‘Shark Tank India 4’: Namita Thapar and Kunal Bahl reveal they were bullied for being overweight school: ‘Never got called by our names’

A recent episode of ‘Shark Tank India 4’ turned rather emotional as judges Kunal Bahl and Namita Thapar reminisced about getting bullied for being overweight at school. While listening to a couple of founders showcase their fitness startup, Bahl was seen getting visibly emotional. The CEO of Snapdeal revealed he had been tormented by classmates for being overweight at school.

He shared his painful experiences of being bullied and humiliated for his appearance, revealing that instead of calling him by his name, people would mockingly refer to him as “Mota.” His story struck a chord with the panel, leading to a heartfelt discussion on the deep emotional scars left by body shaming.

Fellow ‘shark’ Namita Thapar also came out with her own personal anecdote of being fat shamed. She revealed at school no one referred to her by her name and called her by the humiliating moniker ‘moti’.

The startup in question was an app designed to help users get fit through personalised methods. Named Fitelo, the app claims The application takes a well-rounded approach to health and wellness by combining customized meal planning, tailored workout routines, and individualized lifestyle coaching. Designed to cater to each user’s unique requirements, the platform ensures that individuals receive guidance suited to their specific goals, preferences, and fitness levels.

Innovative Features Showcased During The Pitch

While presenting their concept, the creators illustrated how their advanced technology empowers users to go beyond basic nutrition tracking. The app claims to provide customised dietary recommendations but also offers a diverse selection of exercise routines. By analyzing user preferences, it suggests fitness activities that align with their interests and comfort levels, making workouts engaging and sustainable.

Diverse Workout Choices For Every Fitness Enthusiast

Understanding that exercise is not a one-size-fits-all experience, the platform includes a wide range of fitness options. Users can select from high-energy dance workouts such as Bhangra, structured gym training sessions, or simple yet effective home-based exercises. This flexibility ensures that individuals remain motivated and committed to their health journey without feeling restricted by conventional workout methods.

By blending nutrition, fitness, and personalized coaching into a single, adaptable system, the app transforms the way people approach wellness, making it both accessible and enjoyable for users of all backgrounds.

While making the pitch, founders Mehakdeep Singh and Sahil Bansal claimed they had scaled the business to a valuation of Rs 110-120 crore.

Impressed by the pitch, investors Vinita Singh and Namita Thapar saw immense value in Fitelo, acknowledging not only its strong business prospects but also its meaningful social impact. Believing in the startup’s vision, they decided to invest, extending an offer of Rs 1.5 crore in exchange for 1% equity, along with a 1% royalty, until their initial investment amount was recovered.