Entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Namita Thapar has found herself at the centre of an online storm after sharing a video highlighting the health benefits of namaz. What began as a wellness-focused reel soon spiralled into a heated debate, with sections of social media accusing her of promoting a particular religion.
The video, originally posted around Eid, described namaz as a form of full-body exercise that can improve flexibility, joint health, digestion, and mental well-being. While some users appreciated the inclusive perspective, others reacted sharply, leading to widespread trolling.
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Namita Thapar is an idol for many girls and is one of the prominent names in the Pharma sector.
She can be seen in this video comparing Namaz to Yoga and talking about the benefits of Namaz and community prayers in Masjids.
I fail to understand the purpose behind such a video. pic.twitter.com/bnB8gCr8tu
— पाकीट तज्ञ (@paakittadnya) April 15, 2026
Addressing the backlash, Thapar revealed that the trolling went far beyond criticism
She claimed that she and even her mother were subjected to abusive language over several weeks. In a strongly worded response video, she said that remaining silent in the face of such attacks is not an option anymore. She emphasised that people must speak up when dignity and respect are compromised, especially in public discourse.
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Thapar also questioned what she described as “selective outrage” online
She pointed out that she has previously shared content about Hindu practices like yoga and Surya Namaskar without facing similar criticism.
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As a healthcare professional, she clarified that her video was intended purely from a wellness perspective—not as a religious endorsement. Her remarks highlighted a broader issue: why discussions around some traditions are accepted while others trigger backlash.
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In her response, Thapar stressed the importance of mutual respect across faiths. She stated that religion should stand for respect, not division:
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“R for religion means respect”, especially when it comes to how women are treated online.
Expressing disappointment over the nature of the comments, she also questioned the silence of people who otherwise speak up on issues concerning women’s rights but remain quiet during instances of online abuse.
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Thapar left a sharp message to trolls, “God is watching”
Ending her message on a firm note, Thapar invoked the idea of karma, warning trolls that their actions have consequences. In the caption of her video, she wrote,
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“I’ve long realised that silence is not a virtue & one must speak up when they are disrespected. Yes, if wrong things happen at any workplace that are against basic human rights, I & all of us should speak up. I don’t care about the personal trolling; I’m used to it, the last 5 years since Shark Tank, but the purpose of this reel is to request all the proud Indians in this country to start speaking up when they see something wrong, out of humanity, out of patriotism,”
Her remark—“God is watching”—quickly gained traction online and became a talking point across platforms.
Here is the video
I left for bombay at 6.30 am like the hard working professional that I am & stopped the car at 7 am to make this reel as I’ve long realised that silence is not a virtue & one must speak up when they are disrespected. Yes if wrong things happen at any workplace that are against… pic.twitter.com/rvMSu0wXz0
— Namita (@namitathapar) April 20, 2026
Despite the negativity, she urged supporters to amplify messages of respect rather than hate, attempting to shift the conversation in a more constructive direction.
Here is how netizens reacted to her video
Nobody forced you to post that Namaz reel.
You lit the fire. Now crying about the smokeTake accountability before asking others for sympathy.
— Nikhil Thadani (@NThadani) April 20, 2026
Allah watching people calling Namita Thapar RANDEE
Le Allah pic.twitter.com/cSykCX9Ddn
— abynesh kr (@AbyneshK) April 20, 2026
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Stop fanaticizing, and start living in the real world, come check on the ground whats going on.. One way traffic always look better, when you have to face the incoming adversaries, you realize the road is not that smooth as you are fantasizing, so wake up and smell the coffee.
— Bharat Rises (@BharatRises) April 20, 2026
Hi Namita this is so sad that the environment of country totally pathetic even namaz and surya namskar is the part of yoga positions
as international Relationship psychologist many time face trolling on advocacy relationship emotional literacy is essential for youth offline so… pic.twitter.com/dAJ8JG40J3— KOTA RJ PAWAN 🇮🇳 (pawan kumar chauhan) (@KOTARJPAWAN) April 20, 2026
Sorry @namitathapar Jii… Ye Aapka Card 😊 pic.twitter.com/eEcJIUpd9S
— TheRealBharat (@TheRealBharat14) April 20, 2026
The entitlement to comment on culture and civilizational values is not attained by earnings and qualifications.
The mask is off, thanks to SM and digital awareness, as the woke have woken up the Right ones because of the wrong side being picked up.— राकेश | Rakesh 🇮🇳 (@rakesh_delivers) April 20, 2026
The controversy has once again sparked debate about online toxicity, freedom of expression, and religious sensitivity in India’s digital space. While opinions remain divided, Thapar’s response has added momentum to discussions around accountability and respectful dialogue on social media.
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What are your opinions about Namita’s Namaz reel? Let us know in the comments.