Shark Tank India Judges Fees: India’s biggest business reality show Shark Tank India has returned with its much-anticipated Season 5, and fans are excited to see a powerful panel of entrepreneurs back on screen. With familiar faces like Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, Piyush Bansal, Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal, one question keeps popping up — how much do Shark Tank India judges get paid per episode?
The answer may surprise many viewers.
No Fees for Shark Tank India Judges
Unlike other reality shows where judges and hosts earn hefty paychecks, Shark Tank India judges do not receive any appearance fee. Multiple reports claiming that sharks earn lakhs per episode are completely false. In fact, sharks are not paid at all for their time on the show.
This reality was earlier revealed by former shark Ashneer Grover, who openly addressed these rumors during a public lecture in 2022.
Ashneer Grover’s Big Revelation
Ashneer Grover clarified that he never received money for appearing on Shark Tank India. He explained that the core idea of the show is investment, not entertainment fees. Sharks are invited because they are high-value startup founders who are expected to invest their own money in promising businesses.
According to him, sharks are even told to be prepared to invest up to ₹10 crore per episode, depending on the pitches and deals.
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Then What Do Sharks Gain?
So why do top entrepreneurs agree to join the show? The answer lies in brand exposure. Shark Tank India offers massive visibility:
- Free promotion of the shark’s brand
- Brand mentions during episodes
- TV and digital marketing exposure
- 30–40 seconds of advertising value at no cost
This visibility helps sharks strengthen their personal brand and grow their businesses, making the show a smart marketing platform rather than a paid TV assignment.
A Unique Reality Show Model
Shark Tank India stands out because it flips the traditional reality show model. Instead of paying judges, the show creates a win-win situation where sharks invest in startups and gain brand recognition in return.
With Season 5 featuring an expanded panel of 15 sharks, the show continues to dominate Indian television and inspire millions of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
