Ever since the documentary television series Indian Matchmaking hit digital screens on July 16, the show's protagonist, Mumbai-based Sima Taparia, went from matchmaker to Internet sensation. While there was that, opinions on the show greatly differed — it was perceived either as holding up a mirror to society and projecting what's wrong with it or completely ignoring the realities of the arranged marriage system in the country where casteism, colourism and sexism are predominant.

But no matter the number of arguments against it, the age-old practice shows no sign of fading out. How then, does one navigate it? Experts say, the key is not adjustment but assertiveness.