When Namita Thapar, executive director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals and a familiar face from Shark Tank India, took a bold stand against Narayana Murthy’s 70-hour workweek proposal, it struck a deep chord with working parents across India. In a heartfelt post, she not only rejected the glorification of hustle culture but also exposed the emotional toll it takes on children, especially teenagers.
A Netflix Parallel: Real-Life Lessons from Fiction
Thapar found a striking parallel in Netflix’s Everything Now, where the character Jamie struggles with low self-esteem and mental health issues, mostly stemming from absent and critical parents. She connected this to Indian households where long work hours keep parents from emotionally engaging with their kids.
Jamie’s story isn’t far from reality. Teens today are internalizing parental disappointment, which often leads to self-hate, eating disorders, and aggression. Thapar warned: if parents don’t slow down, they’ll miss these signs until it’s too late.
“You can say yes to 70-hour weeks or yes to parenting. You can’t do both,” she wrote.
Her Own Story: Childhood Pressure Dressed as Love
In a rare vulnerable moment, Thapar shared her childhood scars. She recalled being forced into “femininity” classes and switched between schools, all in pursuit of becoming a perfect child. Though her parents meant well, the pressure chipped away at her emotional well-being.
This personal reflection adds weight to her argument: children aren’t projects—they’re people. And if work takes over life, parenting loses its soul.
Also Read: Teen Screen Time Crisis: What Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ Wants You to Know
What’s the Solution? Let Kids Breathe
Quoting the book The Self-Driven Child, Thapar advocated for a healthier, more empowering parenting style:
- Let children make their own decisions, even if they fail.
- Overcommunicate pride in their efforts, not just achievements. Simple words like “I’m proud of you” can be more powerful than any trophy.
This shift in parenting can rebuild self-worth and foster emotional strength—traits teens are desperate for in today’s hyper-competitive world.
A Larger Debate: Work vs. Life in India
Thapar’s statement came in response to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s 2023 remarks, where he called on young Indians to work 70 hours a week to “build the nation.” While some agreed with him, many criticized the unrealistic expectations and the disregard for mental health.
Thapar isn’t just any executive. She leads a major pharma company and sits on one of the most-watched shows in India. Her message challenges the very foundations of India’s toxic productivity culture.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap: Netflix India ‘Dishonest, Morally Corrupt’ in Content Choices
Why It Matters Now
Post-pandemic, the mental health crisis among teens is rising. And while workplaces are finally discussing burnout, few connect the dots back to what happens at home. Thapar’s call to action pushes us to rethink our priorities—before ambition comes at the cost of emotional connection.
Namita Thapar’s voice is rare and powerful—she’s not just a corporate leader; she’s a mother, a mentor, and now, a whistleblower against India’s obsession with overwork. Her message forces us to ask: What’s the point of success if we’re too busy to raise our kids? In a culture that celebrates long hours, it’s time we start celebrating emotionally present parenting instead.
