Why Shark Tank India judges want Shark Tank Pakistan show to succeed though they find it 'funny'

During a conversation with influencer Sharan Hegde, Shark Tank India judges Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta recently took a playful jab at the Pakistani version of the popular business reality show. Mittal, founder of the matrimonial website Shaadi.com, and Gupta, the co-founder of Boat Electronics, expressed their amusement and confusion regarding Shark Tank Pakistan, which had recently caught their attention.

The discussion about Shark Tank Pakistan started when Hegde asked the entrepreneurs for their thoughts on the show. Mittal reacted with laughter, questioning what was happening on the show, while Gupta admitted that he hadn’t watched it in full but had come across a few snippets that he found interesting.

However, both Mittal and Gupta quickly highlighted a moment from Shark Tank Pakistan that went viral, which involved an elderly contestant asking for PKR 300 crore (approximately Rs 91 crore INR) in exchange for just 3 per cent equity in his business. This unusual request left the judges on Shark Tank Pakistan bewildered, with the contestant asserting that the sum should be a mere "peanut" for the investors. Mittal and Gupta found this situation particularly absurd, with Mittal laughing at the request and the overall approach on the show.


Mittal also pointed out that the show featured several instances of "fundamentally wrong" investment ideas and decisions, which he found amusing but also concerning. He specifically referred to the Rs 300 crore demand as an example of the strange business proposals that had been showcased, adding that such requests simply didn’t make sense in the context of business reality.

Despite their mocking remarks, Mittal stressed the importance of economic growth in neighbouring countries for regional stability. He explained that a lack of economic development in a country leads to various challenges, not only for that nation but for its neighbours as well. Mittal emphasized that if a country is not productive, it creates trouble for itself and others. This, he pointed out, applies to Pakistan, as any economic stagnation there could affect India’s progress too. Therefore, he concluded, it is in India’s best interest to see Shark Tank Pakistan succeed and inspire its citizens to work in the right direction.

Internet’s reaction

Many users agreed with Mittal’s perspective, suggesting that countries focused on work and innovation tend to thrive, while those that prioritize religion may struggle. One commenter pointed out that Pakistan’s economic difficulties could be attributed to its focus on religious matters rather than fostering innovation and progress.

Others found humour in the comparison, with one user suggesting that Shark Tank Pakistan was even more entertaining than Shark Tank India, adding a lighthearted twist to the conversation.

However, there were also counterarguments. One individual disagreed with Mittal, citing Nepal as an example of an economically weaker country that doesn't cause trouble despite its challenges. They also pointed out that the United States, despite being an economic superpower, has created significant problems globally, highlighting that the issue lies more in mindset than economic strength alone.

Another user praised Anupam Mittal for being the most insightful judge on Shark Tank India, noting that his perspective on the issue was spot on.