New Delhi: Indian audience’s undying love for melodrama and controversies isn’t a hidden secret. Be it singing shows like Indian Idol or Test of wit like Kaun Banega Crorepati, all successful adaptations of foreign shows come up with a Desi tadka to sizzle the Indian viewers.
This is why Shark Tank India took off like no other and now is back with its second season which is doing quite well so far. However, it’s not even a month since its airing and the show has already stepped into some heavy controversies.
The US Shark Tank: https://t.co/dMWJGe9O6a
V/S
The Indian Shark Tank: https://t.co/cXRxzBY325
P.S. just the promo for the Indian shark tank but the guy doesn’t get a deal and is mocked by insensitive folks.
— Darshita Shah ? (@Darshita_MUFC) January 12, 2023
So much so that fans are asking if Ekta Kapoor directed Shark Tank India Season 2 after watching the latest promo where Namita is seen walking out while shouting at Anupam to keep his ego in check.
Moreover, Indian audiences are looking at American Shark Tank and drawing comparisons between the two. And Shark Tank India is being called out for its melodramatic sequences, alleged unfairness from the sharks, and lack of diversity.
Same Product Copy Pasted From Shark Tank USA in Shark Tank India #copy @GabbbarSingh @RVCJ_FB pic.twitter.com/TjuHh6rOIs
— Shubham Sable (@shubhamsablee) January 13, 2023
Wouldn’t a face-off between Shark Tank India and Shark Tank America be exciting? Of course!
So let’s put the two side by side and compare how the pitches, content, and motto of the two differ.
1. Melodrama and Partiality: Are Indian Sharks too rude?
After the Recode fiasco, Indian Sharks found themselves under the radar of Netizens who accused them of partiality and grouping against nascent competitors.
Many fans expressed how they are missing Ashneer Grover, who was part of the show in the first season. Although blunt, Ashneer was very much appreciated for his honesty.
In all this Recode Fiasco in #SharkTankIndiaS2 were sharks were afraid to invest in potential competitor to fellow shark friend’s brand
Remembering what a Shark Ashneer Grover was, who saved this guy from selling hammer to Aman
Ashneer ?#SharkTankIndia #SharkTankIndiaSeason2 pic.twitter.com/NeahUaZhId— Ted (@SavageClown666) January 5, 2023
Another blow in the face of Shark Tank Season 2 is audiences not liking the mocking attitude of certain sharks.
But is this only limited to Indian Shark Tank? Anyone thinking of US sharks as polite and gentle is mistaken big time. From calling an entrepreneur a ‘Gold digger’ to making her cry, US sharks often cross lines that are considered scalding in the Indian climate.
Don’t let rejection hold you back! Take inspiration from Jamie Siminoff, a rejected contestant on Shark Tank who returned 5 years later as a shark himself. Work hard & stay motivated, and your success will speak for itself. #sharktank #jamiesiminoff #SuccessStory #SharkTankIndia pic.twitter.com/xr44uyDH4P
— Sudip Mehra (@SudipMehra) January 6, 2023
US sharks go as far as throwing water on each other and outright calling some pitches scams. Well, the US audience at least doesn’t mind these antics.
On the other hand, Namita and Anupam squabbling in Promo didn’t sit right with Indian watchers.
Shark Tank India 2 is slowly turning into Indian Idol.
— Udit Goenka (@iuditg) January 4, 2023
So this round is a tie. Drama, name-calling, and mockery will never part ways from these corporate players, be it in USA or India.
2. Indian Sharks in loss vs US Sharks in profit
As the audience is turning hostile to the Sharks, some are pointing out that Indian Sharks are themselves in a drowning boat.
Some hard truths about Shark Tank India! How credible are the Sharks? pic.twitter.com/5zEUgtW5DB
— Shantanu (@shantanub) January 12, 2023
Starting with judges from the first season, Ghazal Alagh’s Mamaearth faced losses of over 400 crores in the fiscal year 2023. Ashneer Grover got evicted from the Bharat Pe company after its downfall with a loss of Rs. 5,594 crores in the last fiscal year.
This season’s Sharks aren’t doing too well either in their respective businesses. For example, Suger cosmetics incurred losses of rs. 75 CRORE in 2022. Similarly, Lenkart also faced a loss of over a hundred crores in FY 2022.
Contrast it with US sharks Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, and Mark Cuben whose businesses are in profit right now.
Indian audiences aren’t too fond of Namita Thapar, who they consider represents nepotism and classism as she is not the founder of her company but a CEO in her father’s.
However, the counter thought is that the motto of the show is not to polish the business ventures of the judges but to provide funds for the rinsing enterprises. As long as Indian Sharks are able to fund and support startups, they are qualified to be in the Show.
