Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently shared a unique yet insightful piece of advice for women when it comes to choosing a life partner—do not date a man who cannot cook the basic Indian comfort food dal and rice. This advice, though lighthearted on the surface, carries a deeper meaning about partnership, equality, and health, resonating widely on social media and sparking conversations on modern relationships.
Key Highlights of Rujuta Diwekar’s Advice
Rujuta emphasized the importance of a partner who shares responsibilities, especially in the kitchen, framing cooking as a key indicator of equality and teamwork in a relationship.
Her statement was succinct: if a man cannot make a simple meal like dal and rice, women should reconsider dating or marrying him.
She compared the lack of shared kitchen duties to “load shedding” in Indian households, a term popularly used for power outages causing inconvenience—implying neglected responsibilities lead to avoidable problems.
Rujuta linked shared cooking to better health outcomes, stating that ordering food frequently due to one partner’s disengagement can contribute to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
She advocates breaking gender stereotypes around cooking, encouraging couples to embrace “gender-neutral kitchens” where both partners are actively involved.
The Philosophy Behind the Advice
Rujuta’s advice extends beyond culinary skills to the broader concept of shared living and mutual respect. Cooking together or sharing kitchen duties symbolizes a balanced relationship where chores and emotional labor do not fall unevenly. She highlights that managing everyday life—such as preparing nutritious food—is crucial for health and wellbeing, and these foundational acts speak volumes about partnership compatibility.
Health, Happiness, and Household Harmony
According to Rujuta, cooking at home regularly ensures healthier diets, portion control, and better nutrition—factors essential for maintaining good health and physique. When partners collaborate in meal preparation, they not only nurture their bodies but also foster emotional connections, communication, and empathy, thereby reinforcing relationship bonds.
A New Narrative on Gender Roles
The celebrity nutritionist challenges entrenched societal norms that often label cooking as a woman’s duty. She champions a progressive approach where skills like cooking are seen as life skills valuable to all, regardless of gender. This aligns with modern ideals of equality within households and relationships, shifting away from outdated gender roles and promoting empowerment and respect.
Social Media and Public Reaction
Rujuta’s candid video on Instagram quickly went viral, receiving praise for its mix of humor and wisdom. Many viewers resonated with the practical nature of her advice and applauded her for blending health, lifestyle, and relationship guidance into one memorable message. Memes and comments emphasizing “No Dal, No Date” circulated widely, making it a trending topic among youth and lifestyle circles.
Practical Takeaways for Couples
Assess cooking skills and willingness to share kitchen duties as part of relationship compatibility.
View meal preparation as an opportunity for bonding and mutual care.
Embrace kitchen equality to support healthier lifestyles and reduce stress.
Consider cooking skills as indicators of broader life skills and emotional maturity in partners.
In Conclusion
Rujuta Diwekar’s advice to women to prioritize partners who can cook dal and rice is a humorous yet profound reminder of the foundational elements for a balanced, healthy, and joyous partnership. Beyond just food, it advocates for shared responsibility, dismantling gender stereotypes, and nurturing physical and emotional wellbeing in relationships. This perspective adds a fresh voice to dating wisdom, encouraging women to look beyond superficial traits and focus on practical life skills that truly matter.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, Boldsky, Indian Express, Economic Times
