Shark Tank trolls Indian CEOs: 'They can't afford a Burj Khalifa flat, so you work 70 hours'
Shark Tank India dropped a satirical promo as Season 5 registrations opened, mocking toxic work culture.
Shark Tank India, the entrepreneurial reality show, has officially opened registrations for its fifth season — but with a surprising twist. Rather than a traditional call to action, the show has released a satirical promotional video that takes a bold jab at toxic work culture and the idolisation of billionaire bosses in corporate India.

(Also read: Mark Cuban announces departure from Shark Tank after sixteen seasons of mentoring: 'Gonna miss it')
A satirical start to Season 5
Shared on the official Instagram page of Shark Tank India, the 1 minute 40 second-long video opens with a biting remark:
“Many people in India are witness to poverty from their ₹150 crore penthouse because these poor CEOs still can’t afford a flat in Burj Khalifa.”
The video continues in a sarcastic tone, urging viewers to “work overtime — 70 hours a week for your bosses” and “continue until you are replaced by AI.” With each line, the creators appear to mock the culture of overwork and blind loyalty to corporations that often comes at the cost of personal growth or entrepreneurial ambition.
‘Don’t register’ — But actually, do
The caption accompanying the post reads:
“Stay loyal — keep turning your millionaire bosses into billionaires. Shark Tank India Season 5 registrations are now open but don’t register.”
The message, layered in irony, eventually drives home a larger point. Towards the end of the video, a voiceover adds:
“Save your billionaire boss, and do not apply for Shark Tank India Season 5. Because here, it’s not about your boss’s business, it’s about building your own.”
Watch the clip here:
Internet reactions pour in
The clip has already crossed 4 million views and triggered a wave of reactionson internet. Many users resonated with the message, while others appreciated the show's clever marketing strategy.
One user commented, “This is the most honest promo I’ve ever seen from an Indian show.” Another said, “Finally, someone’s saying it. Loyalty doesn’t pay the rent.” A viewer sarcastically noted, “Brb, working 80 hours to afford my boss’s next Audi.” Another wrote, “Bold move. But much needed.”
“This just hit a little too close to home,” a user remarked. “I feel seen,” another admitted. One more chimed in, “This alone makes me want to register.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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