Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and Shark Tank India judge, has ignited a heated debate with a video posted on Instagram. Mittal spoke about an exclusive ‘feature’ on Shaadi.com called DowrAI, touted as India’s first dowry calculator, which ‘determines’ a person’s worth in today’s marriage market. However, the sarcasm was not clear enough for several social media to comprehend.
In his post, Mittal referenced a famous Bollywood dialogue, “Ek chutki sindoor ki keemat ab tum bhi jaano Ramesh babu.” He explained in the video that while dowry calculations used to be straightforward, modern considerations now include factors like income, SIPs, mobile phone brands, and honeymoon destinations such as the Maldives or Lakshadweep.
Watch the video:
Although Mittal’s promotion of DowrAI was intended to be sarcastic, it quickly sparked controversy on social media. Some users who caught the sarcasm praised him for addressing the outdated and illegal practice of dowry in a unique manner. They applauded his attempt to spotlight an issue that, despite being abolished in 1961, continues to persist in some parts of India.
But on the other hand, a larger group of people condemned Mittal for promoting dowry, even sarcastically. They argued that any form of dowry endorsement is harmful and perpetuates a practice that has caused significant harm to women and families over the years.
Anupam Mittal’s video has certainly succeeded in reigniting conversations about dowry and its relevance in modern Indian society.
Source Agencies
