Indian Matchmaking
{{short description|2020 Indian reality television show}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox television
| alt_name =
| genre = Reality television
| image = Indian Matchmaking logo.png
| caption =
| creator = Smriti Mundhra
| based_on =
| director =
| writer =
| presenter = Sima Taparia
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme =
| endtheme =
| composer =
| country = {{Plainlist|
- India
- United Kingdom
- United States
}}
| language = {{Plainlist|
- English
- Hindi
}}
| num_seasons = 3
| num_episodes = 24
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Eli Holzman
- Aaron Saidman
- Smriti Mundhra
- J.C. Begley
}}
| producer =
| cinematography =
| editor =
| camera =
| runtime = 26–42 minutes
| company = The Intellectual Property Corporation
| network = Netflix
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|7|16}}
| last_aired = present
| related =
}}
Indian Matchmaking is a 2020 Indian reality television series produced by Smriti Mundhra that premiered on Netflix on 16 July 2020.{{cite web |last1=Ramadurai |first1=Charukesi |title=Indian Matchmaking: The reality show that's divided viewers |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200806-indian-matchmaking-the-reality-show-that-s-divided-viewers |website=BBC |date=10 August 2020 |access-date=23 February 2021}}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/indian-matchmaking-netflix-review/ |title=Prepare to fall in love with Indian Matchmaking: Review |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |accessdate=2020-07-16 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/indian-matchmaking-review-1302712|title='Indian Matchmaking': TV Review|author=Kang, Inkoo|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=10 July 2020}} In August 2021, Netflix renewed the series for a second season.{{cite web|title='The Circle', 'Indian Matchmaking' & 'The American Barbecue Showdown' Renewed At Netflix|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-circle-indian-matchmaking-the-american-barbecue-showdown-renewed-netflix-1234811267/ |website=Deadline Hollywood|last=White|first=Peter|date=9 August 2021}} In March 2022, Netflix renewed the series for a third season,{{cite web|last=Sisavat |first=Monica|title="Indian Matchmaking" Renewed For Season 3|url=https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/indian-matchmaking-season-3-48765209|work=PopSugar|date=24 March 2022}} which premiered in April 2023.{{cite news |last1=Deggans |first1=Eric |title='It's about time': How 'Indian Matchmaking' found love - and success - on Netflix |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/04/21/1170981913/indian-matchmaking-season-3 |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=NPR |date=21 April 2023}}
Cast
- Sima Taparia, a marriage consultant from Mumbai who uses preferences from the people, their parents, and her years of matchmaking experience.{{cite web|url=https://www.thecinemaholic.com/what-is-the-cost-of-hiring-sima-taparia/|title=What Is the Cost of Hiring Sima Taparia?|author=Mehrotra, Kriti|date=17 July 2020|website=TheCinemaholic}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/indian-matchmaking-everything-we-know-matchmaker-sima-taparia/|title=Indian Matchmaking: Everything we Know About Matchmaker Sima Taparia|author=Hill, Kennedy|date=5 July 2020|website=Screen Rant}} She previously appeared on Mundhra's A Suitable Girl.{{cite web|url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a33298674/sima-taparia-indian-matchmaking-netflix/|title=Here's What We Know About Sima Taparia, the Matchmaker on Netflix's Indian Matchmaking|author=Freedman, Adrianna|date=13 July 2020|website=Men's Health}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-07-17/indian-matchmaking-netflix-explained|title=Inside Netflix's eye-opening look at arranged marriage, your next reality TV obsession|date=17 July 2020|author=Villarreal, Yvonne|website=The Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news|url=https://www.realitytitbit.com/netflix-reality-shows/sima-taparia|title=Who is Sima Taparia? Husband, career and Indian Matchmaking explored|date=16 July 2020|author=Edwards, Eve|website=Reality Titbit}}{{cite web|url=https://www.distractify.com/p/sima-taparia-indian-matchmaking|title=Families Around the World Seek out the Services of Indian Matchmaker Sima Taparia|author=Raga, Pippa|website=Distractify|date=17 July 2020}}
| class="wikitable" |
| rowspan="2" | Name
! rowspan="2" | Age ! rowspan="2" | Job ! rowspan="2" | City ! colspan="3" | Seasons |
