‘I was taught respect for every religion. Why are people silent when women are insulted?’ she asked
NEW DELHI —Namita Thapar, known for her role as a judge on Shark Tank India, has responded to online abuse and trolling from Hindutva groups over a viral video about the health benefits of namaz, saying she would not remain silent in the face of personal attacks.
The controversy erupted when Thapar shared a video on the eve of Eid describing namaz as a “full-body workout” that can improve flexibility, posture, and mental well-being. The clip quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions on social media. While Hindu right-wing groups allegedly targeted her, accusing her of promoting Islam, others appreciated the wellness perspective.
Responding to the criticism, Thapar said she had been subjected to trolling for nearly three weeks, including abusive comments and attacks on her family.
Namita Thapar entrepreneur, business executive, and angel investor, is the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. She has also been a prominent investor in Shark Tank India, investing in over 100 companies. She is also the founder of Thapar Entrepreneur Academy.
She highlighted the need to speak out against disrespect, especially toward women. “I was taught respect for every religion. Is this how you respect women? When the reservation bill wasn’t passed, everyone spoke up. Why are people silent when women are insulted?” she asked.
Calling it selective outrage, Thapar pointed out that she had previously spoken about practices like yoga without facing similar backlash. She maintained that her comments were purely from a health and wellness perspective and not intended to promote any religion.
“For the past three weeks, my mother and I have been abused. For what? For making a reel about the health benefits of namaz? I am a healthcare professional. I have made many reels about the health benefits of practices from other religions too. Every Yoga Day, I share asanas, especially Surya Namaskar. No one objected then,” she said.
Addressing the silence of the industry amid the controversy and abuse, she said people must speak for themselves. “I learned long ago that no one speaks for you; you have to speak for yourself,” she said.
Calling herself a proud Hindu, she also warned trolls about the concept of karma. “God is watching,” she concluded.
What She Said About Namaz
In the original Instagram post that triggered a reaction from Hindu right-wing groups, Namita spoke about her experience of celebrating Eid and highlighted how the practice of namaz goes beyond spirituality. She described it as a “beautiful spiritual practice” that also offers physical and mental health benefits.
According to her, the postures involved in namaz are similar to yoga positions like Vajrasana and can help improve digestion, align posture, and reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels.
Sharing the video, she wrote: “I celebrated Eid with some of my close friends. What a beautiful festival of gratitude, giving, unity, and togetherness. I look forward to it every year!! Special thanks to my friend who taught me that namaz is not just a beautiful spiritual practice but also has amazing health benefits.”
