If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank India and enjoyed Ashneer Grover’s brutal honesty, sarcasm, and unfiltered opinions, then his book Doglapan is like getting a VIP pass into his mind.
This book is not just another business memoir filled with boring boardroom jargon. It’s raw, unapologetic, and filled with stories that make you say, “Bhai, ye toh asli struggle hai!” So, let’s dive into this rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, betrayal, and unshakable confidence.
Who is Ashneer Grover?
Before we get into the book, let’s talk about the man himself. Ashneer Grover, the co-founder of BharatPe, became a household name after his Shark Tank India appearances, where his “Bhai, ye sab doglapan hai” dialogue became legendary. But before becoming the ‘Shark’ we know, Ashneer had a wild ride full of challenges, controversies, and corporate drama.
His journey includes graduating from IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, working at big companies like Kotak and AmEx, and eventually co-founding BharatPe, a fintech startup that disrupted the UPI payments space in India.
Sounds like a fairytale? Well, the drama in Doglapan says otherwise.
The Rise of BharatPe: From Startup to Stardom
In Doglapan, Ashneer narrates how he built BharatPe from scratch. The book highlights how he identified a gap in the Indian payment system and created a solution for small merchants. Unlike other fintech apps that charged fees, BharatPe allowed free transactions, gaining massive popularity among small businesses.
But here’s the fun part—Ashneer didn’t just build BharatPe with textbook business strategies. His decisions were bold, often unconventional, and sometimes purely instinctive. He believed in speed, aggression, and making things happen “by hook or by crook.”
His motto? “Gyaan kam, kaam zyada” (Less talk, more work)!
The Downfall: Power, Politics & Boardroom Betrayal
Everything was going great—BharatPe was booming, investors were happy, and Ashneer was the boss. But then came the controversies. The book takes us inside the dramatic fallout between Ashneer and BharatPe’s board, which eventually led to his exit from the company he built.
According to Ashneer, the boardroom politics, betrayals, and ‘corporate doglapan’ (hypocrisy) were more brutal than any startup struggle. He explains how power struggles, jealousy, and ego clashes led to his unceremonious exit.
His side of the story? He was the victim of internal politics where others plotted against him. But if you ask BharatPe’s board, they have a very different narrative, involving alleged financial misconduct.
No matter whose side you’re on, one thing is clear—corporate life isn’t all about business; it’s also about managing people, power, and egos.
Lessons from Doglapan
While the book is filled with humor and savage one-liners, there are some powerful takeaways:
- Take Risks & Own Them – Ashneer’s journey is a masterclass in taking bold decisions. He didn’t wait for approvals; he made things happen.
- Corporate Politics is Real – You might build a billion-dollar company, but if you don’t navigate office politics, it can all come crashing down.
- Brutal Honesty is a Double-Edged Sword – Ashneer’s no-filter attitude made him a fan favorite, but it also made him enemies.
- Speed Over Perfection – Sometimes, moving fast and breaking things is more important than perfection.
- Money Talks, but Relationships Matter More – Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about who stands by you in tough times.
Why You Should Read Doglapan
This book isn’t just about business; it’s about resilience, ambition, and the dark side of corporate life. Unlike traditional business books that sugarcoat everything, Doglapan is brutally honest, entertaining, and full of life lessons.
If you love startup stories, boardroom dramas, and no-nonsense advice, this book is a must-read. Plus, if you ever dream of building your own empire, Ashneer’s story is a reality check—you’ll need thick skin, smart moves, and an eye for politics.
Final Thoughts: Doglapan or Dabangai?
Some people call Ashneer’s attitude ‘doglapan,’ while others see it as ‘dabangai’ (fearless leadership). Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him. His book Doglapan is not just a business memoir—it’s a raw, uncensored, and entertaining take on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
So, grab a copy, sit back, and enjoy this wild ride. And remember, in business and life—jo dikhta hai, woh bikta hai!
