Today’s Internet culture encourages entrepreneurs to advertise their products through social media. A few win with honesty and creativity, while others tread the line by claiming as much. One such recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 5 had brought one such case to the limelight. Manoj Das, the founder of Lewisia Wellness, came on the show himself to pitch his natural skincare brand. But rather than shining the investors' eyes, he was chastised for using the term “Doctor” fraudulently in his marketing, resulting in humiliation, backlash, and an epiphany as to his online persona.
What Happened on Shark Tank India?
Manoj Das named Dr. Manoj Das went on to say that he is an aromatherapist and natural therapist. He asked for ₹1 crore in exchange for 1% equity in his brand, valuing his company at ₹100 crore. But the sharks Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar and Aman Gupta in particular rapidly began to doubt his certifications. They combed through his Instagram reels and promotional materials that featured bold claims such as “100% Natural Botox” and “Anti-Ageing Cream.” Anupam Mittal dismissed his assertions as “baseless” and cautioned that taking on the title “Doctor” without the right credentials could lead to legal issues.
A fraud calling himself doctor was trying to fool people through Instagram reels.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) January 11, 2026
He decided to take his business ahead and came to #SharkTankIndia.
Sharks exposed him so bad that he not only ran away ashamed but also removed Dr from his name...😆 pic.twitter.com/rJr3Du4swd
The Fallout
Manoj Das took “Dr” down from his Instagram bio after being challenged and panned on national television. Even though his Facebook username retains the title, the public response was swift and merciless. Many viewers charged him with deceiving customers and using language sounding somewhat medical when advertising beauty products. Social media users uploaded clips of the pitch and memes which mocked it, and the story was soon shared on social media.
Why Does This Matters?
The use of the title “Doctor” has important consequences. Most people trust medical professionals and they give advice without question. When someone poses as a doctor, it can deceive consumers to think a product is both medically approved and scientifically backed. When it comes to skincare and wellness, that can be dangerous. Products that purport to address skin problems or repair aging without testing, or proper regulation of the procedures, can do a thing that’s harmful. This case of course also indicates the problem that influencer marketing, with no accountability or repercussions, is becoming a bigger problem. Many social media personalities put out flashy videos and grand claims in the service of selling things, but no one is transparent about what qualifications they have for doing this kind of thing. With mainstream platforms such as Shark Tank, when they appear as celebrities of that type, they bring their claims into question and sometimes these are untrodden.
The Role of Shark Tank India
Shark Tank India is now the new place for entrepreneurs to tell people,
and also of their ideas. But it is also a reality check. The sharks are experienced business leaders who put up strong questions; they insist on honesty. In this instance, their penetrating questioning unmasked a deceptive pitch and shielded consumers from misleading advertisements. It’s a timely reminder that not all viral brands are trustworthy, and that it’s more important to build that kind of reputation.
What Needs to Change?
Entrepreneurs need to have trustworthiness about their qualifications and stop using titles that they do not carry. Regulatory bodies need to track misleading claims, particularly in health and wellness industries. Social media platforms can help by flagging content that uses medical terms without context. So must consumers. Before purchasing a product, particularly a product that professes to have health benefits, consumers should research the seller’s background and search for scientific evidence. Blind faith in influencers can result in disappointment or more to the point, damage.
The Shark Tank India episode starring Manoj Das is more than a viral moment, it’s a lesson in ethics, honesty and consumer protection. Terms like “Doctor” should never be used lightly, especially not when marketing products that have an impact on people’s health. We, as viewers, buyers, and citizens, need to demand transparency and accountability from influencers. For trust when you undermine it, it is difficult to restore it.
