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India Today
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Black, White and Gray: The uncomfortable fiction of this highly rated crime series
Imagine this: you're cosied up on your couch, popcorn in hand, ready for your usual true crime binge. You hit play on SonyLIV's latest show 'Black, White and Gray - Love Kills', and ten minutes in, you're convinced you're knee-deep in a Netflix-style crime documentary. There's moody narration, dim lighting, flashback cuts, and lovers with secrets - thicker than a plot twist in any ordinary crime drama. But here's the catch: it's not a documentary. Yes, 'Love Kills' is pure fiction. But it's crafted so realistically, it'll have you googling about its just say the creators of 'Love Kills' knew exactly what they were doing. The show is structured like a true-crime series, each episode presenting a new narrative of love gone dark - think 'Indian Matchmaking' meets 'Crime Patrol' with HBO aesthetics. But, instead of interviews with real people, we get flawless acting and dramatisations so tight, you feel like you're watching newly discovered footage of someone's spiralled real-life relationship, only with an expectation of a 'Based on true events' line to pop in Nagpur 2020, this six-episode binge-worthy series throws you headfirst into the mind of Daniel Gray - a UK-based filmmaker with a serious obsession with unearthing the secrets India has buried. And let's just say, his documentary style is instantly gripping. Like, cancel-all-your-other-plans kind of gripping!advertisement The story kicks off with Gray investigating a jaw-dropping case involving a 26-year-old man accused of killing four people - and not just anyone - the woman he claimed he loved, a police officer, a young boy, and a cab driver. At first glance, 'Black, White and Gray' might look like your typical true crime docu-thriller with the whole 'what happened, who did it, and why' formula. But, hold on to it, because this show flips the script real quick. By the end of episode one, you're not asking 'whodunnit,' you're asking, 'Wait, what did I just watch?'This isn't your standard plot-twist-for-clout type of deal. The story refuses to be neatly packed into good vs evil. It's murky, it's messy, and it thrives in the uncomfortable middle. Truth? Not so black and white - and that's the whole slick dramatised re-enactments, the show almost had me buying into the story as pure fact - and honestly, it did it with more conviction and cinematic flair than most. The documentary filmmaker doesn't just scratch the surface - he goes full detective, interviewing everyone even remotely tied to the case: the lead investigator, grieving families, the girl's best friend, a woman cop, the hired hitman, the eyewitnesses, the accused's parents, and finally, the accused once you feel you're settled with your version of truth, believe everything that is shown, carefully listen to each version of the story, extract your own information from it, and right there you also begin to question the reality of all of it. However, no matter how convincing it gets, it hits you hard when you realise it's a mockumentary (Yes!) rather than a true-crime documentary, making it feel like a personal that, right there, that's where 'Love Kills' separates itself from the crowd. It's not just another crime show - it's a deep dive into obsession, truth, and the very blurry line between storytelling and reality. It says, 'What if we made it all up but made it look TOO real?' And somehow, it's scarier. Because now you're not just fearing real-life creeps, you're scared of how believable fiction can be. It blurs the lines, and in doing so, mirrors how messy and complicated real relationships can feel.'Black, White and Grey - Love Kills' is a mind game. It lures you in with its true-crime coat, then punches you in the gut with emotional depth and masterful storytelling. It's fiction, yes, but it'll haunt you like a cold case you never solved.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
2 Lessons About Marriage From ‘Indian Matchmaking' — By A Psychologist
For many, dating has become harder despite countless apps, leaving many craving real connections — ... More and reconsidering overlooked paths like arranged marriages. As more individuals experience dating burnout and exhaustion from dating apps, many are turning away from the endless swiping in search of something more meaningful. This may be why more and more people are opening up to the idea of their parents and other community members helping them seek lifelong partners. This is where practices like arranged marriages and matchmaking come into play. Arranged marriages are unions where families, matchmakers or community elders play a significant role in selecting a spouse, often based on compatibility in values, background and long-term goals. This system is common in cultures across South Asia, the Middle East and even among some Western communities seeking alternatives