Lifestyle

Indian Matchmaker Sima Taparia Releases A Book

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Read: Your Perfect Partner Won’t Be Perfect by Sima Taparia

Your Perfect Partner Won’t Be Perfect is Sima Taparia at her most honest, humourous, and no-nonsense. Drawing from decades of matchmaking (and countless “but I want someone exactly like this” conversations), India’s most famous matchmaker reminds us of a hard truth – that perfection doesn’t exist, especially in partners. With wit and real-life anecdotes, Taparia takes on unrealistic checklists, overthinking, and the pressure to find “the one,” offering instead practical advice on what actually makes relationships work. 

Expect observations about modern dating, cultural expectations, and why flexibility matters more than finding someone who ticks every box. (To many, Taparia’s takes on love may be outdated.) 

Watch: Homebound

Homebound is a critically acclaimed 2025 Indian drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, inspired by a 2020 New York Times essay and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. In a significant awards milestone, Homebound was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, placing it among just 15 films from across the globe still in contention ahead of the final nominations –  a major achievement for Indian cinema on the Oscar stage.

The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in a poignant story about two childhood friends from rural northern India striving to pass the national police exam amid caste, class, and religious discrimination during the Covid-19 pandemic. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a nine-minute standing ovation and earned praise for its emotional depth, performances and social commentary. After a successful theatrical run beginning Sept 26, Homebound began streaming on Netflix on Nov 21, making the powerful drama accessible to audiences worldwide. 

Listen: Shararat Dhurandhar

“Shararat” is a high-energy, flirtatious dance track from the blockbuster Bollywood action thriller Dhurandhar, composed by Shashwat Sachdev and sung by Madhubanti Bagchi and Jasmine Sandlas. Released as part of the film’s soundtrack in early December, the song blends bold, catchy beats with playful lyrics that pivot around teasing romance and mischievous attraction, making it a perfect party anthem. 

The music video features vibrant choreography with Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza delivering energetic performances. With its upbeat production and lively vocals, “Shararat” has quickly become popular on social media and music charts, even inspiring dance reels and fan posts online. Its infectious groove complements Dhurandhar’s high-octane world, offering a fun contrast to the film’s intense action sequences while becoming a standout moment in the movie’s musical lineup.

reemad@sph.com.sg

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