When it comes to the world of start-ups in India, one name that has dominated headlines is Ashneer Grover, the co-founder and former Managing Director of BharatPe. His no-filter opinions, bold attitude, and straightforward way of addressing challenges have made him both admired and controversial. His book, Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover, has become a must-read for entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and anyone who wants an insider’s view into the high-stakes world of Indian entrepreneurship.
This blog dives deep into what makes this book special, its themes, lessons, and why you should consider buying it.
Introduction to the Book
Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover is not just another motivational business book. It is a brutally honest memoir that highlights the ups and downs of Grover’s entrepreneurial journey. Written in his trademark candid style, the book takes readers behind the scenes of one of India’s fastest-growing fintech companies, BharatPe, while also exposing the politics, betrayals, and conflicts that occur in the corporate world.
Unlike sugar-coated business guides, this book reveals the real side of building a business — sleepless nights, clashes with co-founders, investor drama, and the personal toll that comes with scaling a start-up.
Why the Title “Doglapan”?
The word Doglapan in Hindi translates to “hypocrisy” or “two-facedness”. Grover chose this title because it perfectly captures the duplicity he encountered in both personal and professional circles. Whether it was relationships with investors, corporate partners, or even within his own team, the theme of “doglapan” runs throughout the book.
This striking title has resonated with many readers, making the book not just about start-ups, but also about the complexities of human behavior in competitive environments.
Key Themes in the Book
1. The Start-Up Rollercoaster
Grover candidly describes how building BharatPe was not just about innovation but also about constantly fighting battles. From hiring the right team to convincing investors and battling competition, every step was a struggle. The book emphasizes that start-up life is not glamorous—it’s raw, tough, and filled with obstacles.
2. Corporate Politics and Power Struggles
A major part of the book discusses the boardroom drama and conflicts that eventually led to Grover’s exit from BharatPe. Readers get an unfiltered account of how ego clashes, power struggles, and betrayal can destroy even the most successful ventures.
3. Personal Sacrifices
Grover shares how his personal life was deeply affected by his entrepreneurial journey. From family issues to public controversies, he talks openly about the emotional and psychological pressure entrepreneurs face.
4. Candid Life Lessons
At its core, Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover is also a guidebook on resilience, risk-taking, and handling criticism. Grover advises readers to embrace failures, trust instincts, and remain unapologetically authentic.
What Makes It Different from Other Business Books?
Most business or self-help books focus on strategies, frameworks, and step-by-step success formulas. However, Grover’s book is raw storytelling. It doesn’t glorify success, nor does it promise easy wins. Instead, it offers a realistic picture of entrepreneurship in India.
What sets this book apart is Ashneer Grover’s bold, fearless writing style. He names people, situations, and events directly without sugarcoating them. This transparency makes it not only a business book but also a gripping story full of drama, emotion, and truth.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs: To understand the ground realities of building a start-up.
- Corporate Professionals: To learn how boardroom dynamics and politics play out in real life.
- Students of Business and Management: For practical insights into entrepreneurship beyond theory.
- General Readers: Anyone interested in raw and entertaining storytelling.
Lessons from Doglapan
- Be Fearless – Speak your truth, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
- Expect Betrayal – In business, not everyone’s intentions are pure.
- Stay Resilient – Failures are part of the journey, not the end.
- Authenticity Wins – Pretending to be someone else doesn’t last.
- Work-Life Balance is Tricky – Success often comes with personal costs.
Reader Response and Popularity
Since its release, Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover has been widely discussed on social media, news outlets, and book clubs. Readers praise the book for its honesty and gripping narrative, while critics argue that it sometimes comes across as overly harsh or one-sided.
Nonetheless, the book has become a bestseller in India, cementing Grover’s position as one of the most outspoken voices in the Indian start-up ecosystem.
Why You Should Buy This Book
If you’re tired of generic business books that only talk about success stories, then Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover is the refreshing dose of reality you need. It gives you:
- A behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of start-ups.
- Practical life lessons for business and beyond.
- A gripping story told with humor, wit, and brutal honesty.
This is not just a book; it’s an experience of walking through Ashneer Grover’s journey — one filled with ambition, conflict, and resilience.
Final Thoughts
In a world where most business leaders maintain polished images, Ashneer Grover stands out for his raw, unapologetic truth-telling. His book, Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover, is not just a memoir but a mirror reflecting the challenges and contradictions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you admire or criticize him, there’s no denying that Grover’s story is inspiring, entertaining, and thought-provoking. For anyone seeking to understand the realities of entrepreneurship in India, this book is a must-read.
✅ Grab your copy of Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups (Paperback) – Ashneer Grover today and uncover the truths behind the start-up world!