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A viral video of entrepreneur Shraddha Sharma, founder and CEO of media-tech platform YourStory, in which she accuses Taj Mahal hotel staff of shaming her over the way she sits, has sparked a heated online debate on elitism, cultural norms and luxurious dining etiquette in India. The 1:27-minute clip, which was posted on X, where Sharma has more than 171,500 followers, has been viewed more than 223,000 times, highlighting the tensions in high-level hospitality.

In this emotional video, Sharma, clearly distraught, talks about her Diwali dinner at the hotel’s luxurious House of Ming restaurant. Along with his sister, he described this outing as his hard-earned money. Dressed in traditional salwar-kurta and Kolhapuri slippers, he said, “We work tirelessly for our money; this was our special moment.” Halfway through the meal, a manager reportedly came and cited a guest’s complaint that she was sitting “padmasana” (cross-legged) on a chair. Sharma quoted him as saying, “This is fine dining for rich customers; sit properly with your shoes on.” He further said that he criticized her attire and shoes, saying that it was inappropriate for the “rich culture and upper class” of the venue.

Undeterred by her self-financed tour, Sharma hit back: “I’m not bothering anyone—just sitting comfortably and gracefully. Why humiliate a self-reliant woman like this?” Citing the example of YourStory’s investor, late industrialist Ratan Tata, she lamented the irony of a brand she had long admired. “Even today, a common man of dignity has to face such indignities in elite places,” he said.

Polarized reactions erupted on social media. Supporters called it “colonial mentality” and classism and urged Taj Hotels to apologize and promote inclusivity. “It’s not a mistake—it’s a lack of empathy,” one user tweeted, tagging @Tajhotels. However, critics supported the hotel, arguing that fine dining required etiquette. Another commented, “Taj is right; respect the place or choose informal places. Indians often ignore global standards.”

Despite Taj’s silence, the controversy highlights growing access to luxury among India’s growing middle class. #Tajhotel is trending, and it inspires reflection: should grand destinations embrace diverse forms of comfort, or impose Western modes? Sharma’s plight underscores the broader effort for equal hospitality in a culturally rich nation.