In the inaugural episode of Chai and Chemistry, host Vaidehi opens up about her journey navigating love, identity, and self-growth as an Indian American. Growing up in a traditional household, dating was off-limits in her teenage years, and college became more about academics than romance. But as she stepped into adulthood, she began to challenge cultural expectations—rejecting arranged marriage for herself and redefining what love and partnership mean on her own terms.

From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her dating life to the role of personal growth in finding love, Vaidehi shares key lessons she’s learned along the way. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, self-reflection, and choosing a supportive partner—elements that have shaped her dating journey. Now, as a host of singles events, she’s helping others navigate the modern dating landscape while using this podcast to spark honest conversations about love, culture, and connection.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Growing up in a traditional Indian family shaped Vaidehi’s views on dating.
⛔ Dating was restricted in her teenage years, leading to a focus on academics in college.
💍 She rejected the idea of arranged marriage for herself.
🤝 Finding a supportive partner became a priority.
🌎 The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced her dating approach.
🪞 Personal growth and self-reflection were crucial in her journey.
💬 Learning to be vulnerable transformed her dating experiences.
💖 Now, she helps others navigate dating by hosting singles events.
🎙️ Chai and Chemistry is here to explore modern dating culture through real stories and insights.

Join us for a chai-fueled conversation about love, tradition, and forging your own path. 🎧✨

Age-gap relationships—Hollywood is embracing them, but Bollywood?

Not so much. In this episode of S.A.L.E. (South Asian Love Experiment), we dive into why Western films are giving us stories like The Idea of You, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, while Bollywood still clings to the old formula of older men romancing much younger women.

Why is this shift happening, and what does it mean for Desi dating culture?

Tune in as we break down the double standards, cultural shifts, and what this means for South Asian singles looking for love!

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

Welcome to the debut episode of Masala Musings! Your host, Curry Badshah (Amrutha), takes you on a deep dive into her personal journey of self-discovery and dating as she embraces life at 34. From navigating the ever-evolving world of modern relationships to redefining what love and partnership mean to her, Amrutha candidly shares the experiences that have shaped her perspective.

In this episode, she unpacks the evolution of her persona—how "Curry Badshah" came to be—and why she decided to start this podcast as a space for real, unfiltered conversations about dating, love, and personal growth. Expect a mix of humor, raw honesty, and relatable moments as she reflects on past relationships, cultural expectations, and the pressures of finding "the one."

Dating, she believes, should be fun—an adventure filled with unexpected twists, awkward moments, and spicy experiences that make it all worthwhile. Think of Masala Musings as your go-to masala dabba—a place where every conversation is infused with bold, flavorful insights that challenge traditional narratives and encourage self-exploration.

Whether you're single, in a situationship, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen! Get ready to laugh, nod along, and maybe even rethink your own approach to dating.

🎧 Listen now on the Single to Shaadi Podcast Network!

https://www.instagram.com/singletoshaadi.podcastnetwork

https://singletoshaadi.com/

https://www.instagram.com/currybadshah/

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Learn, Love, Live—our first-ever Women’s Talk hosted by Single to Shaadi! This powerful panel discussion brings together four incredible South Asian women—Amrutha Sridhar, Vaidehi Patel, Maneesha Ahluwalia, and Mohini Gima—to dive deep into the complexities of career, family life, and children. These are the topics that shape our lives as modern Desi women, and in this conversation, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and evolving roles that define us today.

✨ What You’ll Gain from This Talk:✅ Insights on balancing career ambitions with cultural expectations
✅ Strategies for navigating family dynamics and relationships
✅ Real talk on choosing whether to have children and raising them in a Desi household
✅ Candid Q&A with our expert panelists
✅ Inspiration to take charge of your personal and professional growth

🔹 Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this conversation is for YOU. It’s time to step into your power, challenge outdated norms, and build a life that reflects who you truly are.

💡 Why We Hosted This Talk:
After the success of our Men’s Talk series on mental health and fitness, we knew it was time for the ladies to have their turn! The modern Desi woman is juggling more than ever, and this panel was created to provide a safe, empowering space for real conversations and shared experiences.

