Indian Matchmaking: Sima Taparia’s real-life dating advice for millennials and Gen Zers

Aug 24 , 2020

Matchmaker Sima Taparia has become internet famous since the release of the reality series Indian Matchmaking. Photo: Netflix

In an exclusive interview with STYLE, the professional matchmaker at the heart of Netflix’s viral reality TV smash gave us some exclusive advice about finding love in Hong Kong and beyond

Netflix’s viral reality show Indian Matchmaking follows Sima Taparia, a prominent Mumbai matchmaker who pairs ethnic Indians all over the world. The series has attracted a lot of criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, elitism and colourism. On screen, parents and single people are open about wanting someone who is “fair-skinned”, along with other superficial standards such as height and beauty, that collectively reduce romantic unions to deal brokering rather than a path to love and partnership.

However, that hasn’t stopped the world obsessively following the fates of Arpana, Pradhyuman, Vyasar and Akshay to see if they would find love in the end, and audiences were left with a sort of cliffhanger ending. As we eagerly await news of a second season, we caught up with Auntie Sima to see what advice she would give to the single ladies and gents of Hong Kong.

Akshay taking part in a roka, or engagement ceremony, on Indian Matchmaking. Photo: Netflix

Despite the backlash, the show highlights what matchmaking has become in Indian society and sheds light on the lives of the – albeit admittedly affluent – youth of today and also the culture of the diaspora, most notably in the US.

“Personally, I feel like the concept of matchmaking has evolved, and that’s given way to more possibilities,” Taparia said. “Gone are the days when parents find matches and marry their children to suitable partners. Children today also play an active part in the process of matchmaking. Some like the idea of having guided help.”

As the story follows Aparna Shewakramani that certainly seems the case. The Texas lawyer comes across as an ambitious, career-oriented woman that wants to find the right partner that fits into her lifestyle. She was very specific in certain attributes and characteristics, and famously said she lost interest in a date because, “He didn’t know what the Bolivian salt flats were”.

Aparna Shewakramani, a 35-year-old lawyer from Houston, is a stand-out cast member of the reality show Indian Matchmaking. Photo: Netflix

Taparia, more affectionately known in the show as Auntie Sima, agrees. “Today's generation certainly does have a lot more goals and aspirations for their career, but it doesn't mean that they do not want to settle down. Everyone takes their own time.”

What skills does one need to become a professional matchmaker? It’s a lot simpler than you’d think.

Taparia claims that as a child she was always social and extrovert in nature. “During all our family gatherings, my family noticed that I was able to form connections and remember people’s names and faces with ease. This led me to choosing a profession like this. A couple of years back, what started as a hobby turned it into my profession.”