A recent episode of Shark Tank India sparked controversy and raised important questions about the use of titles and qualifications in the wellness industry. The episode, titled 'Sweet Ideas and Bold Dreams', featured an influencer named Dr. Manoj Das, who pitched his natural skincare and haircare brand, Lewisia Wellness, to the sharks.
Dr. Das' claims and self-identification as a 'naturopath' and 'aromatherapy specialist' caught the attention of the judges, particularly Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta. Mittal expressed frustration and disbelief, questioning the use of the title 'doctor' for someone with a Bachelor's degree in Aromatherapy. He stated, 'If you're saying you can call yourself a doctor with that degree, I'll change my name!'
But here's where it gets controversial... The influencer's response and the subsequent discussion revealed a potential gap between his claims and the reality of his business. Kunal Bahl, another shark, asked about the ratings and reviews on Dr. Das' products, which reportedly generated 4 crores in profits. Das revealed a 3.5 rating on Amazon, which raised suspicions of paid reviews, especially considering the brand's claimed inventory value of ₹5 crore.
The sharks were left surprised and skeptical, with Aman Gupta remarking, 'Something's not right, sir.' Anupam Mittal took it a step further, asking, 'What kind of trouble are you here to cause?'
And this is the part most people miss... The episode's aftermath saw Dr. Manoj Das facing online backlash. Dr. Rahul Chawla, a neurologist, called him a 'quack doctor', urging people to fact-check the degrees of health influencers and doctors they follow online.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the wellness industry. It prompts us to ask: Should titles like 'doctor' be regulated more strictly? Are consumers being misled by influencers and brands? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on this controversial topic!
