Talking about his experience with Shark Tank India 5, Tanay said, “It was an amazing experience, I have no complaints. It is a once in a lifetime experience and not everyone understands it. I am very happy that Pistabarfi was selected despite the low revenue share, which speaks volumes about the potential of our business.”

Then read: Cannes winner presents family brand mithai on Shark Tank India; fails to get any deal despite Anupam Mittal calling it a ‘gold mine’

On Harshit rejecting Varun Alagh’s demand to quit film production

Having a film that won at Cannes on merit, Pistabarfi co-founder Harshit said a clear no to Varun when Shark asked him if he would quit film production if they got an investment. Talking about whether they were disappointed about losing the deal for rejecting this condition, Tanay says, “We are not disappointed. When we were preparing for our performance, we knew that this question was going to come up. It was very clear between us, even before we entered the tank, what we would say if we were asked this question. When it came up, we were both very clear about the answer. When the episode aired, a lot of people said that Harshit should have said yes just for the sake of television, but as businessmen and as people, we wanted to show our authenticity there. We didn’t want to show our authenticity there. divert the Sharks or give them false hope because that does not go well with our spirit.”

Tanay further added, “A lot of brands don’t get on Shark Tank India because they don’t want to reveal their income to their competitors and all that. For us, when we got this opportunity, we saw it as good exposure, and wouldn’t you know it, they might end up liking the product and might invest, so why not take the gamble? My family is very proud that we got on the tank, to be honest. Being candid and having character is more important than not getting the deal.”

Sharing whether it was fair for Varun Alagh to maintain a condition like this, Tanay said, “It wasn’t too much to ask, from Varun’s point of view. If I had been in his place, I would also want 100 per cent commitment if I was investing money in the business. During the episode, Vineeta mentioned that he had invested in a similar startup, but the founders lost interest later because they weren’t making enough revenue. The Sharks had already burned their fingers in this experience, and then once you guys didn’t believe in going overboard; everything fits if the purpose is true and the product is solid. But our company is in a growth stage.

The Impact of Shark Tank India on Your Brand

Although both brothers left the show without a paycheck, they sure got plenty of exposure. Since the episode, they have been receiving numerous inquiries, Tanay revealed, adding, “We got a month’s income within a day or two after the episode aired. Because of the visibility of the show, we also received a big wedding order from Delhi. My kitchen has been full since the episode aired. Shark Tank India helps brands like us who are small and want good exposure. It’s icing on the cake if the Sharks invest, because you want that type of mentorship. Although it is too early, it would be fair to say that growth has doubled. January is usually a calm month for us, but it will pick up starting next month. “Just because we didn’t get the deal doesn’t mean it didn’t work out for us.”

Shark Tank India 5 airs on Sony TV and SonyLiv from Monday to Friday at 10 pm