to algorithm-driven dating. While traditionally rooted in familial and social ties, contemporary arranged marriages now blend tradition with personal choice — making them more of a curated introduction than an imposed decision. Shows like Netflix's Indian Matchmaking, though controversial, shed some light on how many still find comfort in structured approaches to love — offering valuable insights into what really matters in building a lasting marriage. Here are two key lessons we can take away from matchmaking practices. Many viewers have been critical of Sima Taparia, the matchmaker from Indian Matchmaking, who became notorious for advising compromise in the search for a partner. And while no one should ever settle for someone that's not right for them, her emphasis on practicality over passion points to something many modern daters overlook: the difference between initial spark and long-term sustainability. At its core, matchmaking often prioritizes shared values, long-term goals and emotional compatibility over fleeting attraction. It asks a deeper question: Can you build a life with this person? Not just 'Do you have butterflies right now?' While mainstream Western dating culture often chases the high of instant chemistry, long-term relationship satisfaction hinges more on factors like mutual respect, emotional intelligence and aligned life visions than raw attraction. That's not to say chemistry doesn't matter — but in arranged setups, it's viewed as something that can grow over time, rather than the starting point. Some individuals are content to build love with the person they marry, while others chase the elusive spark with someone they've just met. But in the end, it's often the slow burn — not instant chemistry — that sustains a marriage. Research shows that in successful arranged marriages, love tends to grow over time, largely due to the couple's commitment to each other. This love is often rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect and a willingness to grow together. This commitment often gives couples the resilience to adopt a 'work it out' mindset, learning to resolve conflicts rather than walking away at the first sign of trouble. Researchers suggest that similar approaches — involving patience, loyalty and commitment — could help sustain love in Western marriages, where, according to research trends, it tends to fade over time. In Western cultures, we often glorify the idea of romantic love as a deeply private, individual journey — something that should happen spontaneously, without interference. But matchmaking practices remind us that having the support of family and community can actually enhance a couple's ability to thrive, especially when that involvement is balanced and respectful. In the U.S., many Indian-American couples in arranged marriages report feeling supported, not pressured, by their families. A study published in The Family Journal shows that they enjoy the stability of arranged marriages, but experience fewer family pressures compared to their counterparts in India. For Indians in arranged marriages living in India, those who had more say in choosing their spouse reported higher satisfaction. Interestingly, researchers also found that Indian-American couples tend to form stronger marital bonds when they live away from extended family. Being physically distanced from parental oversight can allow partners to become more interdependent and united in their decision-making — all while still drawing strength from their cultural roots. Such individuals likely experience the benefits of community involvement — such as emotional backing, cultural continuity and guidance. This balance between tradition and autonomy offers an important lesson: strong marriages don't necessarily develop in a vacuum. While too much outside influence can be stifling, completely isolating a couple from community input can be just as risky. Having a circle of trusted people — whether that's family, mentors or cultural community — can provide perspective, emotional reinforcement and even accountability when times get tough. For many U.S. couples, especially those who feel burned out by hyper-individualized dating culture, looking to family or community for support in choosing or sustaining a relationship might feel unfamiliar — but it's not outdated. It's simply another way of rooting love in something larger than just two people. For years, in many traditional arranged marriage set-ups, communities may have prioritized fulfilling societal checklists over individual happiness. Sons and daughters were often married off based on criteria such as financial stability for men and domestic skills like cooking and cleaning for women, leaving little room for personal choice. Many individuals may have preferred to remain happily single rather than enter such unions. Families today are increasingly recognizing that their children's priorities have evolved. Partner selection now involves deeper considerations. Moreover, the success of a marriage often depends on how much autonomy an individual has in choosing their partner. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Psychology shows that people who exercised greater influence in selecting their spouse reported higher levels of intimacy, passion, commitment and overall marital satisfaction. This could stem from the simple truth that when both partners know they chose each other — freely and willingly — it encourages deeper love, commitment and mutual appreciation. In the end, no matter how you meet your spouse, what truly matters is that you both feel empowered in your decision. Is your relationship simply happy, or is it truly thriving? Take this test to find out: Relationship Flourishing Scale
