Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.
Aman Gupta loses cool after catching Shark Tank India pitcher whisper ‘air ho jayega’ during bidding war, butts heads with Kunal Bahl
Shark Tank India 4: Two entrepreneurs from Gurgaon, pitching their brand Culture Circle, started a high-stakes bidding war on the reality show.

A heated bidding war broke out between the ‘sharks’ on the second episode of Shark Tank India season 4, leading to incredible drama and a high-value deal. The young entrepreneurs Devansh and Ackshay pitched their online peer-to-peer platform Culture Circle to the panel of ‘sharks’, including Vineeta Singh, Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta, Ritesh Aggarwal, and this season’s newest member, Kunal Bahl. The entrepreneurs asked for Rs 1.2 crore in exchange of 0.5% equity, for a whopping valuation of Rs 240 crore.
“Hum paagal hain kya (Are we insane)?” was Aman’s immediate reaction to the ask. He also noticed that Devansh was wearing shoes worth Rs 10 lakh, but the young entrepreneur had a comeback at the ready. “You can get it for Rs 6 lakh on Culture Circle,” he said, eliciting laughter from the panel. He said that they were able to raise Rs 16 crore in funding in May 2024, which happens to be just two months after he graduated from IIM Ahmedabad. This impressed Vineeta, but she was skeptical about the entrepreneur’s real reasons behind appearing on the show. Describing their ask as a ‘waahiyat valuation’, she said that they were on the show only for marketing purposes.
She became more suspicious when the entrepreneurs declared that they have Rs 17 crore in the bank. “I’m finding it impossible to believe that you’ve come here with the intention to make a deal. You’re here for free marketing and no-deal scenario, which would be a win-win for you,” she said. Vineeta said that there is no way major brands such as Dior and Gucci will continue to do business with them if they grow, because they have relationships to maintain with offline sellers such as Reliance. “The moment you become a serious business, they will come and stop you, but I hope they don’t,” she said, adding, “I’ts unfair that you get to have Rs 17 crore in the bank and take the place of an entrepreneur who actually needs the money.”
But the entrepreneurs assured her, and the other ‘sharks’, that they truly want to strike a deal. With Vineeta out, the other four ‘sharks’ showed great interest. Kunal made a whopping offer of Rs 8 crore, but asked for 10% equity, while Ritesh and Aman also presented offers. Namita showed interest as well, but was determined to get a royalty. This was a sticking point for Devansh and Ackshay. They countered with an ask for Rs 2.4 crore for 2% equity, and wondered if Ritesh, Kunal and Aman would want to make a joint offer.
Kunal said, “Let’s raise the round then,” and offered Rs 4 crore in exchange of 5% equity. Partnering up on the deal also caused friction between him and Aman, who told Kunal that he mustn’t go solo later. “You’re new on the show,” he said, and Kunal replied, “But I’m not new to making deals. I’ve made more deals than you.” Sensing the drama, Devansh and Ackshay had a conversation between themselves, during which Devansh said, “Air ho jayega (This will air).” Everybody heard him, and Aman was furious. “I’m out,” he said, getting up from his seat. But Kunal and Ritesh were still interested, as was Namita. Ultimately, they struck a deal for Rs 3 crore for 3% equity, valuing their business at Rs 100 crore. “Aman hates us,” Devansh said, as he accepted the deal.


Photos
Photos


- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05