“Sima Taparia from Mumbai” has become a household name as of late. The new Netflix show Indian Matchmaking has quickly become one of the most watched reality show and dating show across the world. But is it worth watching?

Fans of the show argue that it is one of the most entertaining and intriguing shows to have come out during the quarantine. And let’s be honest, they’re not wrong. It’s an entertaining ride through and through! From Aparna’s “major mood” moments to Nadia’s infectious smile, it really does consume you whole. 

But from a more critical point of view, Indian Matchmaking poses to be a show that satirises the notion of marriage in India, but fails terribly. The “oh look how ridiculous it is” vibe that the show tries to create is mostly dismissed as a joke. 

People find it funny that Akshay—one of the candidates on the show—says he doesn’t know how to handle kids or that he wants to “see his mother in his wife.”
But it is in fact the cold, hard truth of the arrange marriage culture in India.

A truly toxic culture that thrives on classism (referred to as “same wavelength” in the show), colourism, and appearances.

A well-accomplishment woman like Ankita will not find a groom easily because she’s overweight, or  divorced women who are “not even taken on as clients” by most matchmakers show the deep-rooted stigma, and controlling nature of Indian society at large.

While these women continue to struggle, men like Pradhyuman go on to reject 150+ biodata because nothing was suitable enough for them.

Even in foreign settings, the construct of arranged marriage is patriarchal. It favours men and even dismisses racism. Nadia will be a “difficult” client because she is Guyanese and Aparna is an accomplished lawyer which means she must compromise because “people are afraid when women are lawyers.”

Netflix makes plenty of mistakes when it comes to highlighting these issues with the seriousness they deserve. I won’t say that people should refrain from watching this show. But it is highly advisable that you maintain caution and try not to be all consumed by its unending entertainment. Watch to learn. The facts are right there. Even it they’re not pointed out to you right away, try to find them for yourself.