Shark Tank 3: What Exactly Happened Between Pitcher Soumya Mishra And Shark Peyush Bansal?

The recent season of Shark Tank India has ignited a trend where entrepreneurs take to social media or the media to voice their less-than-positive encounters with the show. The most recent critic is Saumya Mishra, the founder of a beauty and skincare brand.

What Happened Between Pitcher Soumya And Shark Peyush Bansal?

Unpleasant Exchange On The Show

Saumya Misra, founder of #AvataarSkincare has amused the Sharks with her different colourful avatars!?

Will her interesting pitch impress the Sharks or will her sales numbers help her bag a deal?? pic.twitter.com/fD9Efm1bHM

¡ª Shark Tank India (@sharktankindia) February 26, 2024

During her pitch, Saumya faced probing questions from Peyush Bansal, who questioned her use of the term "ladki" to refer to her employees. Additionally, Vineeta Singh labelled her "arrogant." The uncomfortable interaction left Saumya in tears, despite ultimately securing a deal with Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal.

Accusations And Tears: Saumya Slams Peyush In Interview

Picture Of Soumya Mishra From Shark Tank 3/Twitter

In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Saumya did not hold back as she accused Peyush of playing a "very good PR game." She clarified that her use of the term "ladki" was misinterpreted, emphasising her intention to highlight the need for trained therapists. Saumya expressed frustration, stating that the focus shifted from her business to her character, leaving her concerned about the impact on her reputation.

Peyush's Alleged PR Strategy

Saumya continued to criticise Peyush, describing him as the "worst of all." She claimed that his attempts to console her on the show were a facade, accusing him of building his own brand at the expense of her image. The entrepreneur provided insights into how cleverly building a brand and image could influence public perception.

Vineeta's Role And Praise For Aman And Anupam

Regarding Vineeta, Saumya revealed that a significant portion of Vineeta's remarks didn't make it to the aired episode. She alleged that Vineeta continuously belittled her personality as they lacked counterarguments about her business. Saumya praised Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal for giving her the chance to express her views and vision.

Shark Tank India Compared To Roadies Audition

Expressing her dissatisfaction, Saumya compared the Shark Tank India experience to a Roadies audition. She suggested that the Sharks, inspired by Ashneer Grover, aim for controversy and rudeness, potentially sacrificing the founders' images for publicity and TRP ratings.

No Desire To Meet Peyush And Vineeta Again

Saumya concluded by stating that she had a harrowing experience with Peyush and Vineeta, noting that the episode did not capture the full extent of the harsh comments she endured. She likened her two hours in the tank to torture and expressed her reluctance to meet the sharks again.

Call for Transparency and Respect

Saumya urged the show to be transparent about its expectations for entrepreneurs and criticised the trend of degrading founders for the sake of entertainment. She emphasised the need for respectful interactions on the show, contrasting the current atmosphere with the original purpose of Shark Tank.