Match that look

Our correspondent walked into a studio to get a matrimonial portrait done. She8217;s praying her mom doesn8217;t read this one

I have always been a secret poser. I have worked on my sad, happy and angry looks in front of the mirror since I was a child but I wouldn8217;t be caught dead in front of a camera. So I was a little reluctant as I was about to step into Prem Studio in north Delhi to get a matrimonial portrait for an assignment.

It8217;s the same studio where the Delhi University election candidates come for a digital makeover. I was gaping at the photographs when the man at the reception asked me what I want. 8220;A matrimonial portrait,8221; I said. I was asked to wait.

A few minutes later, a portly middle-aged woman walked in with a young girl who looked like her daughter. She fired instructions on how she wanted the photographers to get rid of her blemishes, make her lips appear fuller and remove any traces of facial hair. They then sat down next to me. 8220;Are you here for a matrimonial photograph as well?8221; she asked. I smiled and nodded. 8220;Where is your mother?8221; she asked. 8220;At home. I8217;ve come straight from work,8221; I told her. 8220;Oh. This is my younger daughter. They removed my elder daughter8217;s pimples and gave her a cleavage. She got so many offers, from Indians and NRIs,8221; she boasted.

8220;But didn8217;t they notice the difference when they finally met her?8221; I asked her. She guffawed loudly and pinched my cheeks. 8220;The boys get it done too beta. Everyone knows that in person they look completely different,8221; she said confidently.

Just then the photographer came out and led them in. 8220;But I was here first,8221; I protested. 8220;You8217;re not wearing any make-up. There8217;s only so much we can do to make you look better,8221; he said. He then instructed a lady at the counter who I presumed was their make-up artist to get me ready. I was guided to a small room with red walls so bright that it was difficult to keep my eyes open. For the next 10-15 minutes, she worked on around my face.

One look in the mirror and I started. My face looked whiter than a Ramsay ghost. 8220;Isn8217;t this too much?8221; I asked her as I looked around for a box of tissues. 8220;No, the extra make-up wont show in the pictures but it will make you look fairer,8221; she said. 8220;But I don8217;t want it to. I look like a clown,8221; I complained. Job done, she ignored me and walked out. I followed her into the studio.

The photographer asked me if I wanted to pose or get a simple photograph clicked. 8220;What do you suggest?8221; I asked. 8220;A simple photo will suit your style. Put your hands on your lap and smile shyly,8221; he said. 8220;No, don8217;t show your teeth.8221;

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I followed his instructions and he clicked away while making small talk. 8220;You wait and see how many proposals you get after putting our pictures on the matrimonial website,8221; he said. After about an hour, we are done for the day. 8220;Can I see the pictures?8221; I asked him. 8220;No. You collect them tomorrow. And please visit us with mithai after you find your match,8221; he said. Yes, I said, and shuddered at the thought.
No, I am not going to tell my mother what I did to earn my living this week.
Ishita Yadav is a feature writer with Eye