I am rather excited to bring you this Family Karma recap. I don’t know anyone’s name yet so this first recap is going to be a bit of a general overview. And probably very late. But that is okay because I know only three of you are going to read this anyway. I will watch,with a few of you. We will like the show. Then the Misogyny Channel will cancel it for its lack of misogyny. It’s a masochistic thing we do, despite knowing exactly how this will all end. It’s a pattern for me in relationships. /sigh But for now, let’s enjoy this show while it lasts!
The Ramakrishna Household
I immediately fall in love with wit Chitra, Anisha Ramakrishna‘s mom. Jesus I can’t even get names like Heather and Ashley straight in my head. This is going to be murder. But, I will remember Chitra the Indian vegetarian who enjoys a good cow print dress. Because cows are sacred. She’s funny AF. Anisha is already embarrassed. I have a feeling it will get worse for Anisha and better for Chitra and me. Chitra probably would think it was funny that while I was trying to be sure I had all the family photos download, I called this family the Ramalamadingdongs. Or maybe not so much. Ramakrishna is pretty easy to remember even for someone of my limited mental capacities.
Anisha and her mom have a great, yet brief package. It’s funny. Her mother measures time according to how old Anisha’s baby will be. Anisha doesn’t have a baby. Or a boyfriend. Chitra doesn’t want her daughter to be an old maid with grey pubic hair. What if she dyed her pubic hair a festive color? Would that be less pathetic? I’m asking for a friend. Then we meet Gopal, Anisha’s half deaf Grandpa (Is he single? I’m asking for a friend) and her dad, Ram.
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It is Gopal’s birthday and I am my friend is sad to see that he is married to a lovely woman name Saroja. Gopal wanted to go to Hooters for his birthday but his evil family made him go out to a nice Indian restaurant. It is there that he offers this sage advice to Anisha, “You are 34. You should get married as soon as possible because we don’t know when menopause will set in. Then, even if you want kids, you won’t get. It will become dry,” Handsome and wise Grandpa Gopal is. And a master at pleasant dinner conversation. And flirting with the waitress.
The Benni Household
Brian Benni is obviously more Americanized. His name is Brian! I think I was going to be Brian if I were a boy. Brian lives with his parents. I am not sure why the producers brought this up, Anisha lives with her parents too. Why haven’t her parents tried to breed her with this guy? He’s cute.
He’s off to the grocery store with his mom Dharma. She needs fruit for some religious thing we will get to learn about this episode. The cameraman shows me a very tight show of a mango which reminds me that there were none at Whole Foods today. Also that I forgot to buy yogurt anyway. But if you were going today for Electrolyte water, I’m the bitch that bought every last bottle of the 365 brand 1.5 liters. Sorry. They still had some of then overpriced name brand though. Same thing, just more expensive branding.
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Anyway, Brian is 27 and has a new BMW. I think he is too immature young for Anisha. The fruit was for the priest? the car? the safety gods? Something. Brian seems to know even less than I do about this ritual. Brian was more concerned that all the fruit salad making on his new car was going to ruin his paint job. Actually, that seems like a legit concern, But, his mom and his priest are on it. It is basically a safety blessing. Something about putting the lime in the coconut and mix it all up! Or something. I don’t know the language. Sounds like a shot of tequila might be appropriate for this blessing.
The Parvani Household
Did I mention all of this is happening in Miami and they all live in really nice houses with tall date palm trees in the yard? /sigh This is the home of Vishal Parvani. His dad, Kishor is on the couch in his PJs playing with his phone when his mom Reshma shows up. Reshma is home from buying “a lot of different oils.” The story is interrupted long enough to tell Kishor his pants are on backwards. He doesn’t care. He just wants to be left alone to text his sidepiece. Or whatever he is doing on the phone. I’m just speculating.
All of these families seem fun already. There is a lot of laughter in their homes. No tables have been flipped. No wine has been drunk let alone thrown in anyone’s face. It’s a happy peaceful show. That is why you better watch it fast. Richa Sadana is also living in this house but not in the same room as Vishal. She is engaged to Vishal. Sorry Chitra, this one is off the market.
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Reshma does not play. No phones during breakfast! No sharing a bed until you are married! Kishor, whose pants may or may not be on properly today (Reshma has not made a ruling) defies the no phone rule and shares photos with Vishal of few photos of a wedding in India. It seems that Vishal and Sadana have been engaged for two years with no wedding date in site. No wonder Ana is Sad. SWIDT? In an interview with the perpetually betrothed, it is mentioned that an Indian wedding isn’t a marriage of a bride and groom it is the marriage of two families. And there lies the rub. It seems that there are no happy feelings between the two families. I have a feeling this is all Reshma’s fault. Sorry Reshma. I may change my mind later. But for now I am calling it.
