Indian women look out for fair grooms, says study

The days of the tall, dark and handsome (TDH) are over. Or, so you would think if you were to believe the findings of a new survey.
Women apparently prefer men who are fair over the ones who are wheatish or dark. According to a recent study by matrimonial website Jeevansathi.com, the complexion of grooms is one of the key factors that help women decide whether to go ahead with marriage proposals.

And today’s women no longer get impressed if you are the TDH kind. Fairness, of the complexion that is, has become an all-important criterion for choosing a partner. Before you say ugh, read on.

In 71% of cases, women have preferred grooms who have mentioned their skin type as fair, according to Rohit Manghnani, business head, Jeevansathi.com. “Everyone knows our country’s obsession with the fair skin. Though I have not seen girls openly admitting that they look for fair-skinned men, unconsciously they tend to like the ones who are,” he said, adding that around 65-70% of men registered on matrimonial websites tend to mention their skin colour as fair.

Not surprisingly, they are likely to get five times more response than the ones who mention their skin tone to be dark. Sociologists say a look at today’s heroes show that fair men are popular among women.

“Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor are all fair in the traditional sense and are popular among women. Traditionally, we Indians associate good looks with being fair-skinned,” says a sociologist on condition of anonymity.

Wait, this homegrown apartheid gets uglier still.
Most women are no longer ready to settle for anyone who looks less smarter than their favourite actor. According to the survey, women, while hunting for grooms, give prime importance to looks. Take the case of 24-year-old Sunaina Gandhi (name changed) who is hunting for a groom for herself.

“My parents and I have varied choices. While qualification and job are important, I don’t understand why do I need to compromise on looks to find my Mr Right. People may call me shallow but at least I am being honest. What is the harm in looking for someone who has great looks as well as is well qualified?” she asks.

Data also show that smoking and drinking habits get a thumbs-down from today’s women with only 1% of women expressing readiness to go ahead with proposals from grooms who have mentioned about their smoking and drinking habits on the site.

Thirty-year-old Madhumeeta Bhandari feels the attitude of women has undergone a significant change in the last decade or so. “Earlier, all that mattered was parents’ consent and financial security. The latter part has taken a backstage as women themselves have started earning,” she avers.

Women’s response to men
    Very fair : Very dark    —    4.9 : 1
    Slim : Heavy    —    1.4 : 1
Men’s response to women
    Very fair : Very dark     —    is 5.3 : 1
    Slim : Heavy    —    is 3 : 1