'Indian Matchmaking' Star Pradhyuman Maloo Responds to Gay/Bi Rumors

Netflix's addictive new reality dating docuseries, Indian Matchmaking, has been causing quite the stir online for its messy (and very problematic) portrayal of one facet of the modern dating scene in India and the U.S. 

The shows centers around the business of professional matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to help young, attractive, single people find, what else, their perfect match. Though in the show he says he is looking for a woman to fall in love with, one of the show's bachelors, 30-year-old artist and designer Pradhyuman Maloo, had many people online speculating whether or not he was actually part of the LGBTQ+ community...

Mostly because of his job as a designer, and the fact that he has rejected over 150 women so far in his search for a partner, people were wondering whether or not Maloo is queer. After weeks of speculation since the series originally premiered, Maloo himself is now finally taking to Instagram to address the rumors about his sexuality. 

"I decided to be a part of #indianmatchmaking on @netflix as I am personally always looking forward to new experiences and also thought I could try a different way to find my life companion," Maloo wrote in a lengthy Instagram post about the reasons why he joined the show in the first place. "It was a radical yet conscious decision to find one of the most meaningful aspects of my life. I did end up in a rather intense process but leaving me with a beautiful experience. Also having a camera around was not easy as it makes you conscious but it made me push my boundaries and out of my comfort zone."

Later on in the post, Maloo also decided to answer some questions from fans about himself, and after revealing that he had to look at over 150 dating profiles during the matchmaking process and that things with model and Miss India contestant Rushali Rai didn't work out in the long term after being introduced to her on the show, Maloo addressed the topic of his sexuality for fans and viewers who were curious to know. 

"And for those of you who are curious, I am not gay nor bisexual," the Indian Matchmaking star said emphatically.

Though Indian Matchmaking viewers had many thoughts about him and his sexuality, Maloo is still appreciative of all the love and support he's received from everyone in the days since the release of the series. He even inspired a bunch of memes, which he also says he appreciates!

"Little did I know I would be showered with so so much of love and support, well wishes, memes (which makes me laugh at myself and I personally think we needed something to laugh for this 2020) and even the trolling," he wrote. "In 10 days, more than 10K of you who have come to my feed, and it has left me overwhelmed and I am full of gratitude, love, and feel so blessed. Thank you universe."