The Vaswani Household
Monica Vaswani is 27 and an HR software specialist. In other words, she is perfect for Brian. So far. On paper. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her dad. She cooks for him and takes care of him. He wishes she could live with him once she gets married but that would probably be wrong. Well, not if she marries Brian. I can see him being just fine with that.
It seems that Monica’s dad thinks Brian is just her “sidekick.” They met at temple in the sixth grade and have been friends ever since.
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Party season looms for the new year. Is Indian new year the same as American New Year? It’s hard to tell when they live in Miami where it is perpetually, summer. Anyway these two are in denial. The producers point out to Brian that he and Monica do a lot of “coupley things.” He attempts to ponder this information. Or maybe he is wondering how his hair looks.
ARGH! When you scroll all the way to the end of the Family Karma photos on the NBCu media site, you end up at the old Mexican Dynasties photos.
The Kapai Household
Amrit Kapai is a lawyer who just relocated from Chicago to Miami to film the show to set up a new office in Miami. Guess who he lives with? If you guessed mommy and daddy you are correct! His Mom Lavina is home all day while he telecommutes to Chicago. He has a very cute dog named Theo. Oh look, his dad Suresh is there too! They can all get in on the conference call!
Amrit has a really cute boyfriend named Nicolas. He lives in Chicago and the distance is a problem. Dude. It will be fine. You’ve got what, four months of filming. He has great parents who are accepting of their son. Understandably, it took his mother a few arguments with God, but everything is good now.
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Oh no, they are going to mix the families together now! My piss poor facial recognition skills and less than stellar hearing will make this difficult. It seems we have Vishal the perpetually engaged one, and Anisha, the perpetually single one going out to dinner. I see why Anisha is single. She’s blowing her nose at the table and her conversations are disgusting. I would have thrown up three time and will probably fast forward this for the sake of my snack (sunflower seeds and feta). Please don’t recap it in comments. I can’t stand that.
Richa’s mom, and Vishal’s future mother-in-law is coming to the fancy gala. Vishal is afraid of his future mother-in-law, Lopa AKA his FML. She will be in Miami for a few days Ah. I get i now. Lopa is a pretty, single, blond and to hear her tell it all the Indian women in Miami think she is going to steal their husbands. She likes cosmopolitans. Production asks Lopa about the friction between the two families. She said many years ago someone asked her what Vishal did for a living. She said she didn’t know exactly, maybe he wants to be a movie star. Vishal’s mama heard that basically Lopa said Vishal didn’t have a job or any ambition and she’s been pissed at her ever since. That was five years ago. A quick check of IMDb shows one credit for Vishal in a video short in 2013. So, she has a point. I am team Lopa. Reshma didn’t talk to her at the last wedding. I told you this was all Reshma’s fault. Vishal feels like Lopa thinks he is not good enough for her daughter. He’s not wrong.
The Diwala Gala (AKA The Hindu Met Gala)
And now for the all cast. AKA the requisite drama and squabbling. Okay, Lopa is starting to get on my nerves. It is one thing to be aggressive. It is quite another to emasculate your future son-in-law anywhere let alone a large public gathering. Apparently, that is what he has Richa for anyway. Vishal is trying to kill her with kindness, but she is apparently too mean to die.
Okay, so Lopa really IS trying to steal everyone’s husband. Instead of sitting at her daughter’s table with her future son in law, she joins Brian’s father who is all alone at another table. Wine might be thrown when Dharma sees this. David’s dad Toolsie turns the conversation toward their children and how they want them to marry Indian spouses. Lopa says that Anisha found one, but as it turns out, he’s a moron. Toolsie says that she thinks she is being funny but she is not and that he knows she doesn’t really mean that. Ah, but she does. Then. she calls him a leech who is after her money. Oh how I love first seasons with newbies. This woman has no idea that her microphone is picking all of this up. Who is the moron now, Lopa?
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Next week: Toolsie escapes to the bar and vents about how awful Lopa is. And now Lopa is drunk. And hor…flirtatious. Oh, Reshma is going to come for her next week. This should be epic. Reshma doesn’t want to do any more interviews about Lopa.
Okay I liked it. I knew I would. Who is in it with me. Remember, this is like a foster child. We can’t get too attached as it will be ripped out of our arms soon. OVER.
