If you are living under a rock and don't know about Netflix's one of the most controversial shows, Indian Matchmaking, then we would suggest you hit the OTT platform right away but after reading this. Ever since the show went on air, it found itself at the receiving end of criticism. From sharing regressive and outdated ideas to the host Sima Taparia talking about caste, colour and class, the show received some severe backlash from the viewers. However, a contestant of Indian Matchmaking named, Vyasar Ganesan spoke about the criticism and shared his side of the story.
While speaking to HuffPost, Vyasar was quoted saying, “There are a lot of critics, too, calling out the show on what I think are very real and very problematic issues like colourism, casteism and other discriminatory practices endemic to matchmaking.” He added, “It’s been interesting and revelatory to reflect on my own participation on that process, and how complicit I am in perpetuating these regressive norms.”
“Women in Indian culture is constantly told they should have to adjust, make changes to seem more appealing to a potential match," he said while also talking about other contestants in the show. He then continued, “I don’t think any woman deserves to be told she has to compromise. It should always be her own decision, what changes she wants to make or not. Besides, men are trash.”
Vyasar agreed that the show doesn’t properly explore orthodox notions as he further said, “To be honest, this is something I’m struggling with. I’m happy to see the show is so successful, but I fear that many Americans and non-Indian people will see this as a simulacrum of Indian society as a whole. Indian society is in the midst of a fairly massive upheaval, across the board.” ALSO READ: Indian Matchmaking: Sima Taparia Snubs Matrimony Sites And Tinder, Says What She Can Do, They Can't
Image source: Instagram/ vyasar.ganesan