Netflix's latest reality series, 'Desi Bling,' premiered just a few days ago, and the internet has already delivered its verdict. The show, a spin-off of 'Dubai Bling,' follows ultra-wealthy Indian expats in Dubai as they navigate glitzy parties, secrets, and drama. However, viewers are not impressed, calling out the series for its portrayal of misogyny and patriarchy, and labeling it the new 'cringe watch.'
What is 'Desi Bling'?
The official plot line of the seven-episode series reads: 'Glitzy parties and delicious secrets rule the lives of ultra-wealthy Indian expats as they spare no expense, or drama, in this reality series.' Set within one of Dubai's most elite Desi social circles, the show offers an unfiltered look at a world where money is everything. While the faces may not be widely known in the glam world, they have deep-rooted connections in the entertainment industry. Notably, beloved television couple Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash are major players in the show.
Internet slams 'Desi Bling' for peak patriarchy
The show provides a glimpse into the lives of celebrity couples, and these sneak peeks are being brutally trolled. Viewers have taken to social media to express their outrage. One X user wrote: 'I've reached the consensus that Desi Bling is just about men wanting their women to be submissive, the women being so isolated that they stay due to the lack of a support system. Perfect representation of the Indian patriarchal system.' Another chimed in: 'I feel like Desi Bling is a propaganda show funded by misogynistic men society and spineless women to forward their cringeworthy agenda, but I just can't prove it yet.'
Other reactions were equally scathing. 'The men on Desi Bling are actually horrible, I think only like one of them is sensible. Those women really married horrible rich men,' expressed an X user. Another wrote: 'Desi bling really be testing my patience because why are some of these men talking to their wives/girls like THAT?? the disrespect is actually insane and the fact some of these women just let it slide has me fully gobsmacked every episode #DesiBling.'
One user simply called it 'so disturbing,' adding: 'The men are such traditionally toxic Indian men obsessed with money, clothes & partying. Some of the women so imbedded in that subservient culture they support the men's behaviour. The girl Iryna married to that Dyuti man smh poor girl.'
Comparisons with 'Dubai Bling' are also rife. 'The men on Desi Bling are so ill-mannered. I have seen reality TV show from Dubai and I think that's how most of their men really behaves. They are not well-trained at all,' said one viewer. Another wrote: 'So the men on Desi Bling don't like responsibilities. Arabs would never ? please they need to bring back my Dubai Bling.'
As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen whether the show will address these criticisms or double down on its controversial content.
