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Netflix's new reality series Desi Bling has sparked debate online after a viral clip from its first episode showed Dubai-based billionaire couple Tabinda Sanpal and Satish Sanpal discussing their morning ritual: the wife waking up her husband with a daily 15-minute foot massage, which they describe as a practice to invite Lakshmi (wealth) into the home. Several social media users linked the moment to misogynistic traditions often glorified as "pati seva" in Indian marriages. The clip has since triggered conversations around relationship dynamics and the portrayal of gender roles in the series. The now-viral moment also features actors Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra as Tabinda and Satish explain their belief that massaging a husband's feet brings prosperity to the household. "Lakshmi aati hai," says Tabinda, leaving Tejasswi visibly shocked before she quickly responds that she would never be able to do the same.

VIRAL VIDEOS FROM THE SHOW

One widely circulated clip shows Tabinda, also called Binda, giving Satish a morning foot massage while explaining her routine. She says, “Since I am with Satish, I massage his feet every morning. He wakes up like a prince. As a Hindu, he believes that if a wife touches her husband’s feet every morning, toh bahaut Lakshmi aati hai (then Goddess Lakshmi brings a lot of prosperity).” In another clip, she is seen cutting Satish’s nails and describing it as a gesture of love and care. The widely circulated clip shows Tabinda saying, “I have been cutting Satish's nails for nine years. This is a sign of love, respect, and care for me.” Tejasswi Prakash is also seen reacting in the show, saying, “I am not doing that.”

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS

The clips have triggered widespread discussion online, with many users criticising the relationship dynamics shown in the series. One user wrote, "pati seva' in 2026? No matter how rich you are, money can't buy class, can buy misogyny though." Another user wrote, “Kya faida, phir bhi cheat karta hai. Khudi batati hai ki mujhe farq nhi padta (What’s the point, he still cheats. She herself says she doesn’t care.)" Another commented, “Paisa bolta h hence proved (Money speaks, hence proved.)" A user added, “Paiso se buddhi nahi aati had a face it would be hers (Money doesn’t bring wisdom; if wisdom had a face, it would be hers.)" One more reaction read, “This is not love, this is domination.” The series focusses on the 'bling' life of Indian couples based in Dubai - their lifestyle, businesses, their way to looks at relationships and marriages. It is the Indian version of the popular reality show Dubai Bling, also available on Netflix. India Today gave the review a 3-star rating and wrote, "Desi Bling leaves you feeling both jealous and grateful at the same time. Yes, you want the cars, the clothes and the mansions. But after hours of watching all the scandals and fakeness, you also start appreciating the quiet luxury of peace. Because somewhere between the diamonds and dysfunction, Desi Bling accidentally makes normal life look aspirational."