Namita Thapar, a prominent figure on Shark Tank India, recently stirred controversy with an Instagram reel about namaz’s health benefits.
Namita Thapar, a judge on Shark Tank India and executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, recently found herself at the center of a social media storm. Her Instagram reel discussing the health benefits of namaz has drawn significant backlash, highlighting the complexities of discussing religion in public spaces.
In her now-controversial video, Thapar described namaz as a full-body exercise that enhances flexibility and improves blood circulation. She shared this perspective shortly after Eid, a time when many Muslims engage in prayer and reflection. Yet, rather than sparking healthy dialogue, her post led to online trolling and derogatory comments directed at her—an experience she stated has persisted for three weeks.
Thapar has previously created content on various religious practices without facing similar backlash. This context matters because it underscores how sensitive discussions around faith can be; what resonates positively within one community can ignite outrage in another. In response to the trolling, she invoked the concept of karma: “Hinduism has a concept called Karma. God is watching,” she remarked, emphasizing personal accountability in discourse.
But why did this particular video attract such intense scrutiny? Thapar questioned the silence surrounding online abuse against women, suggesting that many choose not to speak up until they are directly affected. “Aapke liye koi nahi bolega. You have to speak up for yourself,” she urged her audience, reflecting a broader issue of women’s voices being silenced in digital spaces.
Amidst the negativity, Thapar also called for respect across religions. “Mujhe sikhaaya gaya hai, R for religion means R for respect. And is this how you respect? Especially two women,” she said—drawing attention to the need for mutual understanding and kindness among diverse faiths. Her call for respect is particularly poignant given the recent increase in online harassment targeted at women who express their views publicly.
In addition to her reel on namaz, Thapar has made several videos discussing Hindu religious practices and their associated health benefits without controversy. This inconsistency raises questions about how society perceives different religions and the biases that may exist within public discourse.
As observers continue to analyze this situation, it remains to be seen how it will impact Thapar’s career and public image moving forward. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential fallout from this incident or whether it will lead to broader conversations about respect and tolerance across faiths.
