I respect everyone’s opinion: Sima Aunty

For Sima Taparia, her reality show, Indian Matchmaking, getting an Emmy nomination after recently completing a year is a cause for double celebration. And no amount of trolling can change that. “Recognition on a global platform is a big deal, given that the show is about arranged marriage, a part of Indian culture,” Taparia tells us, adding, “Aur hum zaroor jeetenge”.

The web show bagging a nomination under the Unstructured Reality Program category was definitely a “joyous” moment for the Mumbai-based matchmaker, fondly called Sima Aunty. However, it left many shocked, with some pointing out its problematic portrayal through a regressive lens. But that doesn’t bother Taparia as she lives by one mantra — love me or hate me, but you can’t ignore me. “I welcome and respect every opinion and reaction. My job was to be real on the show,” says the 57-year-old, adding, “Had I been diplomatic, would the show have been a hit?” She’s certainly loving all the attention — even becoming “Meme aunty” for netizens. “The more the memes, the more the show becomes a hit. Whenever I’m free, I look at the memes — negative and positive. Bahut maza aata hai mujhe,” she quips.

Taparia wraps up by listing out the universal mantra for a happily ever after: “Compromise a little, keep ego aside, give each other love and respect. You may call me orthodox, but I’ll say the same thing today and in the future as well.”

Emmy is a big nomination show is deal, as the about arranged part of marriage, a Indian culture. TAPARIA, SIMA

Matchmaker