Ashneer Grover Takes Another Dig at Anupam Mittal
The dynamic between Shark Tank India alumni Ashneer Grover and Anupam Mittal continues to make headlines, with the two entrepreneurs exchanging comments about each other long after Ashneer’s exit from the show. The duo, who served as judges in the reality show’s first season, frequently clashed on-screen, and their differences seem to persist off-screen as well.
Ashneer’s Experience Raising Funds from Anupam
At a recent panel discussion, Ashneer Grover shared a quirky anecdote about his early entrepreneurial days when he approached Anupam Mittal to raise funds for BharatPe, the payment app he co-founded. Ashneer revealed, “I once went to Anupam Mittal to raise money. He would make me go around in circles and not give me a single penny. He still doesn’t give anybody anything. He only gives ‘gyaan,’ not money. I would wait for him at the cafe under his office, where there was a dosa guy.”
Interestingly, Ashneer mentioned that he gave the dosa vendor one of BharatPe’s early QR codes, which became a milestone in his journey. The vendor reportedly called him directly whenever the QR code stopped working, making him one of BharatPe’s first adopters.
Anupam’s Subtle Clapback
Anupam Mittal, who remains a part of Shark Tank India as it gears up for a new season, hasn’t shied away from responding to Ashneer’s digs. In an interview with Mashable India, Anupam made a cryptic comment when shown a photo of the first season’s ‘sharks.’ He said, “This is from Season 1 because some of the sharks aren’t with us. May their soul rest in peace.”
Ashneer, known for his outspoken nature, had previously labeled himself as the dominating personality of the first season. He implied that the show couldn’t afford him anymore, adding fuel to the fire.
Clashing at Public Events
At a college fest earlier this year, Ashneer Grover reignited his feud with Anupam Mittal by commenting on his age, saying, “Mr. Mittal is getting on in age. Students touch his feet when they meet him, that’s how old he is.” He didn’t stop there and targeted the show’s declining popularity post his exit, claiming, “The first season, where I was a part, had the highest TRPs. The subsequent seasons lack the energy and spark that I brought to the table.”
Ashneer further suggested that the current panel of sharks is still “auditioning” to fill his void, adding another layer to their ongoing rivalry..
Revisiting BharatPe Pitch
Ashneer’s history with Anupam predates Shark Tank India. Speaking on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Ashneer recalled pitching BharatPe to Anupam not once but twice, only to be met with disappointment. Despite Anupam’s reputation as an investor, Ashneer secured funding from other sources. Reflecting on the experience, he added, “Sometimes, you realize that not every investor aligns with your vision. In hindsight, I’m glad we went in a different direction because it allowed us to grow BharatPe the way we envisioned. It’s all part of the entrepreneurial journey.”
A Thorny Relationship
The ongoing remarks between the two entrepreneurs highlight a complicated dynamic that began during their stint on Shark Tank India. While Anupam continues to mentor budding entrepreneurs on the show, Ashneer has carved a niche for himself as a social media personality, business influencer, and outspoken critic of his former co-judge.
The rivalry between these prominent entrepreneurs keeps fans intrigued, showcasing a blend of wit, competition, and a hint of personal history, keeping their feud in the public spotlight and fueling conversations about their contrasting approaches to business and mentorship.
