YourStory Founder Shradha Sharma’s Experience At Taj Delhi Sparks Debate On Class And Comfort

Shradha Sharma, the founder and CEO of YourStory, found herself at the center of an online storm after she posted a video describing an uncomfortable experience at the iconic Taj Hotel in Delhi. She claimed that a manager asked her to adjust her sitting posture and footwear during a Diwali dinner with her sister, an incident that quickly caught the attention of social media users across the country.

What happened at Taj Delhi

According to Sharma, she was seated comfortably in a Padmasana posture when a manager approached her and requested that she sit “properly” because another guest had complained. She shared that she was wearing a simple salwar-kurta and Kolhapuri slippers — both of which she had purchased herself — and was stunned by what she felt was an unnecessary display of elitism.

“A common person who works hard, earns their own money, and comes to a hotel with dignity still faces humiliation,” she said in her video. “And what was my fault? That I sat cross-legged while having dinner?”

Shradha further expressed confusion over the idea of dress and posture expectations in fine dining settings. “Yes, this is a fine dining place, and I understand that rich people come here. But since when did sitting comfortably or wearing open footwear become a problem?” she questioned.

Social media reaction

The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users divided in their opinions. Many viewers supported Sharma, saying that her seating style should not have been an issue in a hospitality environment meant for comfort and relaxation. Others, however, argued that luxury restaurants often follow strict decorum and etiquette standards that guests are expected to observe.

Several commenters praised her courage for calling out the incident publicly, while others believed the controversy reflected broader issues of class perception and privilege in India’s luxury dining culture.

Shradha Sharma’s response

In her closing remarks, Sharma reflected on how moments like these reveal deep-rooted biases in society. “If someone has a problem with how I sit, it just shows how much we still think about money, culture, and class. I work hard, I am paying for my meal myself — so what’s the issue?” she said.

She added that she felt disappointed by the experience, especially given her respect for the Taj brand and her awareness that Ratan Tata had once invested in her company, YourStory.

The incident has since evolved into a larger discussion online about inclusivity, class sensitivity, and the expectations placed on individuals in luxury public spaces.

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