Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt and one of the original investor-judges on Shark Tank India, has opened up about his views on how the show has changed since it first aired. In a recent conversation on a podcast, Aman expressed concern over the shifting motivations of some of the newer sharks joining the panel.
While refraining from naming individuals directly, Aman suggested that a few of the recent entrants might be more interested in polishing their public image than genuinely contributing as investors. He said that he prefers sharks whose businesses are thriving and who remain authentic in their approach, unlike those who appear to be on the show as a way to reshape their reputations. He recalled that some individuals initially declined to be part of the show, only to pursue a seat on the panel later when they saw the rising popularity of figures like Anupam Mittal and himself.
Reflecting on his own journey from Season 1 to Season 4, Aman emphasised that while he may have grown over time, his core character hasn’t changed. He spoke about staying true to his values and avoiding fake behaviour. He also mentioned his admiration for fellow shark Namita Thapar’s consistent honesty regarding her domain expertise, pointing out that their strength lies in being unapologetically themselves.
Aman also touched upon the dangers of fame, warning how it can distort self-perception. He explained that once people receive constant praise from the media and those around them, it can lead to an inflated ego or a “God complex”. Citing his mother’s wisdom, he reminded listeners that even someone as powerful as Ravana couldn’t survive pride, and insisted that humility is crucial to sustaining success.
Shark Tank India premiered in 2021 and quickly became a household name for its unique format and panel of influential entrepreneurs including Aman, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal and Vineeta Singh.
Season 4 has introduced new sharks like Kunal Bahl, Viraj Bahl and Chirag Nakrani, further expanding the show’s roster and, as Aman implies, reshaping its essence.