|---|
| scope="col" | 1
! scope="col" | 2 ! scope="col" | 3 |
| Aparna Shewakramani
| 34 | attorney and general counsel | Houston | colspan="2" {{CMain}} | colspan="1" {{CEmpty}} |
| Pradhyuman Maloo (sometimes referred as Pradhyumn) | 30 | jeweler | Mumbai | colspan="2" {{CMain}} | colspan="1" {{CEmpty}} |
| Nadia Christina Jagessar
| 33 | event planner who runs her own company, Euphoria Events, and works as a marketer for Givaudan | colspan="2" {{CMain}} | colspan="1" {{CEmpty}} |
| Vyasar Ganesan
| 30 | teacher, college counsellor, and writer | Austin | colspan="1" {{CMain}} | colspan="2" {{CEmpty}} |
| Akshay Jakhete
| 36 | businessman | Mumbai | colspan="1" {{CMain}} | colspan="2" {{CEmpty}} |
| Ankita Bansal
| 30 | businesswoman in garment e-commerce | Delhi | colspan="1" {{CMain}} | colspan="2" {{CEmpty}} |
| Rupam Kaur
| | | Denver | colspan="1" {{CMain}} | colspan="2" {{CEmpty}} |
= Supporting cast =
- Shekar Jayaraman, a 34-year old Chicago attorney and entrepreneur.{{Cite web|last=Swartz|first=Tracy|title=Chicago lawyer talks life after Netflix's 'Indian Matchmaking'|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-ent-netflix-indian-matchmaking-shekar-jayaraman-20200724-jps24acqlnh7vpaa4mfcdrijmm-story.html|access-date=2020-11-20|website=chicagotribune.com|date=24 July 2020 }}{{Cite web|date=16 August 2020|title=Chicagoan Shekar Jayaraman talks about his experience on new Netflix show 'Indian Matchmaking'|url=https://abc7chicago.com/6372917/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title='Indian Matchmaking' star Nadia reveals if she is still together with Shekar|url=https://www.newsweek.com/indian-matchmaking-netflix-nadia-shekar-still-together-shekar-jayaraman-nadia-jagessar-1519298|access-date=2020-11-20|website=Newsweek|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2016-04-19|title=About Shekar Jayaraman, Esq., LL.M - Principal Attorney|url=https://www.jayaramanlaw.com/shekar-jayaraman/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=Jayaraman Law|language=en-US}}{{Cite book|last1=Harris|first1=B.|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781526406026|title=Chicago Sun-Times: When Truth-Tellers Lie|last2=Ogilvy|first2=A.|last3=O’Rourke|first3=James S.|date=2005|publisher=The Eugene D. Fanning Center for Business Communication, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame|isbn=978-1-5264-0602-6|location=London|doi=10.4135/9781526406026}}
- Jay Wadhwani, a 35-year old entrepreneur and product manager from Atlanta.{{cite web|url=https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a33274930/netflix-indian-matchmaking/|title=Netflix's 'Indian Matchmaking' Is Your New Favorite Dating Show|author=Rodriguez, Bianca|date=16 July 2020|website=Marie Claire}}{{cite web|author=Karra, Sushma|date=15 July 2020|title='Indian Matchmaking': 'Negative' Aparna doesn't like comedy, will she be able to find her perfect match?|url=https://meaww.com/indian-matchmaking-netflix-sima-taparia-searches-match-aparna-shewakramani-negative-marry|website=Meaww}}{{cite web|author=Mehrotra, Kriti|date=16 July 2020|title=Are Aparna and Jay From Indian Matchmaking Still Together?|url=https://www.thecinemaholic.com/aparna-and-jay/|website=TheCinemaholic}}
- Rashi Gupta, a 27-year old small & exotic animal veterinarian from Los Angeles.
Release
Indian Matchmaking first aired on 16 July 2020, on Netflix.
Episodes
{{Series overview
| caption = Series overview
| color1 = #800000
| link1 = #Season 1 (2020)
| episodes1 = 8
| released1 = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
| color2 = #A52A2A
| link2 = #Season 2 (2022)
| episodes2 = 8
| released2 = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| color3 = #C58F10
| link3 = #Season 3 (2023)
| episodes3 = 8
| released3 = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
}}
=Season 1 (2020)=
{{Episode table |background=#800000 |overall= |season= |title=|airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Slim, Trim and Educated
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Sima meets three unlucky-in-love clients: a stubborn Houston lawyer, a picky Mumbai bachelor and a misunderstood Morris Plains, N.J., event planner.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Just Find Me Someone!
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Nadia's and Aparna’s dates have mixed results. Friends and family get honest with Pradhyuman. Sima consults a face reader for clarity on her clients.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = I’m Trying My Best!
