Today’s young women have a strong image of what they want in a husband – educated, cultured, soft-spoken, and respectable. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that such grooms cannot be found in Dharavi.
Mumbai: Marriage is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life – a fresh start, the beginning of a new journey filled with dreams of companionship and togetherness. Today, however, young brides and grooms are far more selective and particular about their choices. In Mumbai – the city of dreams – where people from across the country come to build a future, a shocking revelation has surfaced from local marriage bureaus. The struggle, this time, is faced by the youth of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum.
According to multiple marriage bureaus active in Dharavi, eligible young men from the area are finding it increasingly difficult to find brides. The biggest reason, they claim, is a clear reluctance among women to settle down in Dharavi after marriage. Despite having jobs and stability, many young men face rejection, leaving their wedding dreams indefinitely postponed.
Brides Say No to Dharavi
Marriage bureau operator D. Selvin Nadar shared that the stigma largely stems from how films and social media portray Dharavi – highlighting only its darker side. “Most people think all Dharavi youngsters are spoilt or wayward. Today’s young women have a strong image of what they want in a husband – educated, cultured, soft-spoken, and respectable. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that such grooms cannot be found in Dharavi. As a result, many eligible men here are unable to get married,” he explained.
Poor Living Conditions a Major Deterrent
Paneer Selvam Nadar, founder of Balaji Matrimony, added that basic living conditions are another critical factor. “Educated working women today prefer partners who can provide not just emotional support but also a dignified lifestyle.
In Dharavi, most homes don’t have individual toilets, forcing families to use unhygienic public facilities. Parents naturally avoid marrying their daughters into such an environment. No one wants their daughter to live in filth and struggle for basic necessities,” he stated.
Stereotyped as ‘Tapori’ or Addicted
A local woman highlighted her brother’s plight. Despite having a good job, he has faced constant rejection in marriage proposals simply because he lives in Dharavi. “Girls generally expect a safe home and a decent surrounding – just the basics. Sadly, Dharavi fails to meet even those modest expectations. The biggest issue is the stereotype that Dharavi men are ‘tapori’ or addicted to bad habits. Not all are like that, but the negative image built by outsiders makes it extremely difficult for our men to find brides,” she lamented.
Changing Mindset of Brides
Earlier generations were less particular about these factors, but things have changed now. “Today’s young women don’t mind if the groom earns less, but they want their marital home to be in a clean and respectable locality. They want a good husband, but they don’t want to spend their married life in a slum,” explained Selvin.
As a result, Dharavi’s young men, despite being ready for marriage, are forced to wait indefinitely – victims of stigma, stereotypes, and harsh realities of urban living.
