Indian Matchmaking's Aparna Shewakramani calls Akshay Jakhete "the strongest character" on the reality show and claims he was wrongly portrayed.

Akshay Jakhete has been called many names by fans after watching Indian Matchmaking. But, while the words “spineless,” “momma's boy,” “awkward,” and even “creepy,” top the list, “misunderstood” is not one of them. So why exactly does his fellow Indian Matchmaking cast member Aparna Shewakramani think that Akshay’s story is the most misinterpreted on the reality show?

Akshay Jakhete’s introduction on Indian Matchmaking took place via his mother Preeti. The Netflix show suggested that it was Preeti who approached matchmaker Sima Taparia to find her son a suitable girl. Akshay, who calls himself shy and introverted, didn't really have an opinion about the kind of life partner he wanted. He famously rejected 80 marriage proposals, and his mother’s blood pressure simultaneously hit the ceiling. Akshay is told that his “clock is ticking”, and his only confidante seems to be his cousin Mansha. He revealed to her that he was looking for a wife that would embody his mother, thus inviting all the Freud-related memes. Although he finally settled for a girl, he soon broke up with her, stating that he didn’t feel a connection. Fans began to believe that he was being “controlled” by his mother. But, with Indian Matchmaking being a prime example of not-so-real reality TV, Akshay’s portrayal could have been far from the truth...or, at least that’s what Aparna wants the viewers to believe.

Although most of the cast members from Indian Matchmaking have stayed silent when asked about the show’s controversies, Aparna has been vocal. The Houston-based lawyer has, so far, called Taparia’s misogynistic views out while also pointing out the show’s misleading edits. This time around, in an interview with Tweak, Aparna shared her thoughts on Akshay and his misconstrued portrayal on the Netflix show. When asked if she could play Sima Aunty to her favorite co-contestants, Aparna spoke about Akshay. “I would say the strongest character out of all of us is Akshay,” she said about the Mumbai-based businessman. “He’s the most misunderstood,” continued Aparna. She referenced the bit about viewers calling him “spineless,” by adding, “He is not passive by any means.”

Aparna had more praise to shower on Akshay. She believes that Akshay’s resolve is steel. “I don’t think, especially at 23 or 25, I could ever have that resolve and I’m a very strong person,” she complimented Akshay. “I would never be able to stand up for myself like that and I’m so proud of him,” added Aparna, who seems to be Akshay’s #1 supporter at the moment.

If Akshay’s mom is reading this, it won’t be a surprise if a marriage proposal is sent to Aparna right away. On Indian Matchmaking, Akshay’s edit made him look nothing like what Aparna thinks of him, but it was after the show ended that he revealed that he’d called off his “roka.” In a bonus episode by Netflix, Akshay said that Preeti’s blood pressure was completely normal when he confessed to her that he didn’t want to get married yet. Preeti now seems to be fine with whoever Akshay chooses as his life partner, as long as she’s “flexible.” Misunderstood or not, Akshay and Preeti will continue to be some of the most-talked-about characters on Indian Matchmaking for a long time to come.

Next: Indian Matchmaking: What Happened To Shekar After The Show?

All episodes of Indian Matchmaking are now available to stream on Netflix.

Source: Tweak India