Yanira D. Kivi 
India today is synonymous with ideas, risk, enterprise and entrepreneurship. Start-ups and a culture of entrepreneurial creation are deeply rooted in our society. And recognizing this societal shift, Sony Entertainment Television has launched shark tank india to provide an opportunity, a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs with interesting business ideas, business prototypes or active businesses to have their “sales pitches” assessed by business experts aka “sharks” and seek investment.
Produced by Studio Next (known for shows like CBC and Scam 1992), this groundbreaking show and a first for India has upGrad as the “Present Sponsor” and Flipkart as the “Co-Powered-by” sponsor. The show airs daily on weekdays.
shark tank india will not only help mentor the attendees (or “pitchers”), but will also provide first-hand experience to the masses by demystifying various nuances of the business and the potential it holds. The “sharks”, who are themselves successful entrepreneurs, are ready to invest in these potential businesses and nurture the country’s business aspirants from all walks of life.
The talented sharks of the very first edition of shark tank india are Ashneer Grover (Founder and CEO of BharatPe), Vineeta Singh (CEO and Co-Founder of Sugar Cosmetics), Peyush Bansal (Founder and CEO of Lenskart), Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Anupam Mittal (Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com – People Group), Ghazal Alagh (co-founder and Chief Mama of Mamaearth) and Aman Gupta (co-founder and chief marketing officer at boAt).
As the “Sharks” play a key role in shaping India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, host Rannvijay Singha acts as a guide for the show’s pitchers and audiences alike.
Entering the baccalaureate is an ultimate test of perseverance. Selected candidates or “Pitchers” will come face to face with “Sharks” or investors who will understand, evaluate and make an offer based on the candidate’s final pitch. The “Sharks” have no idea of the “locations” in advance. If the ‘pitchers’ manage to impress the ‘sharks’, they have a chance of getting an offer/investment from the ‘sharks’ right there – Jiska Idea Hoga Best, Usmain Karenge Sharks Invest (The ‘Sharks’ will invest in the best idea)!
Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the rights to the Indian adaptation of the globally successful commercial reality format shark tank. The format has invigorated businesses in over 40 countries since its first launch in 2001. With over 180 seasons; and won more than 30 awards worldwide, shark tank is the world’s first commercial reality show.
Since its first launch in 2001, as silver tigers in Japan created by Nippon TV, the format was later adapted as The dragon’s lair in 2005 in the UK and the show premiered in the US as shark tank in 2009. The format is distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Television.
Ashish Golwalkar, Head, Content – Sony Entertainment Television and Digital Business, said, “We are thrilled to bring to India the critically acclaimed commercial reality show that has helped build several multi-million dollar businesses. dollars in all geographies over the years. This groundbreaking show that celebrates entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with current sentiments across the country and we believe there couldn’t have been a better time to launch this show.
Indranil Chakraborty, Director of Studio Next, adds, “At Studio Next, we strive to present our viewers with entertainment with purpose. In line with this idea, we are excited to bring this unique viewing experience to audiences, not only educating them, but entertaining them at the same time. Giving a boost to India’s budding start-up ecosystem, the show focuses on Naye Bharat Ki Badalti Tasveer (The changing image of a New India) by giving the opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs of our country to pursue their great Indian dream and pitch their innovative ideas in front of the “Sharks”.
“Through these presentations, viewers will be able to see what is really going on behind those closed doors where big business happens; it certainly makes for an interesting watch. Through this show, we want to celebrate the undying spirit of Indian entrepreneurs from all walks of life and share their inspiring stories. The type of products and companies that have been showcased are outstanding and we hope to fuel more entrepreneurship and creativity through this show.
