real life

The brutal 'marriage CV' that we wish we'd written.

We’ve never met Indhuja, but she sounds pretty damn awesome.

If you’ve ever been infuriated by your parents getting involved in your love life, spare a thought for Indhuja Pillai.

The 23-year-old’s parents made her a “marriage CV” and posted it online in the hopes of finding her a husband. Big mistake, guys.

Horrified, the Bangalore-based blogger wrote her own, honest marriage CV in response – describing herself as an unapologetic atheist tomboy who refuses to ever have long hair and who is “definitely not marriage material”.

Indhuja Pillai, our hero.

 

The CV went viral, and has particularly hit a nerve with other young Indian people who feel frustrated by their parents’ expectations.

Related: ‘I’m 20 years old and I’d let my parents arrange my marriage.’

Indhuja, who works for travel company Tripigator, has blogged about the experience:

I’m only 23! I am no ordinary (read:mainstream) woman desperate to get married…I took the profile down as soon as I could, first thing in the morning. The same evening was when this idea of creating a funky matrimony profile website creeped in. I even told my parents I was going to do it, and I was quite certain they were scared as hell about what it would look like. They couldn’t help it, because they knew I was crazy and also that nothing can stop me. I told them, “Send this to anyone who has the nerve to ask my hand in marriage.

Indhuja 1, Parents 0.

Indhuja with her parents. And don’t worry – there’s no bad blood between them.

 

Indhuja’s CV was incredibly honest, and she described herself, warts and all:

I’m not a drinker and I hate smoking. I play badminton, sing and dance. I wear glasses and look dorky in them. Not a spendthrift or a shopaholic. Detest masala & drama, not a TV fan…NOT a womanly woman. Definitely not marriage material. Won’t grow long hair, ever.

She also described her perfect man:

Extra points to the one who hates kids. Points for a great voice and an impressive personality. Should be able to hold a conversation for at least 30 minutes.

See? That’s a woman who knows what she wants.

Indhuja’s marriage CV has gone viral.

With a marriage profile that awesome, it’s not surprising that she has been inundated with positive messages. People from around the world have congratulated her on her courage and free spirit and she’s even had some marriage offers too.

Related: Arranged marriages: What really happens.

In short, Indhuja is pretty much our spirit animal. And with that attitude, we’re sure she’ll do just fine.

00:00 / ???