“Work-Life Balance Is Lie,” Says Anupam Mittal; Namita Thapar Contradicts, “This Is a Crock of Bull****"

In a recent interview with Humans of Bombay, Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal shared their contrasting views on the idea of working a 70-hour workweek. The two successful entrepreneurs debated on work-life balance and the importance of long hours in building an extraordinary career.

Two entrepreneurs, two viewpoints

Namita, the CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals pointed out the potential negative impact on the physical and mental health of employees who work excessively long hours.

However, Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of Shaadi.com, presented a different perspective. He argued that the idea of work-life balance is a "big lie" being told to the current generation.

“I think it is a big lie that's being told to this generation, and I think it stinks because you are not ever going to... okay this is for people who want to achieve something extraordinary in life... you are not going to achieve anything extraordinary in life by counting the hours that you are putting in. Work-life harmony and flexibility, all that I understand," said Anupam Mittal.

Anupam stressed the importance of work-life harmony and flexibility, rather than simply clocking in hours. He shared how implementing a hybrid work model at Shaadi.com had increased productivity by 30 percent, allowing employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.

Namita interrupted Anupam to share that she did not believe in the concept of working long hours for employees who did not enjoy the same benefits as stakeholders.

“This is a crock of bull****,” the lady entrepreneur said. “Pardon my language. I completely disagree. I apologise for interrupting you (Anupam).”

Namita explained that while founders and high stakeholders may choose to work 24/7 to achieve success, the same should not be expected of common employees.

Both Namita and Anupam agreed that achieving success requires dedication and hard work. While Namita stressed the need for common employees to have reasonable work limits, Anupam shared the importance of going all in to achieve extraordinary goals. They both acknowledged the value of commitment and perseverance in building character and achieving long-term success.

Namita went on to advise against getting married and having children for those seeking to work long hours, emphasizing the impact of absentee parenting on the next generation.

She suggested that employees should have a set number of hours to work, with flexibility during deliverable times. Anupam reiterated the need for passion and dedication in pursuing ambitious goals, recognizing the sacrifices that may be required along the way.

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