My parents don't approve of my guy

We both live in the same neighbourhood in Matunga. But the problem is that we both belong to different region. He's from Kerala and I'm from Punjab. He is ready for marriage but my parents can't believe that their son-in-law will be a Malayali. It's too much of a culture shock for them. What should I do?
- Jaspinder

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Jaspinder,
Considering that you stay in Mumbai where people from all over India reside, it is not that you are not exposed to different cultures. So it is not that your parents are not familiar with people from South India, especially in Matunga which is their abode. Try and convince your folks. Do it gradually and slowly. Explain to them that you will be staying close by and it is not as if you will lose your identity. It could be a good mingling of cultures. I am sure they will get convinced. Best of luck.