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = A setback with Vinay temporarily discourages Nadia. Sima offers two more prospects to Aparna. Feeling the pressure, Pradhyuman finally goes on a date.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = I Want to See You Again
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Nadia has a promising date. Pradhyuman sees a life coach. Sima sends Aparna to an astrologer and seeks a cultural match for guidance counselor Vyasar.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Take the Elephant out of the Room
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = A date with a model uplifts Pradhyuman. As Aparna’s luck seems to turn, Vyasar hits a snag. Akshay’s mother insists that he marry within the year.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = It’s High Time
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Vyasar and Rashi instantly bond. As Akshay rejects over 70 matches, Preeti gives him an ultimatum. Progressive Ankita looks for an equal partnership.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = Marriages Are Breaking like Biscuits
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Sima faces a challenge with single mother Rupam. A discovery about her match bothers Ankita. Vyasar frets over revealing his father’s past to Rashi.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Adjustment and Compromise
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|07|16}}
|ShortSummary = Akshay makes a decision while a new path emerges for Rupam. Ankita has an empowering realization. As her clients move on, Sima’s work never stops.
|LineColor = 800000
}}
}}
=Season 2 (2022)=
{{Episode table |background=#A52A2A |overall= |season= |title= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = I've Dated Lots of Chicks
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = Sima meets Akshay, a bachelor whose small-town location has hindered his search for love. Meanwhile, some of her past clients return with new hopes.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Be a Boss, Marry a Boss, Build an Empire
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = Sima urges Akshay to change his thinking, and worries about Nadia and Vishal's differences. New client Viral shares her criteria for an ideal mate.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = Ovo-lacto-semi-vegetarian
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = Viral and Aparna each go on first dates. Concerned that his past might hamper his future, Akshay takes action. Nadia faces a surprise in California.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = I Love You Like a Friend
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = An old client returns — and he's not alone! Sima meets soft-spoken cardiologist Arshneel. Viral seeks a physical attraction. Aparna reflects on Daman.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = The Looks of Clint Eastwood
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = A date leaves Arshneel apprehensive. Aparna reaches a conclusion about her needs. Sima and new client Shital debate compromise versus settling.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 14
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Very Chulbuli
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = Despite a rocky date, Viral may be smitten. Arshneel and Rinkle get off to a promising start. A charming but chatty prospect gives Shital pause.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 15
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = All The Bases Covered
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = After a few flat dates, Shital worries about self-sabotage. Chemistry also proves elusive for Vinesh, Sima's new client, as he meets a potential match.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 16
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = I Feel Like He's The One
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|8|10}}
| ShortSummary = Opening up to Aashay, Viral notices her softer side emerging. Still struggling to find a connection, Vinesh finally considers changing his own mindset.
| LineColor = A52A2A
}}
}}
=Season 3 (2023)=
{{Episode table |background=#C58F10 |overall= |season= |title= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 17
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Husband-in-Waiting
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = In London, Priya hopes for a new start and teacher Bobby wants out of the friend zone. In New Delhi, a client returns. A happy couple ponders next steps.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 18
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Take the Bobby
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = Sima meets with founders of South Asian dating apps. Bobby and Priya take a salsa class. Rushali worries a spouse will separate her from her parents.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 19
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = An ABCD
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = Viral meets Aashay's parents. Rushali enjoys a first date — until it hits a snag. In California, Sima urges ER doctor Vikash to rethink his criteria.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 20
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = A Top Knot Appreciator
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = Vikash struggles to let go of his checklist. A new prospect has Priya cautiously optimistic. A life coach helps Rushali open up.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 21
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = Is Costco a Hobby?
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = As Priya considers rejecting an effusive suitor, Sima pushes back. Arti seeks a match with ambition and an edge. A familiar face returns with a new glow.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 22
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Wills and Whims and Fancies
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = The future looks bright for Shital and Priya. Arti begins to question Sima's outlook. Vikash and a date hit it off — but they have one big difference.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 23
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Daddy's Little Tall Girl
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = Finding a match for marketing professional Pavneet may be a tall order. Through a dating app, Arti finds the spark she's seeking — but Sima is skeptical.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 24
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Marry Me
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2023|4|21}}
| ShortSummary = Pavneet seeks clarity when a suitor is slow to follow up. Arti is in for a surprise. As for Sima? She remains in demand as ever.
