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We sat down with Aanchal Agrawal for a quick chat on how her show, Assisted Dating, is making sense of the dilemmas of modern love in the most entertaining way possible.
In earlier times, even sending a pigeon with a love letter might not have been considered the most romantic thing one could do. Today, swiping, typing, liking, and, if you’re lucky, not getting ghosted after a few days is pretty much considered the epitome of connection in a modern love story. Over the years, we’ve seen numerous conversations around the dilemmas of modern dating, and that’s the kind of conversation Aanchal Agrawal is focusing on with her show Assisted Dating.
As love, compatibility, and relationships become more open topics, creators and comedians are finding creative ways to decode the maze of modern romance. Aanchal’s show is one such experiment where she plays cupid and commentator, inviting couples to see if they can actually convince each other to date, while comedians on both sides add their trademark humour and commentary to the discussion. In this interview, Aanchal opens up about how the concept came to life, what really goes into pairing people on screen, and what she has learned about modern dating while working on this project.
Here's what she had to share:
What inspired you to host Assisted Dating and how did this idea come to life? What do you think the show says about modern dating in India?
Honestly, the idea for Assisted Dating came from my own adventures and misadventures in the Indian dating scene. I’ve been creating content around shaadi and dating for a while, and I noticed that every time I touched that topic, the response was overwhelming. There’s clearly a shared chaos and curiosity we all have around finding love in India.
Back in 2021, I had actually tried something similar on Instagram Live called Wedx with Aanchal, where I played matchmaker for people in real time. Later, I experimented with a concept called Found You a Match, a speed dating idea and unsurprisingly, only men showed up! However, it taught me that people are willing to find love; they just don’t always know how to navigate it.
That’s where Assisted Dating was born. It’s inspired by how traditional arranged marriage setups work, where families or friends introduce two people, but with a modern, playful twist. Here, comedians “assist” the dates, and even the audience gets a say by waving red or green flags. It’s not just a show about dating; it’s a social experiment that reflects how community, approval, and entertainment all mix into how we approach love today.
I think Assisted Dating says a lot about modern India; that we’re still balancing between tradition and dating apps, between family and freedom. We’re learning to laugh about it, talk about it openly, and maybe, along the way, find something real.
How do you choose participants for the show, and what qualities make someone a good fit?
Most of our participants come to Assisted Dating genuinely looking for a real connection. They’re working professionals, usually between 24 and 40, who’ve probably tried the apps and are now open to something more organic and a little more fun.
What makes someone a great fit for the show is their willingness to be themselves. We love participants who come in with an open mind, a sense of humour, and the courage to put themselves out there. The women, especially, have been having such a great time, they’re dropping their inhibitions, being playful, and really owning their space. It’s been beautiful to watch.
At the end of the day, Assisted Dating isn’t just about finding a match, it’s about creating moments where people can connect authentically and maybe spark a love story worth rooting for.
Hosting a live comedy dating show sounds tough. What’s your strategy for keeping it smooth?
Hosting a live comedy dating show definitely comes with its share of chaos and charm. My biggest focus is always on safety and authenticity. We carefully interview and vibe-check every participant before the show to make sure they’re genuine and comfortable with the setup.
With comedy, there’s always a thin line; one wrong joke can feel off, but I’m a very sensitive person, and for me, everyone’s comfort will always come before content. That’s non-negotiable.
The toughest part, honestly, is the sheer amount of work that goes into it. It may look effortless on stage, but building a show like this is a mammoth task, especially selecting the right participants. As for awkward moments, they’re part of the charm! We usually turn them into punchlines, and because it’s comedy, those moments often end up being the highlights. I’ve been lucky to have an audience that’s incredibly respectful and wholesome, which makes it easier to keep the show smooth, fun, and full of heart.
How do you make sure the show remains entertaining while also being sensitive to the participants’ experiences?
For me, comfort always comes before content. The humour on the show is observational and situational; we laugh with people, not at them. And I think that’s what keeps it both entertaining and heartfelt. I’m very conscious about maintaining a balance between fun and sensitivity. Assisted Dating is not about putting anyone on the spot; it’s about creating a safe, light-hearted space where people can genuinely connect while the audience enjoys the process.
How do you build trust with participants so they feel comfortable opening up on stage?
Like I mentioned, we don’t randomly pull people from the crowd; every participant is carefully interviewed and vibe-checked before the show. This helps us ensure everyone knows what they’re signing up for and feels comfortable being part of it.
If you were a participant on the show, how would you survive a stage date?
I think I am a dream participant for a show like Assisted Dating. I’ll be fun, flirty and hilarious. Plus, I have a lot of dating trauma to dump that the audience will surely relate to.
How does Assisted Dating challenge traditional ideas of romance, courtship, or compatibility?
I think Assisted Dating comes at a really good time. People are finally opening up to the idea of dating as a process, not just rushing into commitment with the first person they meet. The show encourages exploration in a healthy, family-friendly way. I actually want participants to bring their families, and I hope parents start sending their kids to find a date, too!
It challenges traditional ideas of romance by normalising conversations around compatibility, expectations, and emotional needs. The more we understand ourselves and what we want, the less we settle or resent later. I truly believe that building a stronger dating culture will lead to happier, more equal relationships and Assisted Dating is just a fun, light-hearted way to start that dialogue.
Looking ahead, how would you like to see the show evolve?
I want families to watch the show together, I want parents to send their kids to the show and our society to open more to dating as a concept.
Do you think modern love really need a little assistance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more such interviews and creator stories, follow us on@socialketchup
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