I’ll join you in watching,
Just didn’t have time tonight.
I will too. Fell asleep but not because of the show 🙂
I’m watching!
Yessssssssss! So excited you’re recapping this one, TT! The other Bravo shows are getting old, and this one looks so refreshing. Can’t wait to watch it!
Loved it!! This is the kind of show I really enjoy, watching actual people and families that know each other, live their lives and see how they balance traditional culture vs. western. And I want to see killer Indian food!
I really loved this show!! It was great! It’s something different to other bravo shows and I found it funny!
YAY someone to watch it with! Most of my readers don’ like nice things. lol
I will be watching. I love the fashion and decor.
YAY! It’s a party of four! When I was a little kid in Girl Scouts the Indian mom used to bring cool snacks like popcorn rice or something. I have vague recollection. I do remember the Japanese boy who liked me at school bringing sushi before sushi was cool and me being grossed out by the seaweed, And I ate pretty much whatever.
Ooh! Can’t wait to watch! Was looking forward to this show!
FWIW, multi generational living is very common in South Florida. I can’t tell you how many adults I employ that still live with their parents and grandparents.
Loved it! Is this possibly the first Bravo show filled with likable people we can root for??? Can’t wait for next week, it truly is feel good TV. Plus, who knew there’s a large Indian population in Miami?
i loved it.
Yep I’ll be watching since you got me into Mexican dynasties. R.I.P. Just takes me a little longer to get it in Wales
I think this is one i will watch, based on your recap. Sounds like a fun show. Thanks, TT.
Oh I forgot this was on tonight and I missed it! I definitely plan on watching though, and I thank you kindly for your thorough recap Tamara! I love shows where I get to delve into other cultures. I loved a Mexican Dynasty and was so pissed when it got the axe so quickly. Hopefully this show will have better luck.
Love this show!
I plan to watch it. Just haven’t had the time yet.
This show was even better than I expected. So happy you’re recapping.
Oh man, for some reason I thought this didn’t premiere until April. I’m definitely going to watch, hoping it’ll be a good palate cleanser after Below Deck.
Count me among the three! I watched it and really enjoyed it. I enjoy learning about the culture.
This does not bode well for the show’s longevity. I really loved Mexican Dynasties and now it’s gone. So I will enjoy this season with the beautiful fashions and culture, and mourn it when it’s gone.
I loved the dad who was buying outfits AND matching jewelry for his daughter!!
I set my dvr for the repeat of this episode not the premier. Have to wait til tomorrow. So maf
I am so here for this show. The messy af older generation is the best part!
I enjoyed how production is shown interacting. I don’t have the names straight yet but the single mom who’s daughter is 2 years into the engagement has either watched too many housewives shows and is trying to bring it or is a horrible human being.
Absolutely watching this, will record the series.
For me, it’s a wonderful flashback to my childhood, when every family get-together included HIGH DRAMA. And I got to sit on the sidelines for the soap opera of it all.
TT you are 100% correct. Bravo won’t let us have nice things.
After they didn’t renew the fantastic Mexican Dynasties, I am not getting involved in another 1 and done series
Oh Eddie, sometimes we need to fall in love even though we know it is going to end horribly and leave us heartbroken and sad. Like I said, we have to be foster parents here and know that Bravo is never going to let us adopt them. There is no accounting for the crappy taste of the masses. 🙂
I was hooked after the first ten minutes! I can’t wait for the next episode, and I’m glad you’re recapping this one.
I’m in. Haven’t watched it yet but It’s on my DVD. Love, love the clothes!
See you have some watchers! I am one of them, I loved it, so fun to meet all of these families, though it will take a minute to get them all straight.
Add me to your viewing party. I loved this show. Maybe if enough people watch it, they will keep it. Viewership for housewives should be dropping.
I would love mexican dynasties to come back.
They need to bring back top chef masters, project runway all stars, top chef desserts, and more shows le karma.
Glad that karma took shah’s place and kicked them to Friday’s.
Thanks for the recap. Glad you will be watching. I don’t always agree with who you don’t like, but I love your recaps.
You and me both, Ingrid. It took me hours to do the show and I didn’t mind because I didn’t think anyone was waiting to read it. (Sometimes the pressure to get things done quickly so we can talk makes me do a halfass job) This time I spent ten or fifteen minutes trying to figure out two of the guys because of my poor facial recognition skills. They both have the same ears, and eybrows and most of the features I rely on. Like exactly the same! I started to wonder if they were twins and no one told me. Or their parents. Then I realized the one with the boyfriend has a bigger bottom lip than the one with the two year engagement. AND ONLY THEN did I notice one had much short hair than the other. lol. It was that kind of night.
