New Delhi: Shark Tank India judges Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta have finally noticed viral clips from the Pakistani version of their business reality show and they have one question: What exactly is happening there?
Recently, a video from Shark Tank Pakistan of a businessman asking for an investment of PKR 300 crore (approximately INR 91 crore) in exchange for just 3 per cent equity in his company went viral. Taking a jibe at the clip, Mittal said that there are things that are “fundamentally and technically wrong” with the show.
The discussion started when podcaster Sharan Hegde asked Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, and Gupta, the co-founder of Boat Electronics, about their thoughts on Shark Tank Pakistan. Mittal’s reaction was instantaneous—bursting into laughter, he quipped, “Bhai ho raha kya hai wahan pe? (What is happening there?)”
Gupta, while admitting he hadn’t watched the entire show, shared that he had seen a few snippets, which he found “interesting” but still “far from perfect”. Mittal went on to express a more serious sentiment, emphasising that for a nation to thrive, neighbouring countries must also make progress.
“If a country doesn’t have economic growth, it will create trouble. If people aren’t productive, they create problems. This applies to individuals as well,” he explained. “Same thing with Pakistan. If Pakistan isn’t productive, it will create trouble, and we [India] will have to deal with it. It will slow us down.”
Mittal stressed that it was in India’s best interest for Shark Tank Pakistan to inspire the country’s entrepreneurs and guide them toward a more productive future.
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‘Our sharks don’t act’
Pakistanis were quick to defend the show and point out that both countries differ on financial levels and it would be unfair to compare the two.
“Negative stories often grab the most attention, but did you know Usman Bashir, one of the Sharks, made the largest investment (USD 5.4 Million) in Shark Tank global’s history? Yes, some pitches were hilarious attempts at free marketing, but there’s more to the show than just humor!” Abdus Sattar pointed out on Instagram.
A YouTube user called the Indian judges dolphins instead of sharks.
“If u look at any other country’s shark tank these so called sharks look like dolphins and i personally consider them as dolphins only. Har bar satgh me compnay lete hai ye log koi bhi shark tank me esa nahi hota asli shark wohi hai jo kisi or ko deal karne na de (Every time these people need company [while investing] and no other Shark Tank has this. True shark is someone who doesn’t let anyone else make the deal),” the user wrote.
Comal Fahad, an Instagram user, wrote that the judges don’t understand the economic condition of Pakistan.
“India is far more bigger in area as well as economy wise. Pakistan is facing terrorism and bad political situation since last 3/4 decades inn halaat main if anyone is doing any kind of business in Pakistan it’s a big thing. They can say all that bcz India main stability hai,” the user wrote.
Others thought the Indian show was full of overacting.
“Did you find it funny? At least our sharks don’t act. You just keep overacting. Pakistan too has new startups like India, it’s just that India is bigger and has more population. We don’t have any dearth of money. You have to understand that we don’t have money as a country but we have money, as individuals,” an Instagram user said.
Despite the banter and the occasional criticism, Shark Tank Pakistan has made waves in the world of business. The show recently witnessed the largest deal in Shark Tank history when a Pakistani entrepreneur secured an investment worth PKR 150 crore (approximately USD 53 lakh).
However, not all feedback was as positive. Some viewers believe the Pakistani panel of investors—Faisal Aftab, Rabeel Warraich, Aleena Nadeem, Romanna Dada, Junaid Iqbal, Karim Teli, and Usman Bashir—could stand to be a bit more entertaining.
“Pakistan Shark Tank sharks need to be more entertaining. They are way too shareef (polite). Koi Ashneer Grover type character laao,” wrote X user Yang Goi. He was referring to the famously outspoken Indian investor Ashneer Grover, who became a fan favourite on Shark Tank India due to his bold, no-nonsense approach.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)