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Popular Netflix show, “Indian Matchmaking” is back for a second season, with matchmaker Sima Taparia back at the helm! Season Two is bringing back fan favorites, like Aparna Shewakramani and Nadia Jagessar, but is also welcoming new South Asian singles looking to find love. One such newcomer is Viral Joshi and we had a chance to speak to her about her journey in Indian Matchmaking!
Indian Matchmaking has done it once again with season 2 and this time with a new Why did you decide to apply
All my methods of trying to find someone on my own was fruitless. I was looking for someone who met certain criteria that you can’t just determine from seeing someone across the room (Gujarati-speaking, Hindu, etc.). Given both of these factors, I decided I needed to try something different and a more targeted approach. So I had to call the one and only, Sima aunty.
Growing up in America, I wasn’t exposed to the orthodox arranged marriages seen in India. My only understanding of it was through my parents’ arrangement. They were arranged by my uncle’s on each side, my parents exchanged letters and occasional phone calls, decided it was good to proceed, and met in person for the first time on their wedding day. In today’s era, people met via apps (the app acts as an arranger – you fill out a profile – aka biodata – put in your preferences – aka checklist), match and chat with the person, and meet and go from there. So to me, that isn’t much different to my understanding of an arranged marriage.
I have never held a strong opinion on arranged vs love marriage and believe both can be successful. My parents saw each other in person for the first time on their wedding day and they’re happy together and love each other. I’ve also seen high school and college sweethearts tie the knot only to divorce a few years later. It is up to the couple involved to make the relationship work regardless of marriage classification.
I believe in destiny so to me everything played out the way it was intended. My only goal in this process was to find a true, loving partner and that was a success so no regrets.
Yes! Some big and exciting things happen in Season 3 and I cannot wait to share the deets!
Overall my experience with Sima aunty was good. Like many, I struggled with the 60-70%, and as someone who brought to the table everything I was asking for, it made it more difficult to digest. The advice on camera and off camera is the same. She says “adjust and compromise” as she does on the show but when we get into deep conversation, I realize she’s not saying “compromise and adjust” as in abandoning your desires, I think she intends it as “find a happy medium.” Ex: I don’t go out much and Sima aunty knows this and it was on my checklist. However, she matched me with Aashay.
He’s a social butterfly who thrives in social scenes. As a result, I’m learning to be more social and Aashay is learning the value of quiet time. I’d say this is a part of “compromise and adjust” ie, in my words, ‘happy medium.’ And Aashay and I share core values and those she kept.