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside 'Indian Matchmaking' Stars Arti Lalwani and Jamal Ahmed's 4-Day Mexican Wedding (Exclusive)
stars Arti Lalwani and Jamal Ahmed got married on March 1 at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico Their four-day nuptials incorporated several Indian traditions, including: Haldi, a turmeric purifying ceremony for the bride and groom; Sangeet, a musical celebration with everyone; and Saptapadi, a seven-step ritual around a sacred fire during vows "We wanted our wedding to feel like a vacation," the bride tells PEOPLE. "We wanted to mash up the two cultures and take every fun part of a Hindu and Muslim wedding and create our own" Indian Matchmaking's Arti Lalwani and Jamal Ahmed have tied the knot! The Netflix stars got married in an "epic," four-day Mexican wedding, with the ceremony taking place at Planet Hollywood Cancun on Saturday, March 1. Sixty guests attended the couple's nuptials, which kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 27, with Haldi and a welcome party in the evening, followed by Sangeet the next day. The celebration concluded with a yacht trip at sunset on Sunday, March 2. "Each event had a theme, but the entire wedding was focused on fun, vibrant and colorful," Lalwani tells PEOPLE. "Most importantly, love conquers all." Notable guests include Indian Matchmaking costars Shekar Jayaraman, Shital Patel, Avi Shingwani and Viral Joshi. Lalwani and Ahmed's romance played out on season 3 of Indian Matchmaking. Their engagement was hopeful to viewers because Muslims and Hindus have historically not married due to political tension between Indians (Hindus) and Pakistanis (Muslims). The couple ensured their wedding combined both cultures. "Being able to marry the man I love in front of our friends and family is a symbol that love conquers all. After the show, we had lots of love but a ton of criticism because we grew up with different religions," Lalwani says. "Showing that we could do everything we wanted from both cultures and religions meant the world to me." "Our love is sacred — through the ups and downs we will not back down and give up," she continues. "We want to be an example for all the Muslim/Hindu couples out there that you can absolutely get to this step one day too." The destination nuptials were the first time the bride and groom's families met in person, as Lalwani's family is based in Georgia while Ahmed's family is from Michigan. "We wanted our wedding to feel like a vacation," Lalwani says. "We wanted to mash up the two cultures and take every fun part of a Hindu and Muslim wedding and create our own." The beach welcome party included the tradition of Haldi, in which turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom's skin to bless them with prosperity and purity. They also had a not-so-traditional game of tug-of-war between the two families. "Spoiler: the rope broke in half," Lalwani jokes. The following night was Sangeet, a party filled with music, dancing and other festivities. To start the wedding day was Baraat, a celebratory wedding procession in which the groom arrives with his friends and family. Many guests held colorful, decorative umbrellas. Although the bride's late father was unable to walk her down the aisle, his picture was pinned to her bouquet and her custom kaleeras (traditional Indian bridal accessories) were dedicated to him and her dog. She also wore a white lehenga and custom veil that read, "Dad, with you in my heart I never walk alone." Related: Food Network Star Kardea Brown Marries Bryon Smith in 'Classic and Clean' Cabo San Lucas Wedding (Exclusive) "My nephews somehow convinced Jamal to take off his shoes before even entering the ceremony location. They then walked down the aisle with each shoe, a Hindu tradition we loved," says Lalwani, who like her fiancé had custom Nike Air Force 1 shoes for the ceremony. Lalwani's nephews wore mini tuxedos and held a sign that read, "Too Late to Run Uncle Jamal. Here She Comes!" The ceremony was officiated by a close friend of the couple, Daniel Vega. "We kept the tradition of the Saptapadi with seven circles around the fire, but we had seven family members read each vow, including my nephews for the vow on children," Lalwani explains. Afterward, guests had a mix of Indian and Italian food for dinner before getting a slice of the two-tier vanilla wedding cake. They also enjoyed performances from the newlyweds and Lalwani's nephews. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Lalwani and Ahmed — who met on a dating app, had their first date at Costco and got engaged on Sept. 12, 2022, at The Deck at Island Gardens in Miami — are most excited for "traveling, a puppy and kids — in that order only." "Every morning I wake up and see a ring on his finger and absolutely cheese because I know he is now mine," Lalwani says. "He is my biggest supporter and every day I find a reason to love him a little more." She continues: "They say that fairy tales are made up for little girls, and it's easy to feel discouraged dating in this day and age. Don't be afraid to love with your whole heart. As Sima Aunty [the Netflix series' matchmaker] said, 'I wanted to be a princess and at the end of the day I married my prince charming.' " Additional Credits: DJ: Elite Entertainment @eliteent Decoration: Gama Group @gamagroup AV: Mills and James @millsjames_weddings Content Creation: The Muse @the_musemx Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist: Claudio Alejandro @itsbyclaudio Kaleera: Bows and Blings by Aayushiak @bowsandblingsaayushiak Veil: Bridal Veils by Laadli @bridalveilsbylaadli Groom's Barber: Jonathan @icutart Read the original article on People
South China Morning Post
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Indian Matchmaking creator on such shows' voyeuristic appeal, and why they feel ‘real'
The story of Muslim Matchmaker began as many modern tales of romance do: with an unsolicited direct message. Advertisement Smriti Mundhra, the executive producer of the Netflix show Indian Matchmaking, has spearheaded another series about the art of matchmaking, this time focusing on the Muslim American community. After pitching the idea to the show's eventual stars, matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, on Instagram several years ago, Mundhra began the long process of developing the series, eventually finding a home for it at ABC News Studios. As the creator of Indian Matchmaking and a one-time client of the series' star, Sima Taparia , Mundhra is intimately acquainted with the world of matchmaking. She was also an executive producer of 2023's Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix before leading the charge on Muslim Matchmaker, which is now streaming on Disney+. Muslim Matchmaker producers Smriti Mundhra (left) and Senain Kheshgi. Photo: TNS Mundhra thinks audiences are interested in shows that highlight religious or ethnic groups because there's 'so much wisdom to gain from seeing how different cultures and different communities approach the idea of matchmaking and marriage'.
Los Angeles Times
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Matchmaking shows are on the rise again. Are they changing real-life dating habits?
The story of 'Muslim Matchmaker' began as many modern tales of romance do: with an unsolicited DM. Smriti Mundhra, the executive producer of the Netflix show 'Indian Matchmaking,' has spearheaded another series about the art of matchmaking, this time focusing on the Muslim American community. After pitching the idea to the show's eventual stars, matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, on Instagram several years ago, Mundhra began the long process of developing the series, eventually finding a home for it at ABC News Studios. As the creator of 'Indian Matchmaking' and a onetime client of the series' star, Sima Taparia, Mundhra is intimately acquainted with the world of matchmaking. She also served as an executive producer of 2023's 'Jewish Matchmaking' on Netflix before leading the charge on 'Muslim Matchmaker,' which is now streaming on Hulu. Mundhra said she thinks audiences are interested in shows that highlight religious or ethnic groups because there's 'so much wisdom to gain from seeing how different cultures and different communities approach the idea of matchmaking and marriage.' Although she is not Muslim, Mundhra said she learned many lessons from Islam while working on the show that have stuck with her. 'Seeing how much the matchmaking process and, more broadly speaking, the search for a life partner, reveals things about oneself, it was fascinating. It became such great fodder and such a great engine for a series,' Mundhra told The Times. 'And it continues to fascinate.' Mundhra received two Emmy noms for her work on 'Indian Matchmaking' (Season 3 aired in 2023) and has been nominated for two Oscars for directing documentary shorts — including this year for 'I Am Ready, Warden.' Much like the practice of matchmaking, though, these shows are not new. Two Pattis — Novak and Stanger — pioneered the matchmaker series through their respective unscripted reality series in the late aughts. Novak starred in the short-lived 'Confessions of a Matchmaker' in 2007 and Stanger was 'The Millionaire Matchmaker' beginning in 2008 and running for eight seasons. Select seasons of 'The Millionaire Matchmaker' are now streaming on Netflix and in April 2024, Stanger appeared in a new series, 'Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker,' on the CW. She told The Times that she'd gladly return to television, ideally to make 'The Millionaire Matchmaker 2.0.' 