| LineColor = C58F10
}}
}}
Production
= Development =
Series director Smriti Mundhra pitched the idea of the show to a TV producer in 2009/2010, but the show was rejected for "essentially not being white enough."{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a33346971/netflix-series-indian-matchmaking-rejected-not-white-enough/|title=Indian Matchmaking creator says show was rejected 10 years ago for not being white enough|date=17 June 2020|author=Houghton, Rianne|website=Digital Spy}} She pitched the show to Netflix by showing Taparia, who "were super excited about it."{{cite web|url=https://themuse.jezebel.com/director-smriti-mundhra-on-new-dating-show-and-the-busi-1844402220|title=Director Smriti Mundhra On New Dating Show and the Business of Indian Matchmaking|author=Gupta, Prachi|date=16 June 2020|website=Jezebel}} She had met Taparia three years before Indian Matchmaking premiered on Netflix, when she documented the lives of other three women going through the Indian marriage process in the 2017 documentary, A Suitable Girl.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-27|title=Before 'Indian Matchmaking', this Netflix docu chronicled lives of 3 unmarried women|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/indian-matchmaking-netflix-docu-chronicled-lives-3-unmarried-women-129513|access-date=2020-09-30|website=The News Minute|language=en}} Taparia's daughter was one of the young women featured.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
= Casting =
Critical reception
The show received mixed reviews between critics and social media users.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/netflixs-indian-matchmaking-twitter-review-some-netizens-love-it-while-others-deem-it-wrong-many-levels-550023|title=Netflix's Indian Matchmaking Twitter Review: Some netizens love it while others deem it 'wrong' on many levels|date=17 July 2020|website=Pinkvilla|access-date=18 July 2020|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718041032/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/netflixs-indian-matchmaking-twitter-review-some-netizens-love-it-while-others-deem-it-wrong-many-levels-550023|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://popculture.com/streaming/news/netflix-series-indian-matchmaking-sparks-mixed-reaction-viewers/|title=Netflix Series 'Indian Matchmaking' Sparks Mixed Reaction From Viewers|author=Andrew, Stephen|date=17 June 2020|website=PopCulture}}{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/netflix-indian-matchmaking-gets-mixed-reviews-6511939/|title=Ugly truth or promoting colourism': Netflix's Indian Matchmaking gets mixed reviews|date=18 July 2020|website=The Indian Express}} Inkoo Kang of The Hollywood Reporter called the show "insightful, humorous and heartwarming," praising how it showcases the preoccupation with height and caste, as well as Taparia's matchmaking tactics. Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly gave the show a B+, stating that the show as presented in a "glossy, cosmopolitan drama, without a hint of 'look at these crazy foreigners and their kooky customs!' condescension."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/indian-matchmaking-netflix-review/|title=Prepare to fall in love with Indian Matchmaking: Review|author=Baldwin, Kristen|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=15 July 2020}} Joel Keller of Decider called people to stream it, saying that it "brings thousands of years of tradition into the mix, and there’s a much better chance that the matches that are made at the end of the season will last."{{cite web|url=https://decider.com/2020/07/16/indian-matchmaking-netflix-stream-it-or-skip-it/|title=Stream It Or Skip It: 'Indian Matchmaking' On Netflix, Where Mumbai's Leading Matchmaker Matches Singles In India And The U.S.|author=Keller, Joel|date=16 July 2020|website= Decider}} Archi Sengupta of Techquila rated the show 4 stars out of 5, calling it "sweet and entertaining."{{cite web|url=https://www.techquila.co.in/netflix-indian-matchmaking-review/|title=Netflix's Indian Matchmaking Review: Sweet and Entertaining|author=Sengupta, Archi|date=16 July 2020|website=Techquila|access-date=18 July 2020|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719140933/https://www.techquila.co.in/netflix-indian-matchmaking-review/|url-status=dead}} {{rating|4|5}}
= Reinforcing religion and caste segregation=
