Shark Tank India’s Chocolate Pitch Sparks Controversy – Were the Judges Fair?
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Shark Tank India, you know things can get pretty intense. Entrepreneurs pour their hearts into pitching their ideas, hoping for support from some of the country’s most seasoned business minds. But sometimes, what plays out on TV turns into a real conversation-starter—even controversy.
In one memorable episode, two founders presented something quite unique: aphrodisiac chocolates. Yes, chocolates designed to spice up your love life. Sounds interesting, right? But the pitch quickly took a heated turn when judge Anupam Mittal reacted rather harshly, calling the idea problematic. That exchange left many viewers—and even the founders—wondering: Was he being fair or a little bit of a hypocrite?
Let’s dive into what really happened, why it caused such a stir, and how Peyush Bansal stepped in to cool things down.
The Pitch That Got Everyone Talking
Two young entrepreneurs came to the Shark Tank India stage with big energy and a bold idea. Their startup? A company selling aphrodisiac-infused chocolates—products intended to boost intimacy and wellness in relationships. They pitched it as fun, natural, and backed by science.
You could feel the excitement as they explained their vision. Their candies were meant to enhance relationships in a healthy, open-minded way. They weren’t just selling chocolates—they were trying to challenge taboos and normalize conversations around intimacy in India.
But the room’s vibe shifted quickly.
Anupam Mittal’s Reaction: A “Tone Problem”?
Before the entrepreneurs even finished explaining, Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, swooped in with criticism. He felt the pitch crossed a line, calling it distasteful and inappropriate for national television.
The founders, clearly surprised, handled it with professionalism and tried to explain their intent. They pointed out that other brands, including big players in the health and wellness space, have marketed similar products. But Mittal wasn’t budging.
Now here’s where things got interesting.
Calling Out the Double Standards
Social media lit up with reactions. Many fans pointed out that Mittal himself runs a matchmaking platform that indirectly deals with romance and intimacy. So when he labeled their pitch inappropriate, people couldn’t help but notice the irony.
Even the entrepreneurs later admitted feeling that something was off. In a post-show interview, they respectfully suggested that Anupam’s response might have been influenced by personal bias rather than business reasoning.
Their point? You can’t promote marriage and relationships on one platform while judging someone else for doing the same, just in a different way.
Peyush Bansal Steps In
Amid the tension, one judge stood out for his balanced perspective—Peyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart. While some sharks rolled their eyes or dismissed the product, Bansal showed genuine curiosity.
He asked thoughtful questions, considered the product from a health and wellness perspective, and reminded the other judges—and viewers—that innovation often requires pushing boundaries.
Many viewers praised him for being level-headed. Some even credited him for helping the other sharks, especially Mittal, reflect on their reactions more critically.
What This Tells Us About Entrepreneurship in India
This episode wasn’t just about one pitch or one product. It opened up a larger conversation about changing cultural attitudes in India. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Innovation often challenges norms: Whether it’s food tech, fintech, or personal wellness, unique ideas often face resistance. But that’s part of what makes entrepreneurship exciting.
- Open-mindedness matters: As a growing economy, India needs diverse products and bold thinkers. We also need mentors and investors who can see beyond societal taboos.
- Healthy debate is good—hypocrisy isn’t: Feedback is key to success. But when it’s inconsistent or biased, it can hurt innovative ideas and discourage risk-takers.
Were The Judges Being Hypocritical?
It’s easy to criticize someone on TV, but it’s more important to reflect on the message behind their reactions. Let’s ask ourselves:
– If this product had been pitched by a larger, more established brand, would the reaction have been the same?
– Are we judging new ideas fairly, or letting personal discomfort cloud our business judgment?
– And finally, shouldn’t we be supporting entrepreneurs who are trying to promote open, healthy conversations, especially in areas that are usually kept hush-hush?
These aren’t easy questions. But they’re necessary if we want to grow as a modern, progressive nation—and truly support disruptive business ideas.
How Viewers Responded
Audiences had a lot to say, and not just in support of the chocolate founders. Many defended Anupam, suggesting that as a judge, he had the right to express discomfort. But the overwhelming sentiment leaned toward the view that everyone deserves a fair, open-minded hearing—especially when their product is legal, researched, and aimed at improving lives.
Interestingly, after the backlash, some other judges seemed a bit more self-aware in episodes that followed. So maybe this heated moment did some good after all.
Key Lessons For Founders
If you’re an entrepreneur, moments like these offer valuable lessons:
- Know your audience, but stay true to your mission.
- Anticipate objections and prepare level-headed responses.
- Stay composed—even when the spotlight turns critical.
- Find investors who align with your values.
Most importantly, remember this: the road to success is rarely smooth. But if you believe in your idea, be ready to defend it—with facts, grace, and resilience.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Chocolates
This Shark Tank India episode was about a lot more than chocolates. It sparked a deeper debate about culture, innovation, and the role of investors in shaping tomorrow’s start-ups.
Were the aphrodisiac chocolates controversial? Maybe a little. But they were also creative, solution-oriented, and rooted in a very real need. Isn’t that what entrepreneurship is all about?
At the end of the day, perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: India’s startup scene is growing, but so are the conversations we must have—to make room for bold ideas, challenge old mindsets, and push the envelope without fear.
And that might be the most delicious part of all.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with how the Shark Tank judges reacted? Would you invest in a product like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, engaging takes on India’s startup ecosystem.
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
