THE ART OF MODERN MATCHMAKING

Three matchmakers, thousands of clients across continents, and the unfiltered truth about what it is like to arrange love — and marriages — in today's day and age.

- By AMAANA SABHARWAL

Matchmaking in India, once upon a time, used to be a pundit-led ritual that took place behind closed living-room doors. Today, it has transformed into something far sleeker. We are talking about NDAs worth crores, databases exclusive as member's clubs, counsellor-level communication skills, and a vocabulary shaped by “alignment,” “common goals,” “values,” and every Gen Z's favourite, “vibe.” When asked why this phenomenon is making a comeback, there is a unanimous answer from every matchmaker. This generation is tired of finding love, they say. “Emotionally unavailable” is practically a personality type, and mystery has evaporated. Even before a date, everyone knows about the other's history, habits, or half-finished situationships — and this is where modern matchmakers step in. From crowded, overconnected circles, they pre-screen and curate matches for people who share the same intention: not a seasonal fling, but something meant to last.

Three sought-after matchmakers, catering to clients both in India and abroad, opened their little black books for us to talk about everything they've learned playing modern-day cupid.

THE NRI MATCHMAKER

In the global South Asian dating scene, there are apps, there are aunties, and then there's Anip Patel, founder of Mohan Matchmaking. With over 10,000 clients worldwide, he's the go-to person high-achieving NRIs call when swiping through apps and casual dating stop working. Anip's approach is unapologetically modern: keep parents out; set realistic expectations; hold privacy sacred.

“If you can't handle a matchmaking meeting without your mom, you're not ready for us,” he says, charging double if they insist!