When Dimple Met Rishi
When Dimple Met Rishi is a 2017 young adult romance novel from the United States, authored by Sandhya Menon. The story centers on 18-year-old Indian American Dimple Shah, who encounters Rishi Patel at a web development camp in San Francisco, leading to a romantic connection. Published on 30 May 2017, the book achieved status as a New York Times bestseller. An audiobook version is also accessible on Audible, narrated by Sneha Mathan and Vikas Adam. In 2020, the novel was transformed into the Netflix series Mismatched.
Reception
Critics responded favorably to When Dimple Met Rishi. Lucinda Dyer from Common Sense Media praised its authentic depiction of conservative Indian traditions intertwined with the lives of tech-oriented teenagers. Kirkus Reviews referred to it as "heartwarming, empathetic, and often hilarious—a delightful read." The Times of India commended the engaging storyline and its fulfilling conclusion. Christine Hepperman of the Chicago Tribune highlighted Menon's thoughtful representation of arranged marriage within the context of American adolescent experiences.
Nivea Serrao, writing for Entertainment Weekly, underscored the captivating romantic dynamic between the protagonists. The School Library Journal lauded the novel for successfully integrating Indian cultural elements and values into a contemporary romance that resonates with a diverse readership.
Adaptation
The novel was adapted into the web series Mismatched, developed by Gazal Dhaliwal and directed by Akarsh Khurana alongside Nipun Dharmadhikari. Featuring performances by Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf, the series debuted on Netflix on 20 November 2020.