- By Sukanya Saha
- Sat, 22 Apr 2023 10:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indian Matchmaking gained immense popularity since its first season aired in 2020 during the extended lockdown when people had limited entertainment options. Like other dating shows on television and OTT platforms, viewers were drawn to the show. However, what sets it apart is that it focuses solely on arranged marriages, which are prevalent not only in India but also among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The show revolves around Sima Taparia, a renowned matchmaker in the country, who has achieved success as a businesswoman due to her unwavering belief in arranged marriage.
Plot:
Indian Matchmaking season 3 has eight episodes, each with a runtime of around 30 minutes. show is a reality programme focused on dating, where Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia assists clients from both India, the US and the UK search for compatible life partners.
Viewing another season of Indian Matchmaking is akin to attending a family wedding that has that familiar air of awkwardness, where you encounter curious aunties and random uncles, but also a potential for finding romance such as a friend, sibling or distant cousin of the bride or groom. As the show progresses, it consistently emphasises on the fact that arranged marriages are a complex mix of emotions, where cautious optimism prevails.
Spoilers ahead!
During the first and second seasons, Sima Taparia assisted clients in India and America in finding ideal partners or beginning the search process. However, in the third season, Sima expanded her services to London and helps her clients in finding partners that match their predetermined checklist and are someone they can envision settling down with.
At the start of the third season, Sima Aunty immediately offers advice to Priya, a successful and independent Londoner. Sima suggests that Priya should reduce her demands and be willing to compromise, implying that women should always be ready to compromise and have fewer needs, particularly if they are divorced, which is considered a significant disadvantage in 2023!
Priya goes on two dates arranged by Sima but feels no connection with either of the suitors. She decides to go on a third date with Vimal, and it remains to be seen if he will be the right match for her. Bobby, a mathematician from Stratford, struggles to find a suitable match for himself due to his high-energy and talkative personality. Despite having developed friendships with several of his past dates, he fails to find a compatible match.
Vikash, an ER doctor from California, who is approaching 40, desires to settle down. He is known to be picky and has a specific checklist, which leads him to reject a few of the matches provided by Sima.
However, he is drawn to Janaki despite her being a decade younger than him, which makes him feel a bit uncomfortable. Nevertheless, they hit it off, and both look interested in pursuing the relationship.
In Miami, Arti, a Sindhi woman who works in compliance for a cybersecurity firm, is searching for a partner. Although Arti has her own set of preferences, she rejects all the matches suggested by Sima. Arti becomes frustrated with Sima's disregard for her needs, but she ultimately decides to choose her own path.
Sima is next tasked with finding a suitable partner for Rushali, a model and Miss India finalist in New Delhi. However, Rushali has certain non-negotiable restrictions that she cannot compromise on. After extensive discussions with her parents, friends, and life coach about what she wants from herself and a partner, Rushali takes a step back to work on her life goals.
Meanwhile, in the same city, Pavneet, a PR and marketing professional, is considered too old to get married but is eager to find a partner who accepts her as an independent traveller. Sima sets her up with filmmaker Tushar Tyagi, and though they initially encounter some obstacles, they eventually find a way to connect.
Problems with the series:
Sima Taparia, throughout the season, maintains a positive attitude towards her clients, even in cases where they are not matched with suitable partners. Despite her female clients' lack of interest in certain people, Sima Aunty continues to encourage them in pursuing these matches, advising them to overlook physical appearance. She fails to understand that physical attraction plays a significant role in relationships for some people, and it is essential to honour one's personal preferences. Also, a "no" should be respected and accepted.
Sima talks extensively about the importance of compromise in a successful marriage, and how it requires letting go of certain ideals. She also believes that the ideal age for marriage is 30, which is an improvement from her previous view of 24!
Indian Matchmaking is all about promoting arranged marriages as an ideal way of finding a partner. While some people may choose to pursue this path willingly, the show shouldn't pretend that this is the only or the best option.
Final verdict:
The show is frustrating to watch, and it does not portray Indians in a good light. It is disheartening to see that even those living outside India have shallow and offensive criteria when it comes to finding a partner. While the current contestants are more subtle in their hypocrisy than those in season 1, it's still far from being an ideal situation.