Anyway, now we can use this recap to keep everyone straight as it has pictures of each family with a name key. 🙂
then they change their clothes and i have to start over. I have more trouble with new peoples’ names though, any new person, forget the name immediately! the pictures with names helps, thanks for putting it in!
I watched and enjoyed it and am looking forward to next week, although I’m not sure I’ll ever get the names straight!
I thought it was next week! I was obsessed with Outlander last night, and I just figured that it was all RHOA all night, with a WWHL and either the idiotic Blind Date or Summer House thrown in at the end so I did not even flip over to Bravo.
Hopefully I can find it on demand or on the app.
I am excited to watch this! Haven’t had a chance yet. But I wanted to say, based off of the promos and stills in your recap, some of them remind me of the Shahs. Brian reminds me of Mike and Vishal reminds me of Reza. Hopefully their personalities are a lot different and I enjoy watching them!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Leave Brian and Vishal alone! They are nothing like that!
Literally watching now. Brain is so cute! And I like Vishal so far too. Hopefully it stays that way. And the comparison to Shah’s was solely physical. They remind me of the other, but WAY skinnier versions.
So far I am enjoying the show. I hope it stays that way. I just couldn’t get into Mexican dynasties. I also like that they are showing production. Fingers crossed for a winner cause I am generally losing interest in Bravo shows.
Thank you guys so much so much for showing up! Let’s try to focus on how happy we are to have a good show and not worry about the fucked up decisions Bravo will make in the future. 🙂 Tell all your friends!
Loved it! I’m in – favorite new show!
In for the Win! Although I’m already missing Mexican Dynasties, too. Nice things, Bravo. We like nice things.
I thought it was great. The family drama seemed authentic and not overdone for reality TV sake. And it was genuinely funny w/o trying way tooooo hard (a la Reza on Shahs of Sunset).
I hope they keep it around — and keep the tone light and fun. I don’t want to be liking these families and then have production think they need constant fighting.
I feel like all of the Housewives franchises have been waaaaayyy too focused on fighting and conflict, and not enough on the fun and laughter. I think more than anything that’s why ratings for Housewives are down pretty much across the board.
I agree with you, Ms. Tamara. I hope Bravo doesn’t muck this up. Although, I already had my DVR set for this show. I’m glad I watched as it aired because this show is such a welcomed relief. It just may bring me back to Bravo and be worth my DVR space. Please keep the recaps coming.
I really liked the premiere! But do they really expect me to believe that ONE of the guys fancies other guys? I’m picking up some major DL energy with one (or two…or three) of the other guys.
I get it Harlan. I have really good radar. However, when dealing with men from other cultures it doesn’t work as well just because of cultural differences regarding personal space, and personal intimacy. So I rely on self identification in such instances. Your mileage may vary. /shrugs
It could just be wishful thinking on my part. ?
Although I am still grieving for Mexican Dynasties, it may be time to move on. Okay, I am in.
Really enjoyed this premiere. The in.law drama will be off the charts. Vida from Shas will have stiff competition for worse mil.. Seems like they chose a lot of effeminate men for the cast. Two dad’s n two sons. Go figure.
Yay, I’m in. Such a fun and entertaining show. Thank you for recapping TT. ?
I was a HUGE FAN of Mexican Dynasties. I had no idea this show was starting last night. I thought it was late March. I have set my DVR to record the repeat of this episode. And will make sure it is set to record all the future episodes. I know we probably won’t have it very long, but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.
I’m gonna watch now!
I loved the show
Y’all these comments made my day! I didn’t expect anyone to watch with me because the little feedback I got upfront was lukewarm. I am so excited to recap now.
That said, for the next month or two it comes on right after RHOA. AND the size of the cast and the complexity of the names makes recapping it take A LOT LONGER and y’all know I get names mixed up when the names are easy and I know the faces. 🙂
It they keep doing it like the did the first episode, the same format as Mexican Dynasties it will be easier. First a little mini soap for each family then a party or something with all the familys at the end that makes life easier.
I can’t wait to chat with you after each episode though!
I will definitely be watching this. Haven’t had time yet. But I can usually stand the first season on any Bravo show. After that, all bets are off. Seems like we are looking for a break from Bravo Bullshit.
I’m in. I watched and LOVEd it.I hope it is for more than one season. Right nope it is the only show on bravo that I will watch
It was amazing. Everything Shahs wishes it could be. I loved the parents, the grandparents, just all of it. Perfection.
