"I Was Very Upset”: Yourstory Founder Shradha Sharma Shares How Taj Hotel Manager Asked Her to Sit Properly

YourStory founder Shradha Sharma recently shared a personal experience at a Taj hotel restaurant, where she was allegedly asked by a manager to “sit properly” after a guest complained about her posture. The incident, which occurred during Diwali celebrations, has now ignited widespread discussion on class sensitivity, respect, and behavior in public spaces.

“I Was Upset and Embarrassed,” Says Shradha Sharma

In a video shared on social media, Shradha Sharma expressed her disappointment, saying that she felt humiliated for simply sitting comfortably while wearing traditional Indian attire. She stated,

“I have immense respect for the Tata Group and especially the late Ratan Tata ji, who was an investor in my company, YourStory. But being asked to ‘sit properly’ while wearing an Indian dress and Kolhapuri chappals in an Indian restaurant truly upset me.”

She further added that she had gone out for dinner with her sister on Diwali night — a special family occasion — and the incident left her deeply hurt.

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Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions

The post quickly went viral, with thousands commenting on the issue. While many users sided with Sharma, calling the hotel’s behavior elitist and insensitive, others argued that luxury establishments often follow certain decorum standards.

Several users pointed out the irony of being questioned for wearing Indian traditional attire in an Indian restaurant, calling it a reflection of class prejudice and cultural bias still prevalent in elite spaces.

Taj Hotels Yet to Issue an Official Statement

As of now, Taj Hotels has not released an official statement regarding the matter. However, social media users are urging the brand to address the issue publicly, emphasizing the need for respectful treatment of all guests, regardless of dress or posture.

Many are also recalling Ratan Tata’s legacy of humility and compassion, suggesting that such behavior does not align with the values the Tata Group is known for.

This incident has once again sparked a larger conversation about inclusivity and class perception in luxury spaces. It raises questions about how customers from diverse backgrounds are perceived and treated in high-end establishments across India.

Experts suggest that hospitality training needs to evolve to ensure cultural sensitivity and empathy toward all patrons, not just those who conform to traditional notions of “elite” behavior.

The controversy surrounding Shradha Sharma’s Taj hotel experience continues to trend online, prompting both introspection and criticism within India’s hospitality industry. As audiences await an official response from the Taj management, the incident serves as a reminder that respect and dignity should transcend class, attire, and posture.

FAQs

1. Who is Shradha Sharma?
Shradha Sharma is the founder and CEO of YourStory, a prominent Indian digital media platform that covers startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation.

2. What happened at the Taj hotel with Shradha Sharma?
According to Sharma, a Taj hotel manager asked her to “sit properly” after a guest complained about her posture, which she felt was disrespectful and unnecessary.

3. Why is the incident going viral?
The event has triggered online debate over classism, behavior norms, and respect in luxury spaces, especially when traditional Indian attire is involved.

4. Has Taj Hotels responded to the controversy?
As of now, no official statement has been issued by Taj Hotels regarding the incident.

5. What did Shradha Sharma say about Ratan Tata and Tata Group?
Shradha mentioned she has “immense respect” for the Tata Group and late Ratan Tata, highlighting that her disappointment was with the staff’s behavior, not the organization’s legacy.