News Headline
Shark Tank India: Entrepreneurs who stole the show in Season one & two
Mumbai: Sony Entertainment Television recently announced the third season of the innovative and disruptive reality show Shark Tank India and there is excitement in the air as founders are yet again lining up to seek funds for their business ventures. While the last two seasons have been much loved and got India hooked, they have given India some interesting brands to look forward to. We had a meme fest with many of the founders and also Ashneer Grover, one of the sharks who would mince no words at all. As the registrations open and it shows a new way forward to the young founders, let’s go down memory lane and have a look at some of the memorable faces from Shark Tank India’s seasons one and two.
Sanandan Sudhir
When Sanandan Sudhir made his first appearance on the finale of Shark Tank India Season one, Ashneer Grover had quipped that he reminded him of popular villainous character Shakaal, who had built his own kingdom where only his rules prevailed. Though the inventor did not get funding from the sharks, he spelled his fiefdom outside the show, when he bagged funding at the same valuation he was ridiculed over – 100 crore. His invention is On2Cook, the fastest cooking device that saves 50 per cent energy and 70 per cent cooking times. It functions on combination cooking technology, with induction/flame in the bottom and microwave through the lid. The device has in fact already created ripples not just in India but even internationally.
Yushika Jolly
Yushika Jolly, founder of Paradyes, India’s first semi permanent hair color brand had impressed the sharks in the second season of the show. This creative startup resonated with all the judges as they figured that it is the product for Gen Next. It breaks the myth around harmful impact of hair color and the potential damage. The range of options impressed all the judges. While Peyush Bansal offered a higher amount, she settled the deal with Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta for Rs 65 lakh for two per cent equity. We are sure to see much more from this brand in the coming time.
Jugaadu Kamlesh
Jugaadu Kamlesh, as he is sometimes known, Kamlesh Nanasaheb Ghumare, made a very film-like pitch to the sharks in season one. For farmers, Kamlesh had created a homemade pesticide trolley spray that could be used to spray pesticides on farmland. Peyush Bansal was so taken with the idea that he provided Rs 10 lakh in funding for 40 per cent equity and a Rs 20 lakh no-interest loan. His pitch is hailed as the best pitch of that season.
Arun Aggarwal
Janitri, a brand that had invented a device that could remotely monitor foetus and mother is hailed as the best device for expecting moms. Founded by Arun Aggarwal it was featured in season two and impressed all the judges of the shows. The fun began when all the sharks started fighting for him. He asked for Rs one crore for 2.5 per cent equity and seeing the grand idea, the judges were all enthusiastic. He picked up Namita Thapar for her experience in the healthcare sector and knew that his business will be mentored by the right person.
Niti Singhal
Niti Singhal wowed all the judges in season 1 as she paraded in her reversible and convertible dresses and the models with her revealed the dresses under the brand Twee in One. Promoting sustainability and fashion, she showed how these dresses will save money and packing space. However, the sharks were sceptical of the idea and weren’t too keen on investing. Later the public lapped the idea and her sales increased phenomenally. Moreover, Ashneer Grover’s wife was also seen wearing a dress from the brand.
Balakrishnan
Balakrishnan, founder of Flatheads, a range of all day casual shoes, had a great idea but it wasn’t working for him at all. During the pitch in the season two of the episode, the judges advised him to shut the business and find a job. It is often termed as one of the most emotional episodes, and Balakrishnan’s grit and determination impressed many. It was heartwarming to see his inventory getting sold out within days of the episode going LIVE.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
