Once childhood sweethearts, Kunal Mukherjee and Ashoka Bhattacharya reconnected in their later years. In 2023, Mukherjee proposed, and they held a private religious ceremony at Bhattacharya's home, without guests or even their children present.

Remarrying at this age challenges social barriers and taboos in India, where romantic relationships between older adults, especially widows and divorcees, are often frowned upon. Bhattacharya shared that close friends and siblings cut ties with her after learning about the marriage.

Kunal Mukherjee and Ashoka Bhattacharya married in Kolkata, India. Photo: CNA

Kunal Mukherjee and Ashoka Bhattacharya married in Kolkata, India. Photo: CNA

An increasing number of senior citizens in India are seeking companionship, some through matchmaking services and dating apps, while others choose cohabitation, defying traditional norms.

A 2024 survey by the Agewell Foundation, an organization focused on elderly Indians, revealed that 15% of urban residents aged 60 and above live alone. Of the 10,000 participants, 57.3% reported greater independence, but 40.8% admitted that loneliness negatively impacts their mental health.

Dr. Arunansu Talukdar, head of geriatrics at the Medical College Hospital Kolkata, often hears elderly patients ask, "What's the point of living longer?" Without partners or children, many lose their sense of purpose and community, leading to declining health. He considers loneliness a silent killer, prompting the hospital to organize regular social gatherings and matchmaking events.

These events, held four times a year, consistently reach full capacity with 200 attendees. "Illness, health anxieties, and the fear of death drive their desire for companionship," Dr. Talukdar explains.

Padmeswar Goala, 71, and Jayaprabha Bora, 80, had never married before meeting at the Pramod Talukdar Old Age Home. Their affection developed naturally, with Bora taking the initiative after hearing Goala sing. He humorously recalled Bora's jealousy when he interacted with other women.

With the support of the home's staff, their February wedding drew 4,000 guests. The couple received a private room and a honeymoon at a nearby hill resort. While unfamiliar with the concept of a honeymoon, Bora envisioned a joyful time of singing, dancing, and shared experiences.

Despite evolving attitudes, some still criticize such unions as "shameful," with older women facing harsher judgment. Sultana Abdullah, 67, understands this firsthand. Her family encouraged religious pilgrimages over dating, noting that women in her community are expected to suppress or conceal romantic desires.

Having worked as a flight attendant for 37 years and traveled extensively, Abdullah prioritizes personal freedom. She continues to travel and hopes to find a life partner, particularly after her mother's passing in 2016, which left her yearning for comfort, care, and kind words.

Bhattacharya's daughter and in-laws are still unaware of her remarriage, a situation she navigates carefully to protect her daughter from potential negativity.

During a photoshoot at Victoria Memorial Gardens in Kolkata, Mukherjee and Bhattacharya openly displayed their affection. Mukherjee acknowledged societal pressures, especially for women of their generation, while emphasizing the importance of their own happiness. After initially keeping their relationship private, they chose to go public.

Bhattacharya admitted it's unconventional but affirmed their joy and desire for autonomy. "If others disapprove, that's their problem," Mukherjee stated. "The world has changed, and after a lifetime of living for others, I need to live for myself."

Ngoc Ngan (CNA)