Shark Tank India: Was Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal ‘kicked out’ of Season 4? Makers, co-sharks spill the beans

Speculation has been rife about Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s absence from Shark Tank India Season 4. Earlier reports suggested that Goyal was asked to leave the show after Swiggy came on board as a sponsor. What fuelled these comments was Goyal’s remark. “I, unfortunately, can’t go back [to the show] because Swiggy sponsored Shark Tank and kicked me out, at least that’s what I heard.”

Now, the show’s makers and other sharks have weighed in on Goyal’s absence.

At a recent press meet, Danish Khan, Business Head of Sony LIV and StudioNext, commented on the matter, saying the team would “love to have” Goyal back in the future. “One needs to understand that we have around 50 episodes, and there are permutations regarding the sharks’ availability. They are all busy running their organisations, and we get them to spend weekends with us. I won’t say much, but there’s no such thing as reported. Some sharks have been on the show for four seasons, and we hope to see them next time too,” he clarified.

New shark Viraj Bahl, Founder and Managing Director of Veeba, had a lighter take on the situation. “I am only happy. Deepinder gaya toh mere ko jagah mil gaya (Because Deepinder left, I got this spot). I can write a thank-you note to Zomato.”

Aman Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of boAt, also denied the rumours. “There’s nothing like this. I am the perfect example. I have not sponsored this show, and yet I have been on this show for the last four seasons. So, I will never say that the makers did this for money. I feel indebted that they chose us and made us sharks. I can vouch for it and give in writing that I have not paid a single penny. It’s a beautiful feeling to be here, and I hope it continues. Sharks will come and go; there will always be a change — hopefully, except for me. But this is life,” Gupta said.

Also Read: ‘Shark Tank India 4’ trailer out: All you need to know