The entrepreneurial reality show, Shark Tank India, has made a grand return with its highly anticipated Season 5, which is currently on air. The new season promises more high-stakes pitches, intense negotiations, and the dynamic interactions between the celebrated investors, or 'Sharks'. In a recent exclusive conversation, Shark and OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal opened up about one of the show's most talked-about relationships: his frequent disagreements and camaraderie with co-Shark and boAt co-founder, Aman Gupta.
The On-Screen Rivalry and Off-Screen Bond
Reflecting on the previous season, Ritesh Agarwal acknowledged that there were several deals where he and Aman Gupta were at loggerheads. While he initially tried to laugh off their clashes, he admitted that the competitiveness viewers see is genuine. However, he was quick to emphasize that this rivalry is strictly confined to the tank. Off-screen, the two share a strong friendship.
Ritesh highlighted this unique bond by mentioning, "Last year, one of our videos... is actually among the most viewed videos on the internet, where we are talking about our friendship." He elaborated on their similar mindsets despite different backgrounds, stating that both believe "good entrepreneurs are going to be the next future" and that they prefer to "bet behind the jockey, not the horse." Their shared passion is backing innovative entrepreneurs who are at the "cutting edge of innovation" and culture.
Natural Competitiveness in the Tank
When such promising entrepreneurs pitch, Ritesh explained how their competitive instincts take over. "In such cases, naturally, we are offering deals together on many occasions. And when you offer together, both of us, naturally, want to win the deal. And when you want to win the deal, you do what it takes to win," he shared.
He teased an exciting pitch for the new season, revealing, "This year, there will be a very fascinating pitch that you will see. This year, we both give the deal. We tease each other. After that, the entrepreneur says, 'Will you come together?' And we do go together." He added that they then work to convince the entrepreneur that they can create tremendous value as a team.
Independent Views, Collaborative Success
Speaking about their working relationship, Ritesh clarified that having independent views does not hinder their collaboration. "We have our independent views, but at the same time, that doesn't have any perspective on how we work together," he noted.
He praised Aman Gupta's contribution to the show and the startup ecosystem, calling him "one of the few entrepreneurs who has seen through the entire five seasons and has done extremely well for so many entrepreneurs." Ritesh concluded on a collaborative note, expressing his enjoyment in working with Aman on co-deals, "I worked with him on a bunch of deals, where we've done a co-deal together, and I've enjoyed doing it."
As Shark Tank India Season 5 continues to air, viewers can expect more of this compelling mix of fierce business rivalry and underlying mutual respect between two of India's most prominent young investors.