🌟 Meet the Panelists:
👩‍💻 Vaidehi Patel (@lifeofvaidehi) – A tech professional, singles event host, and an active dater navigating the South Asian dating scene, Vaidehi offers an honest, first-hand perspective on modern matchmaking.

👩‍⚕️ Maneesha Ahluwalia (@lifecoachingforindians) – A Life Coach and Infectious Disease Physician, Maneesha empowers Indian professionals to break free from cultural expectations and create harmony between tradition and personal fulfillment.

🎙️ Amrutha Sridhar (@currybadshah) – A storyteller, podcast host, and advocate for South Asian women’s empowerment, Amrutha shares her wealth of life experiences to inspire women to laugh, reflect, and embrace their worth.

👑 Mohini Gima (@iammohinigima) – Founder of Rani Rising, Mohini blends Indian tradition with American freedom to help South Asian women break free from perfectionism, build confidence, and heal generational cycles of silence and shame.

Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, honesty, and empowerment—designed specifically for YOU, the modern Desi woman. 🌸

Is Gen Z really facing a love drought? In this episode of S.A.L.E. (South Asian Love Experiment), we break down why fewer Gen Z singles are dating and what this means for South Asians looking for love. Are dating apps to blame? Is career pressure too high? Or are we just too afraid to make the first move? We’ll unpack the stats, the struggles, and, most importantly, how to turn things around. Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s navigate the modern South Asian dating scene together! 💕🎙️ #GenZLoveDrought #SingleToShaadi

In this episode, Utkarsh Yaps takes us behind the scenes of his work with Single to Shadi, sharing his unique perspective on matchmaking and the dating world. He opens up about his role at the events and why he avoids dating guests at his own gatherings. Utkarsh dives deep into the patterns he's noticed among singles at these events and offers valuable advice on building trust in relationships and maintaining sexual discipline. He stresses the importance of approaching dating events with a relaxed, open mindset and how this can positively impact your journey to finding love. Finally, Utkarsh shares some intriguing insights on the behaviors of men and women at singles events, urging listeners to remain patient and open-minded as they seek their perfect match. Tune in for a thoughtful and enlightening discussion on modern dating!

In this episode of S.A.L.E. (South Asian Love Experiment), Radha dives into the deep-rooted obsession with youth and beauty in both Hollywood and the South Asian dating world. From Demi Moore’s Oscar loss to the unrealistic standards set by social media and Bollywood, this conversation explores how these pressures affect our relationships and self-worth. It's time to redefine beauty and appreciate the substance that comes with age, experience, and emotional depth. Tune in for a fresh perspective on love, dating, and challenging societal expectations!

In this episode of S.A.L.E. - The South Asian Love Experiment, we dive into the 2-2-2 Rule—a simple yet powerful strategy to keep your relationship strong and thriving, even when life gets busy. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, this rule helps you prioritize quality time with your partner amidst family obligations and cultural expectations. Tune in to learn how regular date nights, weekend getaways, and vacations can work wonders for your bond. Plus, we’re sharing tips on how to make the 2-2-2 Rule work in the context of South Asian relationships. Grab your chai, and let’s talk love!

In this episode of S.A.L.E., Radha explores the complexities surrounding non-South Asians seeking Indian partners. From cultural appreciation vs. fetishization to the impact of power dynamics and societal trends, this conversation dives into the ethical considerations of interracial dating. Radha discusses why it's important to build relationships on genuine connection and shared values, not cultural curiosity or stereotypes.

Tune in to hear an insightful discussion on love, attraction, and the sometimes uncomfortable truths about navigating cultural boundaries in dating.

How much influence should our families have on our love lives? In this episode ofS.A.L.E.—The South Asian Love Experiment, we dive into the role family plays in South Asian dating, from matchmaking to marriage pressure. Plus, we break down Siddharth Chopra’s modern love story and why dating apps aren’t just for casual connections. Tune in for a mix of tradition, modern love, and some real talk on setting boundaries!