Namita Thapar—executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and judge on Shark Tank India—has found herself at the center of a social media storm. A recent Instagram reel she posted, highlighting the health benefits of namaz, sparked significant backlash.
In the video, Thapar described namaz as a full-body exercise that enhances flexibility and improves blood circulation. This reel was shared shortly after Eid, a time when many were reflecting on their faith and spirituality. Yet instead of praise, she faced a barrage of criticism.
For over three weeks now, Thapar has been subjected to derogatory names and online trolling. “Negative reels meri bohat viral ho gayi hain. Ab yeh waali, viral karke dikhaaiyye,” she remarked during an interview. Her comments reflect a growing frustration with how women are treated online, especially when they speak out about their beliefs.
But this isn’t the first time Thapar has created content around religious practices. She’s previously shared insights into Hindu rituals and their health benefits without any controversy. So why did this particular post ignite such outrage? Critics argue it disrespects other faiths—while supporters urge respect across all religions.
“Mujhe sikhaaya gaya hai, R for religion means R for respect. And is this how you respect? Especially two women,” she said, invoking a powerful call for understanding in a divided online space. The irony isn’t lost on her; she emphasizes that silence around online abuse against women is unacceptable.
Thapar’s response to the trolling has been to invoke karma—a concept deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. “Hinduism has a concept called Karma. God is watching,” she stated firmly. This perspective adds another layer to her narrative; she’s not just defending her actions but also calling for accountability in how people treat one another online.
Observers are now watching closely to see if this incident will lead to broader discussions about respect and tolerance in digital spaces—or if it will fade into the background like so many other controversies. As social media continues to evolve, so too does the conversation around faith and health intersecting in unexpected ways.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Thapar will address these issues further or if she’ll continue with her advocacy for respect across religions. For now, her message is clear: we must amplify positivity rather than negativity.
