From A Mumbai Flat To Millionaire Dreams: Here's Shark Tank India's Judge, Anupam Mittal's Journey

In a recent revelation on the Barbershop podcast, Anupam Mittal, the well-known judge on Shark Tank India, shared the journey from growing up in a cramped 1000-square-foot Mumbai flat to becoming a multimillionaire as the founder-CEO of People Group and Shaadi.com.

Mittal fondly reminisced about his childhood, stating, "We wouldn't realize it as kids, but 20 of us were living in a 1,000-square-foot house at the time. People were sleeping on the dining table, under the dining table. But as kids, you don't think of that. You enjoy having so many kids around." Despite facing financial difficulties, the family cherished the bond created in their modest home.

However, life took an unexpected turn when Mittal ventured into the United States for higher education at Boston College. His struggles began when he sought employment in the IT industry, sending out a staggering 800 resumes. Recounting those challenging times, he revealed, "Now the situation was such that I had no money, and if I asked them for money, they said, 'Where's your salary?' I had no money. It was the first time I experienced hunger."

Mittal candidly shared the tough times he faced, going two to three days without a meal. "This is something everybody should do at least once because experiencing hunger teaches you a lot," he said. "There was a time when I didn't eat for two to three days because I couldn't eat. How long could friends help? They would've helped, but you also feel bad after a while... credit cards are maxed out, and everything is finished. It wasn't like I was out on the streets, but I did experience some level of lack of resources."

Mittal's resilience led him to a breakthrough when he secured a job at MicroStrategy. Remarkably, he was offered stock options and swiftly climbed the corporate ladder to become the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Reflecting on his unexpected success, Mittal stated, "I had become a multi-millionaire in my early twenties. It was crazy, I'd never imagined it. I'd ordered a sports car, we used to party in stadiums, and our corporate parties would be on cruise ships. It was next level."

Mittal's journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that tenacity and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. From the challenges of a cramped Mumbai flat to the glitz and glamour of corporate success, his story resonates with individuals navigating their paths to success.

As a Shark Tank India judge, Mittal's experiences bring a unique perspective to the show, showcasing that behind every successful entrepreneur is a story of perseverance and overcoming adversities. His journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges and using them as stepping stones toward achieving one's dreams.