When Shark Tank India launched, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, turning its sharks into internet sensations. Even after shifting from TV to OTT and experiencing a slight dip, it continues to be a crowd-puller with 4–5 million weekly viewers. Recently, Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and one of the show’s sharks, opened up about the real purpose of the show and what happens behind the scenes.‘Shark Tank is building India’s entrepreneurial spirit’On the Think School podcast, Anupam Mittal shared, “I think the biggest change in the next decade is that India will become a world-dominating entrepreneurial force. I personally want to play a role in helping realise that dream — of India becoming the top entrepreneurial economy in the world. Shark Tank is one of the ways of doing that.”Anupam explained how the show is breaking myths about entrepreneurship. “There’s a belief that people who build billion-dollar companies or raise capital are in some other league, like celebrities. But Shark Tank is changing that narrative. It shows relatable stories. It makes people believe they can do it too, inspiring many to explore entrepreneurship.”ALSO READ | Getting Sussanne Khan to design your house will cost you atleast Rs 30,00,000; she reveals her first big pay chequeAnupam Mittal also revealed why Shark Tank places emphasis on making pitches dramatic. He said, “We cannot educate without engaging. On Shark Tank, a founder’s primary job is to educate us effectively. Investments and sales are byproducts. If you don’t engage me, you won’t get an investment. That’s why when someone walks in confidently and grabs attention, they create a window to educate us about their business.”He added, “When somebody walks in with confidence, opens a fridge, or does something surprising, they buy those first few minutes of attention. That’s when we’re ready to listen.”Contrary to popular belief, the ‘sharks’ never know in advance who is pitching. “We are not given cheat sheets or details about the companies. If we knew beforehand, the drama and spontaneity would be lost. The surprise element keeps us engaged. We don’t have the luxury of weeks to decide on Shark Tank. We have just an hour to make an investment decision.”Story continues below this adFor Anupam Mittal, the essence of Shark Tank India goes far beyond money: “At its core, Shark Tank is about education and inspiration. It makes people believe they, too, can dream big and build something of their own.”Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Shark Tank