Aman Gupta Out-Hustled: Pitcher Seals Deal Before Shark Can Finish

New Delhi, january 31, 2026: In the high-stakes arena of Shark Tank India Season 5, the “Shark” who usually has the last word—boAt co-founder Aman Gupta—recently found himself on the receiving end of a cold shoulder. In an episode that has quickly gone viral, a savvy entrepreneur behind the streetwear brand Bonkers Corner not only secured his dream deal but did so by completely bypassing Aman’s signature negotiation theatrics.

The Pitch: A Streetwear Titan in the Making

Shubham Gupta, the founder of Bonkers Corner, entered the Tank with a confidence that matched his brand’s bold aesthetic. Seeking Rs 1.5 crore for 0.5% equity, Shubham valued his company at a whopping Rs 300 crore.

While high valuations often lead to a “feeding frenzy” of skepticism from the Sharks, Shubham backed his numbers with cold, hard facts:

• Revenue: Net sales of Rs 125 crore in the previous financial year.
• Projections: On track for Rs 170–180 crore this year.
• Profitability: Expected profits between Rs 30–35 crore.
• Footprint: 19 profitable offline stores launched without any external funding.

The Negotiation: Aman’s Power Play Backfires

As the Sharks began to circle, Namita Thapar, impressed by the profitability and scale, immediately met the pitcher’s original ask. However, Aman Gupta tried to initiate a classic psychological play to regain control of the room.

“I will give an offer and you will listen to other offers. Then I will say I don’t want to negotiate. We will waste a lot of time doing this. Tell me what I should do?” Aman posed, attempting to force Shubham into a corner where he would have to choose Aman’s “vibe” over the existing offers.

But the tactic backfired. Instead of playing along with the suspense, Shubham took a deep breath, ignored Aman’s bait, and turned directly to Namita. “Deal,” he said firmly, locking in the investment before Aman could even finish his pitch.

“Exit Speech Toh Dene De”

The sudden closure left the rest of the panel stunned. Aman, caught completely off guard by the pitcher’s efficiency, could only mutter in disbelief, “Yaar, exit speech toh dene de” (At least let me give an exit speech).

The room erupted as Anupam Mittal and Kunal Bahl realized the negotiation was over before they could even open their mouths. Namita, ever the strategist, handed over the cheque while Shubham explained his rationale: he knew exactly what he wanted, and he didn’t see the point in waiting for offers that were likely to undervalue his business.

The Aftermath

Post-pitch, Shubham remained unapologetic about his “savage” move. “I could see it on their faces; they weren’t going to give me my valuation,” he remarked. By choosing the Shark who respected his numbers from the start, Shubham not only protected his equity but also provided one of the most memorable moments of the season.

For Aman Gupta, it was a rare moment of being “out-hustled” at his own game—a reminder that in a tank full of sharks, sometimes it’s the pitcher who has the sharpest teeth.