Registrations for the much-awaited fifth season of Shark Tank India are now open, and this time, the announcement came with a bold, tongue-in-cheek teaser that sparked conversations across social media. The promo takes a swipe at Infosys founder Narayana Murthy鈥檚 controversial remarks about the need for Indian professionals to work 70 hours a week to boost the country鈥檚 productivity and global standing.
Murthy鈥檚 views stirred considerable public and professional debate since he first expressed them. He reaffirmed them at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit last year and advocated for longer work hours.
In direct response to such rigid work ideals, Sony鈥檚 promo for Shark Tank India Season 5 leans heavily into satire. The teaser showcases a series of fictional, wealthy CEOs dramatically complaining about the consequences of their employees leaving to pursue start-ups.
One mockingly groans about no longer having someone to carry his golf bag. Another, dripping with privilege, bemoans having to take 鈥渟haring鈥 helicopter rides to work. Through exaggerated scenarios, the video paints a clear picture of how some employers exploit the system, depending on overworked employees while enjoying luxury and comfort.
The narration takes a sarcastic tone, speaking directly to the viewers, discouraging them from dreaming big or starting their own ventures. The voiceover says: 鈥淵ou can change (your bosses鈥) lives. So, please work overtime. Sacrifice your personal life, your hobbies, and your start-up dreams. Work 70 hours for your bosses, at least until AI doesn鈥檛 replace you. Keep working, so that your millionaire bosses become billionaires. Save your bosses, do not apply to Shark Tank India.鈥
As these lines play, the visuals show worn-out employees logging in from beyond the grave, while their oblivious, wealthy employers party on luxury yachts, underlining the absurdity and cruelty of unrealistic workplace expectations.
The teaser doesn鈥檛 just entertain鈥攊t reflects a growing resistance against toxic work culture. Interestingly, several sharks from the show have previously expressed strong opinions about the 70-hour workweek suggestion.
Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt and a regular face on the panel, recently appeared on the Prakhar Ke Pravachan podcast, where he said such expectations are unnecessary in today鈥檚 evolving work environment.
Namita Thapar, another prominent shark, shared her candid opinion in a LinkedIn post: 鈥淪ay NO to 70-hour weeks, or if you want that life, say NO to being a parent!鈥
Her comment reflects the challenges many working parents face and the importance of setting boundaries between work and home life.
Not everyone on the panel disagrees with Murthy鈥檚 sentiment. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and one of the original sharks, responded to Namita鈥檚 post, saying, 鈥淣ot counting but am pretty sure you are up there in terms of weekly hours. Better to embrace and find work-life harmony than to continue to be torn between work-life balance.鈥 His comment seems to promote a more nuanced view, encouraging individuals to find their own rhythm between professional ambitions and personal priorities.
With its fifth season, Shark Tank India is once again encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their dreams, but this time with a sharper message. By using satire to critique outdated corporate ideologies, the show continues to position itself as a champion of innovation, independence, and personal empowerment.
As the registration gates open, the message is loud and clear: you don鈥檛 have to sacrifice your personal life to be successful. You can step off the treadmill and build something of your own鈥攋ust maybe with the sharks鈥 support.