Though the show is called Indian Matchmaking, it portrays no couples who identify as Muslim, Christian, or Dalit— communities that represent close to 40 percent of India's population.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/08/netflix-indian-matchmaking-and-the-shadow-of-caste/614863/ |title=Indian Matchmaking Exposes the Easy Acceptance of Caste|author=Dutt, Yashica|date=1 August 2020|website=The Atlantic}}{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/indian-matchmaking-netflix-review-6512461/|title=Indian Matchmaking review: Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match|author=Gupta, Shubhra|date=18 July 2020|website=The Indian Express}} The show has also been criticised for normalizing caste based discrimination such as when matchmaker Taparia declares "In India, we have to see the caste, we have to see the height..." which Yashica Dutt of The Atlantic describes as "lump[ing] an entire social system, which assigns people to a fixed place in a hierarchy from birth, together with anodyne physical preferences." Per Dutt, in the show, caste preference is coded into harmless phrases such as "similar backgrounds," "shared communities," and "respectable families," and "the show does exactly what many upper-caste Indian families tend to do when discussing this fraught subject: It makes caste invisible." The show was also said to further endorse and promote gender stereotypes.{{Cite web|title=Netflix's 'Indian Matchmaking' Is The Talk Of India — And Not In A Good Way|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/07/26/895008997/netflixs-indian-matchmaking-is-the-talk-of-india-and-not-in-a-good-way|access-date=2020-09-30|website=NPR.org|language=en}}
In addition to showing "classist" and "casteist" stereotypes, the show was criticised for whitewashing the idea of arranged marriages.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/indian-matchmaking-netflix-arranged-marriages-backlash-a9625911.html|title=Netflix's Indian Matchmaking condemned for being a 'cesspool of casteism, colourism, sexism and classism'|author=Harrison, Ellie|date=17 June 2020|website=The Independent}}{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/i-am-mortified-twitter-opens-fire-on-indian-matchmaking-netflixs-reality-show-on-arranged-marriage|title='I am mortified': Twitter opens fire on 'Indian Matchmaking' - Netflix's reality show on arranged marriage|date=18 July 2020|website=The Free Press Journal}} Kennith Rosario of The Hindu labeled the show as "The big fat desi stereotype," saying that the characters "believe in some of the most atavistic ideals of marriage, and the show, in its glossy demeanour, endorses it."{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/indian-matchmaking-review-the-big-fat-desi-wedding-stereotype/article32113629.ece|title='Indian Matchmaking' Review: The big fat desi wedding stereotype|website=The Hindu|author=Rosario, Kennith|date=17 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/critics-indian-matchmaking/|title=What Critics Are Saying About Indian Matchmaking|author=Padwal, Saylee|website=Screen Rant|date=17 July 2020}} Sushri Sahu of Mashable gave the show a 2/5 on the Mash Meter, criticizing how the show is "problematic and cheesy in equal parts."{{cite web|url=https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/15667/indian-matchmaking-review-if-love-is-blind-had-a-brown-cheesy-and-problematic-cousin|title='Indian Matchmaking' Review: If 'Love Is Blind' Had A Brown, Cheesy And Problematic Cousin|author=Sahu, Sushri|website=Mashable|date=17 July 2020 }} In response to the criticisms, Smriti Mundhra stated that she hoped that "it will spark a lot of conversations that all of us need to be having in the South Asian community with our families – that it’ll be a jumping-off point for reflections about the things that we prioritize, and the things that we internalize.”{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/indian-matchmaking-creator-show-colorism-fair-skinned/|title=Indian Matchmaking's Creator Welcomes Conversations About Colorism|author=Padwal, Saylee|date=July 18, 2020|website=Screen Rant}}{{cite web|url=https://decider.com/2020/07/16/smriti-mundhra-indian-matchmaking-interview/|title='Indian Matchmaking' Creator Smriti Mundhra Puts A Spotlight On The Marriage Industrial Complex of the South Asian Diaspora|author=Menon, Radhika|date=July 16, 2020|website= Decider}} Ravi Guru Singh, a cast member who wrote a personal piece for the Huffington Post about his appearance on episode 2 of the show, criticized the producers for misrepresenting his appearance and failing to "discuss and explore casteism, homophobia and ethnocentrism."{{Cite web|first=Ravi|last=Guru Singh|date=2020-10-01|title=I Was On Netflix's 'Indian Matchmaking.' Here's What You Didn't See On The Show.|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/netflix-indian-matchmaking-nadia-ravi-guru_n_5f734eb6c5b6e99dc333001f|access-date=2021-07-13|website=HuffPost|language=en}}
The Los Angeles Times followed up with the couples appearing on the show and reported that they are not together anymore.{{Cite web|first=Ashley|last=Lee|date=2020-07-18|title=Netflix's 'Indian Matchmaking' hints at happily ever after. Did the couples last?|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-07-18/netflixs-indian-matchmaking-hints-at-happily-ever-after-did-the-couples-last|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Netflix title}}
- {{IMDb title|12580168}}
- {{rotten-tomatoes|tv/indian_matchmaking}}
{{Netflix original current series}}
Category:Indian English-language television shows
Category:Netflix original programming
Category:Hindi-language television shows
Category:2020 Indian television series debuts
Category:Indian dating and relationship reality television series