'That's my fantasy,' she said. The reason for these series' enduring appeal is simple, Mundhra said. 'There's just an incredibly captivating, voyeuristic quality to these shows,' she said. 'It never ceases to amaze me how people will just captivatedly watch two people on an awkward date.' In the crowded market of reality dating series, matchmaking shows also take a step further than what Adam Cohen-Aslatei, the chief executive of matchmaking company Three Day Rule, calls 'abs on the beach shows.' 'It's a higher-caliber show. It's a higher-intent kind of a show. People are paying a lot of money for it, so there's more at risk, if you will,' Cohen-Aslatei added. 'These shows tend to be real. It feels like real people having real challenges that we all have.' Cohen-Aslatei said the shows also tend to dive into deeper themes about relationships and dating that can essentially teach viewers how to approach their own dating lives in a more productive way, Cohen-Aslatei said. 'We're not born to know how to date,' he added. Cohen-Aslatei said his company is trying to get in on the success of these series. It's developing a program that he describes as ''Queer Eye' meets 'Selling Sunset'' that will follow some of Three Day Rule's matchmakers. For many viewers and fans of these series, when they shut their TVs off, the reality of the dating world is rather bleak. Stanger, who still works as a professional matchmaker, described the dating pool on most apps as 'loser city.' 'Getting on the apps is exhausting,' she said. 'It's like you're in an arena trying to find love and you're going through 50 million unqualified people 'til you find one that's good, and then 50 other people are vying for that person.' Some dating apps are evolving to respond to swiping burnout. Lox Club, which describes itself as a 'members club for Jew-ish people with ridiculously high standards,' already has a vetted membership, but it joined the matchmaking space in May 2024 by launching its own service. The waitlist now has more than 10,000 people. 'We ask everyone, 'Have you done a matchmaking service in the past?' And most people say no. They're willing to entertain ours because we have this extensive Jewish community that we've built,' said Sam Karshenboym, Lox Club's chief operating officer. 'They're looking for a Jewish partner and they're excited about our team's expertise in finding them a curated match.' Stanger and Cohen-Aslatei each said they've seen an increase in the number of singles seeking their services in the last five years. Stanger said that since the COVID-19 pandemic, she has noticed a shift in more women turning to matchmaking services, which used to be solicited primarily by men. She added that her business is 'on fire' right now, with Valentine's Day and the optimism of a new year inspiring more people to prioritize self-improvement and purposeful partnerships. Cohen-Aslatei said their clientele also skews 'much younger than it has in the past 10 years' and is becoming more diverse in terms of ethnicity, religion and sexuality. 'In the past, it's been a rich, white person kind of a service and that's just not the case [now],' he said. 'You can identify however you want and matchmaking is for you.' The services are expensive — Stanger's packages for her Millionaire's Club matchmaking service start at $50,000, and Three Day Rule's rates start at $5,900. Three Day Rule recently announced a yearlong package for $1 million that includes 'concierge-level date planning' and a 3-carat diamond engagement ring, among other perks. Both services, and several others, offer the option to use their database for free for those not ready to drop a couple thousand dollars. But Cohen-Aslatei said some dating app-fatigued singles are willing to foot the bill for a more personalized approach that might lead to success. 'This generation is willing to invest in love earlier on than past generations would have done, which is very cool to me because that means that their chances for success increase exponentially,' he said. Whether or not this shift in the matchmaking industry is correlated to the popularity of Mundhra's shows, she said she's thrilled to see more people diving into the world of matchmaking. 'I'll take credit for it!' she joked. 'Everybody can relate to the need and the desire and the yearning for a life partner with substance and wanting to get away from the disposability of swipe culture and dating app culture. I think that's so universal,' Mundhra said. 'So whether you're watching Indian, Jewish, Muslim, fill-in-the-blank 'Matchmaker,' we all kind of connect with that yearning.'
