Shark Tank India: From former shark Ashneer Grover’s 81 crore fraud case to Deepinder Goyal getting kicked out of season 4; Top controversies of the judges

Shark Tank India has not only been a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs but has also been at the center of several controversies involving its judges. From Ashneer Grover’s alleged ₹81 crore fraud case to Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s unexpected exit from Season 4, the show has seen its fair share of dramatic moments. As the latest season unfolds, here’s a look at some of the biggest controversies that have kept the judges in the headlines.

The rift between Namita Thapar and Ashneer Grover has continued ever since his exit from Shark Tank India. In Season 2, Namita took a dig at Ashneer by saying, “The toxicity is out for good,” indirectly referring to his absence. He later responded during an interview when a fan asked about Namita. He remarked, “Namita seems to be discussing me everywhere, maybe she misses me… I don’t go around talking about her, so you should ask her why she talks about me so much.” Their online back-and-forth has kept their rivalry in the spotlight even after Ashneer’s departure from the show.

The a recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 saw a heated exchange between Vineeta Singh and two brother entrepreneurs, Aditi and Ashish Jawa, who pitched their skincare brand Personal Touch. The duo valued their company at ₹120 crore, seeking ₹1.2 crore for a 1% stake. Despite their claims of rapid growth—from ₹1.5 crore to ₹20 crore in a year—and a ₹2.7 crore concert with B Praak, the sharks found inconsistencies in their figures. Vineeta suspected manipulation, pointing out anomalies in their social media engagement, such as 2 million views but only 700 likes on a reel. When asked about their organic vs. paid sales ratio, the pitchers failed to provide clear answers, disappointing Aman Gupta, Kunal Bahl, and Azhar Iqubal. Vineeta further questioned their high pricing strategy, suggesting their cousin, who manufactures their products, might be overcharging them. While the pitchers defended their business model using a “drop” sales strategy, the sharks remained skeptical. Eventually, Aman, Kunal, and Azhar backed out, with Vineeta criticizing their lack of transparency, stating, “Daal mein kuch kaala hai.” Fans are currently enjoying her on the show.

Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, revealed that he was “kicked out” of Shark Tank India Season 4 after Swiggy, Zomato’s direct competitor, became a sponsor of the show. Goyal, who was initially expected to be part of the sharks’ panel, claimed that his exit was influenced by Swiggy’s involvement, hinting at potential conflicts of interest. His statement has sparked discussions among fans, with many questioning whether corporate rivalries played a role in his removal from the show.

Former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Grover have been accused in a ₹81 crore fraud case registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The allegations claim they misused company funds through forged documents. Ashneer has denied all accusations, calling them baseless. The case has shocked netizens, sparking widespread discussions. As investigations continue, the truth behind these claims remains to be seen.

YouTuber and influencer Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast, was locked out of his LinkedIn account for over 48 hours following the backlash from his appearance on Shark Tank India Season 4. Seeking assistance, he tweeted to LinkedIn India, requesting help in regaining access. In response, LinkedIn apologized for the inconvenience and assured him of their support in resolving the issue.

Since Shark Tank India Season 1, conflicts among the ‘sharks’ have notably decreased following Ashneer Grover’s departure. However, a recent episode saw a heated moment between Anupam Mittal and Ritesh Agarwal. The panel also included Vineeta Singh, Namita Thapar, and Kunal Bahl. Husband-wife entrepreneurs Sahil and Arunima pitched their luxury goods servicing startup, Sneakinn, seeking ₹90 lakh for a 3% stake, valuing their business at ₹30 crore. They identified a market gap in high-end shoe and bag maintenance services and claimed to have reached ₹7 crore in sales within four years, with plans for physical outlets nationwide. During the discussion, Ritesh compared their business model to diagnostics services, prompting Vineeta to roll her eyes. Anupam joked about the concept, saying, “Aap bimaar jooton ki laboratory banayenge.” Ritesh responded with a playful jab about taking care of “elderly sharks” on the panel, which made Namita and Vineeta laugh. However, Anupam didn’t take it lightly and retorted, “Chalo, aap yeh toh samajh gaye aapka baap kaun hai.” The tense exchange highlighted rare friction among the otherwise cordial panel.

In an episode of Shark Tank India 3, Anupam Mittal made a lighthearted remark that seemed to be a dig at former shark Ashneer Grover. While listening to a pitcher present a rage room concept, Anupam jokingly said, “The one who used to get angry is gone.” The comment quickly grabbed attention, with many linking it to Ashneer, who was known for his blunt and aggressive approach in Season 1. This isn’t the first time Anupam has taken a subtle jab at Ashneer. During Season 2, when Ashneer was no longer on the panel, Anupam had made similar remarks, hinting at the change in dynamics after his departure. The latest quip once again made headlines, prompting a reaction from Ashneer, keeping their rivalry alive in the public eye.