From tea cups to video calls: How traditional matchmaking still works in India

How traditional matchmaking still works in India

Knot happening

Meet ‘Kalyanamalai’ Mohan, Tamil Nadu’s OG matchmaker

I was recently walking towards my transit gate at Doha airport when a young couple stopped me. The woman had a baby in her arms. She smiled, bent down, and sought my blessings. “Do you remember us?” she asked. “We got married because of you. This is our baby.”

‘Kalyanamalai’ Mohan, Tamil Nadu’s OG matchmaker who has been in the matrimonial business for over 25 years | Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas

Moments like these still leave me overwhelmed. Over the years, I have come to realise that my work has travelled far beyond television studios; it has entered families.

Hailing from Thiruvarur district, I grew up in a time when marriages were decided very differently. In the 1980s, a ‘ponnu paakara’ visit would end with a polite “kadidaasu podarom” — we will write to you. If the reply came on a postcard, the postman often knew the outcome even before the family did! Back then, decisions were largely driven by parents and relatives, and choice was limited.