The entrepreneurial battleground is set for a grand return. Shark Tank India Season 5 is officially confirmed to premiere on January 5, 2026, bringing back the high-stakes drama of pitches, deals, and business wisdom to Indian television. The new season promises a potent mix of familiar faces and powerful new entrants on the investors' panel, ready to back the country's most innovative startups.
When and Where to Catch the New Season
Mark your calendars for the new year. The fifth season of the popular business reality show will hit the airwaves on Sony Entertainment Television. For digital viewers, the episodes will be available for streaming on SonyLIV. The format remains the thrilling crucible where shortlisted entrepreneurs, after rigorous screening, pitch their dreams to the Sharks, competing not just for capital but for invaluable mentorship and strategic partnerships.
The Returning Sharks: Stalwarts of the Tank
The core panel that audiences have grown to love will return with their expertise and sharp questions. This ensemble of seasoned investors includes:
Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, continues his journey from Season 1 with an estimated net worth of around Rs 185 crore.
Aman Gupta, the charismatic co-founder of boAt, remains a fan favourite with a net worth pegged at approximately Rs 720 crore.
Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics brings her consumer brand insight with a reported net worth of Rs 300 crore.
Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, holds a net worth of about Rs 640 crore.
Peyush Bansal, the visionary behind Lenskart, participates with an estimated net worth of Rs 610 crore.
The panel also features its wealthiest members: Ritesh Agarwal of OYO (net worth ~Rs 16,000 crore) and Amit Jain of CarDekho and InsuranceDekho (net worth ~Rs 2,900 crore).
Season 4 additions Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal, net worth ~Rs 900 crore) and Viraj Bahl (Veeba, net worth Rs 200-300 crore) also return to the Tank.
The New Sharks Entering the Waters
Season 5 introduces fresh blood to the panel, representing diverse sectors from FMCG to renewable energy. These new Sharks are:
Varun Alagh, CEO and co-founder of Honasa Consumer Ltd (parent company of Mamaearth, The Derma Co). His net worth is closely tied to his stake in the company, estimated at a massive Rs 5,900 crore.
Mohit Yadav, co-founder of skincare brand Minimalist. While his personal net worth isn't public, his company's landmark acquisition by Hindustan Unilever for Rs 2,955 crore in 2025 indicates significant financial success.
Shaily Mehrotra, CEO of Fixderma India. She holds a significant stake in her company, which was valued at around Rs 187 crore in 2025.
Hardik Kothiya, founder of Rayzon Solar. A young billionaire in the renewable energy space, his net worth is estimated at a staggering Rs 3,970 crore.
Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo Aviation, who built India's leading private jet marketplace. Her net worth is around Rs 420 crore.
Pratham Mittal, founder of Masters' Union and Tetr College of Business, whose net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
What to Expect from Season 5
The infusion of new Sharks guarantees diverse perspectives on investing. From Varun Alagh's deep understanding of digital-first consumer brands to Hardik Kothiya's expertise in green energy, entrepreneurs will face a wider range of industry-specific questions and deal structures. This season is poised to spotlight startups across even more sectors, reflecting the evolving Indian economy. The blend of original Sharks and powerful new entrants sets the stage for dynamic negotiations, potentially fiercer bidding wars, and groundbreaking deals that could shape the future of Indian business.
