Over the last few years, Shark Tank India has turned founders into celebrities. But with that visibility has come something else, constant scrutiny.
The latest controversies around Namita Thapar and Peyush Bansal show a pattern that’s becoming hard to ignore. The show may be about startups, but the sharks themselves are increasingly becoming the story.
Peyush Bansal’s Lenskart Policy Row
Peyush Bansal, founder of Lenskart and a judge on Shark Tank India since Season 1, recently faced backlash over a reported internal company policy. Social media posts alleged that certain Hindu religious symbols like tilak or bindi were not allowed in the workplace, while other forms of religious expression were permitted.
The issue quickly escalated online, with users questioning consistency and fairness in corporate policies. The controversy brought Lenskart’s internal guidelines under public scrutiny. Later, Peyush Bansal released new guidelines allowing “religious, cultural, or family marks (such as bindi, tilak, sindoor, or any other).”
Namita Thapar’s “Namaz” Video Controversy
Namita Thapar, executive director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals and a judge across multiple seasons of Shark Tank India, sparked debate after sharing a video about the health benefits of namaz. In the video, she compared the physical movements in namaz to exercise routines.
While some viewers appreciated the perspective, others criticised the framing of a religious practice in a health context. The clip circulated widely, leading to mixed reactions and online discussions.
Ashneer Grover’s On-Screen Conduct
Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe and a judge in Season 1 of Shark Tank India, was one of the most talked-about figures on the show. Known for his blunt style, he drew criticism for several on-screen remarks that were seen as harsh or dismissive towards entrepreneurs.
Beyond the show, Grover was also involved in corporate controversies related to BharatPe, which eventually led to his exit from the company and the show. His conduct remained a major talking point even after Season 1 ended.
Aman Gupta’s Remarks on Judges
Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt and a regular judge since Season 1, drew attention for comments suggesting that some entrepreneurs join Shark Tank India to build their public image.
His remarks came during discussions around the show’s growing popularity and were widely circulated online. While not a direct controversy, the statement triggered debate about whether the platform is more about business or branding.
Anupam Mittal’s On-Air Criticism
Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and a judge since Season 1, has also faced occasional criticism for his tone during pitches. Known for his direct questioning style, some of his exchanges with contestants were perceived by viewers as overly critical.
Clips from certain episodes circulated on social media, adding to discussions around how judges engage with entrepreneurs on the show.
Shark Tank India Controversies
As Shark Tank India continues to grow in popularity, its judges are no longer just investors but widely followed public figures. Every statement, policy, or on-screen interaction now attracts immediate attention and reaction.
From workplace policies to social media posts and on-air comments, these controversies show how closely audiences track the actions of startup leaders. With rising visibility, the line between personal opinion and brand responsibility continues to blur, making public perception an increasingly important part of their journey.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The rise of Shark Tank judges as public figures reflects how entrepreneurship and influence are increasingly overlapping. While visibility helps build trust and inspire audiences, it also demands greater responsibility in communication.
In a diverse society, statements around identity and belief can quickly escalate beyond intent. The focus going forward should not be silence, but awareness, where influence is used thoughtfully, without compromising credibility or public trust.
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