| Once the formalities were over, the guests were treated
to a ramp show of both male and female models. The models were later
shown to be undergoing 'shaadi ka pheras', keeping in mind the tradition
of marriage customs amongst the Hindus in India. The female wear of
the performers was sponsored by 'Angi' and the male wear was sponsored
by 'Options'.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com at the launch, Priya Shah
claimed, "Having run a bureau, I know how tough it is to have
a perfect match in life. Marriages are not done so easily in India.
Unlike the West, families have a lot of reservations before they
say yes to a match. Plus, the arrangements and celebrations are
very elaborate. Hence, this magazine. The magazine will be the first
ever to bring chic, classic couture and cover topics like pre-wedding
and post wedding rituals, beauty and grooming tips, shringar, honeymoon
options, food menus, etc. It will also carry informative sections
on caterers, jewelers, marriage dates, mehendi artistes, marriage
venues, grooming parlours and florists."
She continued, "Like I do in the bureau, I plan to collect
a pile of applications and call several boys and girls under one
roof, on regular basis. In this way, each boy and girl would get
ample to choose from. They would be given time to interact with
each other and instructed to conduct an elimination process in their
mind. The interested parties would be made to meet subsequently.
Often in my practice at the bureau, there have been cases where
the boy and the girl have not been able to decide and they have
turned to me for advice. Often, there have been 50-year old creeps
who want to get married to young girls only. I am very sure that
I don't allow that to happen, unless and until I feel that the man
is genuine. Being in this line for 10 years, I can smell a person
easily."
Charges? Shah replied, "Let's see. But in case of my marriage
bureau, I charge Rs 8,000 per client. That is a one-shot payment,
till I get him to tie the nuptial knot."
Added Shah, "Like I did in the bureau, I will take up only
Gujarati clients. This is because; being in the line of match-making
for Gujaratis since the past 10 years; I know the in-and-out of
virtually all Gujarati families. But I cannot say the same for other
castes. I started with Gujaratis and stuck to them. I didn't bother
to venture and learn the traditions and customs of other communities;
it's not easy."
The inaugural February issue of The Marriages of India will
be a bilingual - Gujarati and English, like there would be translations
on most aspects. If all goes well, Shah plans to come out in the
next six months with issues in Gujarati and English, both.
The monthly magazine will be priced at Rs 50.
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