The latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 delivered a mix of inspiration, humor, and valuable business lessons. One of the most memorable moments came when Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO Rooms, opened up about his initial challenges in the business world. In a heartfelt anecdote, he revealed facing rejection from Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, who is now a fellow Shark. He candidly shared how his lack of background and small-town origins made things tough in the beginning. “Back then, Kunal Bhai wasn’t convinced. But today, we share a great friendship,” Ritesh admitted, offering encouragement to the pitchers and viewers with his story of persistence.
The third pitch of the day came from Pooja Balani and Narpat Singh Rathore, the brains behind a thriving cheesecake brand from Jodhpur. Known for their strong social media presence, their delectable cheesecakes had already won many hearts. The Sharks, well-known for their fondness for desserts, were visibly intrigued by their journey and aspirations.
Pooja narrated the brand’s unusual beginnings, which had an amusing connection to Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com. She recalled how quitting her job and staying at home had led to an unexpected situation. She said that someone had created her profile on Shaadi.com, which made her furious as she wasn’t ready for marriage. “I used to be very angry thinking, who started this site,” she said. Channeling her frustration into baking, she initially struggled with cupcakes but eventually succeeded. This led her to think about selling her creations. Her story drew laughter and admiration from the Sharks, showcasing how adversity can spark innovation.
The entrepreneurs sought ₹30 lakh for 5% equity in their business. They explained their plans to set up a central kitchen in Jaipur to expand their operations to cities like Delhi and Gurugram. They also highlighted the need for mentorship to tackle the complexities of scaling up.
While impressed by their dedication and community-building efforts, Anupam raised concerns about the product’s high sugar content. He admitted that it was too sweet for his liking but acknowledged their achievements, commending them for the brand they had built and their ability to inspire others. Namita suggested them to grow their business a little more before seeking any investment.
Ritesh Agarwal stepped in with an offer of ₹30 lakh for 7.5% equity. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized the importance of taking risks on new entrepreneurs and expressed his confidence in their potential. He shared how rejection and struggle had shaped his journey and encouraged the duo to keep pushing forward.
Although Pooja and Narpat ultimately declined Ritesh’s offer, they were deeply appreciative of his support. Ritesh went a step further by offering them his contact details and promising to mentor them as they worked to grow their brand. His generous gesture highlighted the collaborative spirit of the show, where guidance and encouragement often outweigh the deals themselves.
The episode reaffirmed the value of mentorship, with Sharks like Ritesh showing that success isn’t just about investment but also about inspiring and nurturing others on their journeys. Despite walking away without a deal, Pooja and Narpat left the Tank with valuable advice, a renewed sense of purpose, and a connection with one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs.