Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a popular “shark” on Shark Tank India, recently shared a candid reflection on his unexpected journey into the entertainment world. Writing on LinkedIn, Mittal revealed that he never envisioned himself as a conventional businessman—describing his younger self as a “rebel with a ponytail” who constantly questioned authority. Drawing inspiration from Richard Branson, who turned business into an adventure spanning planes, music, and entertainment, Anupam Mittal has found himself walking a similar path.
The entrepreneur made his OTT debut with a cameo appearance in “Do You Wanna Partner,” a Prime Video series starring Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty that premiered on September 12, 2025. The show follows two female entrepreneurs launching a craft beer startup in India’s male-dominated business environment—a fitting platform for Anupam Mittal to play himself as an investor and entrepreneur.
Anupam Mittal Post on Linkedin:
The Shark Tank Effect: From Business Advisors to Celebrity Endorsers
What’s particularly striking is how Shark Tank India has transformed its panel of investors into mainstream entertainment personalities, creating a new category of celebrity entrepreneurs. Mittal’s entertainment ventures now include movie appearances, multiple advertisements, and his Shark Tank fame, illustrating how the show has become a launching pad for broader media careers.
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Ashneer Grover Takes the Host Chair
Fellow Shark Tank alumnus Ashneer Grover has also leveraged his reality TV fame, stepping into hosting with “Rise & Fall,” a new reality show that premiered on Amazon MX Player and Sony TV on September 6, 2025. The format divides 15 celebrity contestants between luxury penthouse living and bare-basics basement survival, with power dynamics constantly shifting. Grover, known for his blunt honesty on Shark Tank, brings that same energy to his hosting debut, working with contestants including Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma, Kubbra Sait, Kiku Sharda, and Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh.
Aman Gupta’s Advertising Empire Expansion
BoAt co-founder Aman Gupta has equally capitalized on his Shark Tank visibility, becoming a sought-after face for major advertising campaigns. His latest high-profile appearance is in Flipkart’s star-studded Big Billion Days 2025 campaign, which features an unprecedented lineup of 11 celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Farah Khan, and other Bollywood icons. Developed by Leo Burnett, the campaign represents one of the most celebrity-heavy advertising efforts in Indian festive marketing history.
The Strategic Entertainment Pivot
Anupam Mittal’s philosophy of “leaning into discomfort” reflects a broader strategic shift among business reality TV personalities. By embracing entertainment opportunities that initially feel uncomfortable or unconventional, these entrepreneurs are building personal brands that extend far beyond their core businesses. This approach mirrors Richard Branson’s model of turning entrepreneurship into entertainment, creating multiple touchpoints with audiences.
The pattern is clear: Shark Tank India has become more than a business reality show—it’s evolved into a celebrity-making platform that transforms serious entrepreneurs into entertainment personalities. Whether through OTT cameos, hosting gigs, or major advertising campaigns, these business leaders are discovering that fame from reality TV can be leveraged into diverse entertainment opportunities, creating new revenue streams and expanding their influence beyond traditional business circles.
