Kunal Bahl opens up about lifelong weight struggles on Shark Tank India

The entrepreneur revealed how being 118 kg in school shaped his confidence, identity and the “constant burden” he carried for years.

What happened: Kunal Bahl shared an emotional account of his lifelong weight struggles during Shark Tank India Season 5.

Why it matters now: His candid confession highlights how long-term weight issues affect mental health, identity and everyday confidence.

What changes for people: The conversation encourages open dialogue about body image and the psychological impact of childhood obesity.

Who is affected: Young adults, students, and anyone dealing with weight-related stigma or self-worth challenges.

Kunal Bahl reveals being 118 kg in school and its lasting emotional impact

In the latest episode of Shark Tank India, judge and entrepreneur Kunal Bahl opened up about deeply personal weight struggles he has dealt with since childhood.

Speaking to a pitcher, he said:

“Main saari zindagi weight issues se deal karta aaraha hun. Jab main school me tha, 118 kg ka tha… When you are overweight for so many years, there is a constant burden.”

His honesty struck a chord with viewers, especially as he described how years of being overweight shaped his behaviour, social comfort, and self-worth.

Bahl said that although he has been able to maintain his weight for the past 15–20 years, the psychological imprint of growing up overweight stays with you for life.

Why Bahl’s statement resonates with so many

Health experts say that long-term weight issues, especially starting in childhood or adolescence, can affect:

Identity formation

Confidence and communication skills

Social interactions and friendships

Body safety and comfort

Self-esteem and professional presence

Even after weight loss, many individuals continue to carry emotional memories linked to bullying, social exclusion, judgement, or insecurity.

The Shark Tank judge’s openness brings visibility to these struggles and normalises conversations around emotional health and body image.

The ‘constant burden’ of carrying weight stigma

Kunal highlighted that while physical weight can be lost, the mental and emotional burden often continues.

People who have lived through years of weight challenges may:

feel pressure to constantly “prove” themselves

fear regaining weight

overthink social situations

internalise negative body-related experiences

Psychologists note that early experiences of body shame or social judgment can leave long-lasting impressions, influencing adult behaviour.

Why this moment matters on national television

Shark Tank India reaches millions of households, and a public figure speaking authentically about weight issues helps:

reduce stigma

encourage empathy

create room for healthier conversations

validate the experiences of those facing similar struggles

For many viewers, hearing someone as accomplished as Bahl acknowledge these vulnerabilities feels both relatable and empowering.