'Apna time ayega': Ex-Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal fires back at Sam Altman following DeepSeek's AI success
At the event, when asked if an Indian team with a $10 million budget could build a competitive AI model, Altman said, "We’re gonna tell you it’s totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models."
Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal has responded to comments made by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2023, in which Altman dismissed the potential of AI startups outside of Silicon Valley. Mittal’s remarks come in light of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI model, matching the performance of OpenAI’s top models and surpassing ChatGPT on the iOS App Store.
In a post on X, Mittal referenced Altman’s 2023 statement, which claimed it was "totally hopeless" for India to compete with OpenAI in developing AI models.
He quoted Altman’s words, adding, "While India hasn’t done it yet, I’m glad somebody made him less smug. Apna time bhi aayega," indicating his belief that other challengers could rise despite Altman’s dismissive attitude.
Mittal’s comments came after DeepSeek’s R1 model, developed at a fraction of OpenAI’s investment, has shown remarkable results. The Chinese AI model, which cost just $6 million to develop, has been able to match OpenAI’s O1 model, a feat that comes despite OpenAI and Microsoft’s extensive investments in the field.
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
The debate surrounding Altman’s remarks was reignited when a video resurfaced of the OpenAI CEO speaking at an ET Now summit in 2023.
At the event, when asked if an Indian team with a $10 million budget could build a competitive AI model, Altman said, "We’re gonna tell you it’s totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models." His comments were widely criticised at the time.
In the same vein, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath also weighed in, suggesting that India’s short-term mindset and “Jugaad mentality” were hindering the country’s AI ambitions.
Also read: 'Jugaad mentality failing us': Zerodha's Nithin Kamath explains why China has an AI edge over India
Kamath pointed to China’s rapid growth in scientific and technological advancements, including DeepSeek’s success, to highlight the need for long-term, focused thinking in addressing India’s challenges.
