Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of Shaadi.com and a familiar face from Shark Tank India, recently weighed in on a remark by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan.
The statement, which questioned the need for employees to stay at home and included a controversial comment about “staring at wives,” has stirred widespread discussion.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mittal responded with his signature wit, writing, “But sir, if husband and wife don’t look at each other, how will we remain the most populous country in the world (thinking face emoji).” The light-hearted comment quickly gained traction online, with reactions ranging from praise for his humor to criticism.
A fan replied, “Hahahahaha, that was a good one. Love it,” while another noted, “Expected such sarcastic reply from you.” However, not all responses were in favor of the entrepreneur. One critic remarked, “Sir, your humour and Shark Tank’s TRP is declining with every passing day.”
The debate began when Subrahmanyan, during a recent interaction, expressed dissatisfaction over employees not working on Sundays. He stated, “I would have been happier if people worked on Sundays.” He then questioned the need for staying home, adding, “How long can you stare at your wife?” The comment, viewed by many as inappropriate and dismissive of work-life balance, quickly drew criticism.
Anupam Mittal, known for his sharp entrepreneurial insights and humor, is the founder of Shaadi.com, one of India’s leading matrimonial websites. With over two decades of experience, he is a respected voice in the startup ecosystem and a popular judge on Shark Tank India. His candid and often humorous remarks on social media have earned him a loyal following.
While Mittal’s comment added a humorous twist, the underlying discussion highlights important issues: the value of work-life balance and the sensitivity of leaders’ remarks. Subrahmanyan’s comment has sparked conversations about workplace culture and whether leaders should encourage a healthier balance between professional and personal life.