I just finished watching the show. It’s delightful & charming. Thanks TT for the recommendation.
I’m in! It’s already waiting on my DVR far, far away…I wasn’t sure if you were going to recap but I planned on watching. I’m so pleased to see your recap TT and positive comments by all us loyal followers happily joining on this new adventure.
I was surprised to hear it’s in Miami. Why? Not sure but I’ll take it, cultural twofer (or more)! This sounds really interesting, fun and with TT heading the discussion? I won’t need to sneak another Bravo program in…I have stopped watching a lot of Bravo now in my defense.☺
Had it on my DVR, and finally watching it. This so far is so fun! I love learning about the Indian culture and the large and close family groups. Not unusual for many cultures to have many generations living in one house. I love the older generations with their traditions and the younger Americanized generations, and the conflicts that will inevitably arise.
So happy you are recapping this! It will take me a while to keep track of names because there are quite a few families represented (and you did an amazing job with that. I’m glad I read the recap before watching).
This looks like a great show. Indian culture is fascinating, and this would be a great addition for Bravo. Frankly I can’t tolerate the Housewives shows anymore, and Top Chef can’t be on all the time.
Count me in.
What I find interesting is the voice or sometimes physical involvement of the producers. Is this because we are all commenting on how it’s all producer driven? From Gopal and his questions to a producer at the restaurant, to questions in the talking heads. I for one like it.
I wrote a post about the RHOSLC a while back and it continues to trend. I wasn’t really down with the whole SLC Utah thing, but the women are pretty interesting and extremely fashionable on IG. So I am cautiously optimistic!
Anyway it is trending again tonight. Here is the link in case you missed it. https://tamaratattles.com/2020/02/02/meet-the-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city/
I finally took your advice TT and stopped watching their “major” shows (I’ve rediscovered Netflix!!!) I loved this show though; the women and the clothes are beautiful and it is a funny show. I agree about not getting too attached bc it won’t be renewed (and I’ll go into withdrawal like I did with Sweet home Oklahoma). Thanks for recapping it!!
I’ll be watching! ??♀️ Such a wonderful alternative to everything else Bravo. Thanks so much for recapping. I do enjoy reading your take on the shows.
I’m digging this!! I work with many Indian folks and they’re quite quiet and keep to themselves. I think I work with a (fellow) gay Indian guy but I believe he’s keeping it on the DL so it was interesting to see a gay cast mate on this show.
After watching Jenny and Sumit on 90 Day Fiance-The Other Way, I’ve been fascinated by this “live with your family” situation that appears on this show. Clearly these families seem to be wealthy but I wonder how this works out with families of more normal incomes. You need a big ass house for a big ass family.
I look forward to the show and your recaps!
Loved it! I’m hooked already…
I really enjoyed the first episode, if Bravo is not going to bring back Mexican Dynasty this show will do
So glad you’re recapping, I’m in! It was a nice feeling to watch something on Bravo and smile. I loved the genuine connections between the families and can’t wait see their stories unfold. Maybe they could still bring back Mexican Dynasties? I miss them! It was the most fun I’ve had watching Bravo in many years.
Sadly, they will not bring back Mexican Dynasties. We just have to love this show for as long as we are allowed to have it.
I enjoyed the show and I am glad that you are recapping it as well.
Long time reader, first post here! I am an Indian-American born and raised in the US. My husband and I have been waiting for the premier and finally got to watch it tonight. We really enjoyed it (was a little to close to home with the aunties lol).
Happy to answer any questions anyone has. Also the prayer for the car was called a Puja. And Indian new year (Diwali) is celebrated in November if that helps!
YAY! Welcome! I am sure we will have lots of questions! Thanks for the info!
So far I jus love this show
Thanks for the recap Tamara. I’ve been afraid to post because my superstition mind that makes me think if I say positive things about a positive show then the Bravo gods will hear me and then kill the show. At least that’s what I believe happened to shows like Tour Group, Mexican Dynasties and Backyard Envy,
So in love with this show. I keep replaying them because they are what we need today in 2020!
I’m watching, loving it and telling everyone and their mom to watch it!! I am so excited to read your recaps and find others to talk about it with!! Pour one our for mexican dynasties I miss if so much ?
I’m watching! Just started last night! Great recap. Thank you.
watched the first 3 episodes I LOVE IT!! bring it on! like others mentioned I too enjoyed Mexican dynasties however I think I like Family Karma even more, its great fun! Nice change to the line up out there I do hope it continues on!