Business News›Magazines›Panache›Rs 600 crore Shark Tank judge was mocked for weight and called ‘girl with moustache’ in school, opens up about being bullied
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Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Shark Tank India judge, revealed her childhood bullying experiences, including being nicknamed the 'moustache girl'. She addressed the broader issue of bullying and shared her struggles with body image and emotional eating. Namita's hope for evolving societal norms highlights the importance of addressing such issues for future generations.
This Shark Tank judge was bullied in school for her weight and facial hair.
Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ Executive Director and Shark Tank India judge, Namita Thapar, recently opened up about the painful experiences of being bullied as a child and getting called the “moustache girl” by her classmates. She reflected on the harsh judgments she faced due to her appearance and expressed hope that societal norms would evolve for future generations.
During her interaction at the India Today Conclave, Namita recalled being frequently teased for her weight, acne, and facial hair. She shared how a boy at school mockingly called her "the girl with the moustache" in Marathi, making her childhood particularly difficult. These experiences, she admitted, left a lasting impact on her.
Addressing the broader issue of bullying, she emphasized that it is a common struggle among schoolchildren, affecting both boys and girls. She noted that these things happen to both boys and girls in school and especially to girls because of a certain stereotype associated with being quiet and pretty.
This isn’t the first time the Shark Tank India judge has spoken about her struggles with body image and health. In a podcast with Chetan Bhagat, Namita Thapar revealed that she battled emotional eating for 40 years, turning to food—especially sugar—for comfort. Her struggles began in school, where she faced bullying for her acne, facial hair, and weight, often being called moti. These experiences took a toll on her self-esteem, making her feel unattractive and insecure.
Who is Namita Thapar?
Born into a conservative Gujarati family, Namita Thapar, with a net worth of ₹600 crores, primarily earns from her position as the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. Beyond this, she has multiple revenue streams, including her own business ventures, earnings from her role as a Shark on Shark Tank India, and returns from her investment portfolio.
