Mumbai: Dating and social networking app Bumble has launched the third edition of its series, Dating These Nights. Featuring Zoya Akhtar, Mrunal Thakur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Jim Sarbh, Vijay Varma, and Srishti Dixit, the series aims to help people discover and navigate deeper and meaningful conversations around modern romance and dating in 2022. The series can be seen on Bumble's YouTube channel.
The first episode, ‘Romances and Bromances', will feature award-winning filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and actor Jim Sarbh as they dive into "modern masculinity," discussing what healthy masculinity looks like and more. ‘Age of Love', the second episode will see popular actors Mrunal Thakur and Shriya Pilgaonkar discuss dating in their 30s—an interesting experience to date on their own terms and timeline. Ending the season, ‘Banking on Love’ will feature the star of the recently released film "Darlings," Vijay Varma, and influencer Srishti Dixit, who explore the nuances of financial intimacy in relationships in the last episode.
Bumble India communications director Samarpita Samaddar said, "We are excited to bring back our popular content series in its third edition, this year titled Dating These Nights. We’re flipping the switch with this after-hours series this year where we don’t sleep over it, instead we delve into deeper and more meaningful conversations around topics that are often considered taboo but need to be discussed openly. We are thrilled to be associated with such amazing talent, who are known to have carved their lives and journeys on their own terms. As a brand that understands and speaks to modern romance and evolving dating cultures in India, we hope Dating These Nights sparks more meaningful conversations and encourages healthy and equitable relationships."
Akhtar said, "Bumble’s Dating These Nights gives a platform to spark meaningful conversations on less-tackled topics around modern relationships that should be discussed openly."
Sarbh shared, "I consider myself fluid when it comes to these concepts as I don’t hold myself to ‘what should be’ in terms of gender ideas. Masculinity is entirely subjective, but I believe we should consider each human being for what they are as opposed to caging them in societal norms. Hailing from an industry that easily typecasts, I am thrilled to be engaged in conversations that go beyond the shackles of traditional notions. More so with Bumble, as this turns out to be my second rendezvous with them, and I applaud the kind of work they do."
When talking about dating in her 30s, Mrunal Thakur said, "To me, it's being more assertive about your priorities. In retrospect, even when I meet people who are in their 30s, they are clear about what they want. I am seeking that sort of transparency. Being a part of Bumble’s Dating These Nights series has been an eye-opening process as I’ve been able to discover myself more. These conversations are surely causing a positive change in the world, and I'm happy that I'm a part of this progressive society and blessed that I can pursue life the way I want even in my 30s."
Sharing her dating experience in her 30s, Pilgaonkar said, "As you continue to evolve as a person, your idea of love changes, it matures. We get more comfortable with ourselves as we age, and this stems from self-love. In my 30s, I can say that I have a better grasp of who I am and the type of companionship I want to have. It's time that we normalise dating and explore relationships in our 30s. Bumble’s series does just that by having open conversations and helping individuals navigate their relationships by prioritising themselves over societal norms."
Varma, speaking on financial intimacy in relationships, shared, "As a society, we talk about money all the time but we shy away from direct questions about finances as they tend to make us feel insecure. While this stems from patriarchal thinking, I believe this can be destigmatized during the first date itself. Questions like, "Who will pay for the date?" or "Do we split the check?" are a great way to start the money conversation. The idea is to get your partner comfortable with discussing money from the very beginning. Personally, I am a firm believer in having a space to openly discuss these matters in a relationship, and I’m so glad that Bumble is taking the effort to make this mainstream."
Dixit candidly spoke about her finances, "Growing up, as girls, we've been taught to be very frugal with our money. I believe a lot of them are still learning how to operate their finances better—how to make more, save more, and invest more of their money, and be assertive in such situations. I'm glad I got to associate with Bumble to emphasise the importance of being financially independent in a relationship because, ideally, that is what modern dating should look like. It should be an equal partnership."
