Ever since the world came to know about Aparna Shewakramani—a full-time lawyer, travel-lover, and former contestant on Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking—she has become a sensation in every right. She gives us an insight into her new life, her love for the Bolivian salt plains, her luxury travel company, and a lot more in this exclusive conversation. By Bayar Jain
1. Congratulations on the success of Indian Matchmaking! How has life changed for you since?
Life has certainly changed a lot. I joke saying that three weeks ago, no one knew my name. Now it sometimes feels like my name is all I hear! This far-flung global response is certainly a fun surprise.
2. Although you didn’t find a suitable match on the show, what are the top five must-have qualities you’re looking for in a partner?
I am looking for someone who is intelligent; laid back; and communicative. The person should want a family and should be open to travelling—even if he hasn’t previously travelled too much himself.
3. Looking back now, what is one thing about the show that you would have liked to alter?
In the show, others had a choice of who they met first, while I did not. In one instance, Nadia was given three bio-data, with an option to choose who she’d like to meet first, and then second. Having such options would have changed the experience for me since I’m still unclear on what I would like in my future partner.
4. You’re known for asserting women’s rights in every sphere. Any tips on how others can follow the same path in a largely male-dominated society such as in India?
I understand that I am very privileged to have friends and family who applaud me for voicing my opinions on everything—from where I’d like to eat for dinner to whom I want to marry. While I know every woman doesn’t have the same support, I ask them to articulate what they want for themselves on paper. Be it in schools, at the workplace, or even their social circles. Once this is defined, speak up about them. The more clear voices we hear, the more women’s rights will be addressed—and hopefully championed—in India and around the world.
5. Popular media has created a stereotype of people from Texas as cowboys and cattle ropers. Being from Texas, what, according to you, is a side of the place that is underrated?
Texas is one of the largest states in the United States and is home to a few of the biggest cities like Houston, Dallas and Austin. These cities are diverse cultural hubs, which I believe are largely underrated, both by Americans and those living abroad.
6. What has growing up as an Indian overseas been like for you?
I’ve enjoyed growing up in the USA. It truly afforded me amazing educational experiences and a diverse group of friends. I also remain close to my culture and visit India once a year. Retaining this connection is something that I always love and appreciate.
7. Tell us a little bit about My Golden Balloon, your luxury travel company and how it all started.
My Golden Balloon started as a passion project partnership with an American friend living in London. I was on holiday there in December 2018, and we grabbed drinks at our usual spot, the SoHo house. While there, we decided to start a company that catered to the modern traveller and My Golden Balloon (MGB) was born. Pre-COVID, MGB curated small-group tours for professionals who were interested in travelling, but didn’t want to go alone. Once travel halted, we decided to create city-specific guides as a resource for those in countries where the restrictions were lifting. These ‘Golden guides’ are condensed two-page companions breaking down where I like to eat, drink, stay and explore in that destination.
8. What are some of your fondest throwback trips?
My favourite trips include a mother-daughter jaunt to Morocco after we visited our family in the Canary Islands, as well as a girls’ trip with my American friends to New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai. It was fun to take non-South Asians to India, and show off the country’s complexities and beauty.
9. Of the many countries you’ve visited, which has been the most eye-opening for you and why?
I was most fascinated with Cuba when I visited in 2015. As Americans, we could not visit the country for decades until it was allowed recently. It felt like a trip back in time with 1950s American convertibles, and little to no internet at the time. It was eye-opening to see how the US travel ban had impacted their tourism growth when, without such a ban, their economy would have been thriving.
10. Once travel restrictions ease, where would you like to go and why?
I would love to go to Bolivia, of course! As a running joke on Indian Matchmaking, it remains on my must-travel list now. I’d like to visit the [Uyuni] salt flats in the rainy season when the sky reflects on the water, and James flamingos feed on the red algae lake.
11. What is one thing you miss the most about travelling?
I miss the sense of adventure that I’d get as I took off in a plane to somewhere I had never visited before. There’s is excitement and wonderment in landing in a new country that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
12. What would you say to girls out there who would like to go on a solo trip around the world, but are afraid to do so because she has been told: “she’s just a woman?”
A woman is more than ‘strong enough’ to travel the world alone. She is also compassionate, empathetic, powerful, and intelligent enough to enjoy every moment of that solo adventure. Every woman has it in her to follow her dreams and explore on her terms. If you have the desire to see the world, go! The world is indeed waiting for you to arrive.
Related: “We’d love to visit Cuba and Russia once it is safe to travel” — Bruised Passports
