and moustaches proudly sported by generations of Indian men are under threat, according to a new book that celebrates the country's finest facial hair.

As India rapidly modernises, clean chins are becoming the rule among young people, said the book's author, Richard McCallum, who spent months on the road documenting the bushiest bristles he could find before they disappear forever.

With photographer Chris Stowers, McCallum scoured markets, festivals and villages to gather specimens now collected in their book Hair India - A Guide to the Bizarre Beards and Magnificent Moustaches of Hindustan.