Entrepreneurship was not a buzzword in the 1980s, yet Viraj Bahl, the founder and managing director of Veeba and VRB Consumer Products, unknowingly embodied its spirit. Now a Shark on Shark Tank India 4, his journey began with a strong belief in the rewards of hard work. For Bahl, building something meaningful was a pursuit fueled by determination and tireless effort, even when it wasn’t labeled as entrepreneurship. He called it “Mehnat ka fal meetha hota hai”.
Bahl’s mantra, “Boring is Sexy,” defines his approach to business. He finds value in disciplined, consistent work rather than chasing trends or flashy ideas. According to him, success lies in mastering the foundational tasks that often go unnoticed but are critical to a venture’s growth. This philosophy shapes his journey, showing that steady effort often outperforms superficial glamour.
As an advocate for India’s entrepreneurial potential, Bahl often speaks about the changing perception of business ownership. He credits platforms like Shark Tank India for making entrepreneurship not just accessible but also aspirational. These platforms, he feels, have helped reshape the narrative, encouraging individuals to pursue their ideas with confidence. In his view, this cultural transformation is essential for building a developed India, which he describes as the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He believes India has always been a land of entrepreneurs, citing examples from farmers to shopkeepers, and now, innovative start-up founders.
For those just beginning their journey, Bahl stresses the importance of patience and discovering one’s true interests. He often advises young aspirants not to force ideas but to explore life instead. In his words, “If the idea doesn’t come from within, no external advice will make it stick.” He urges individuals to engage with diverse experiences, as he believes that true opportunities emerge organically when one is open to growth.
Bahl also cautions against letting social media or external pressures define personal success. For him, the path to achievement is rooted in genuine curiosity and real-world exploration rather than trends or shortcuts. This grounded perspective guides his approach to mentoring young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to focus on persistence, purpose, and passion.
He often reflects on the journey to success, emphasizing that it is rarely swift. Overnight victories, he believes, are a myth, and genuine accomplishments require time and effort. His story serves as a reminder that staying committed to a vision and embracing the unglamorous aspects of work can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Bahl’s narrative is an inspiring testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit. Through his leadership, he champions the idea that ordinary, consistent work holds the power to create extraordinary results. His journey offers not just a blueprint for aspiring founders but also a call to embrace resilience, explore life deeply, and trust that the right opportunities will come when the time is right.