Indian investors need to stop believing in financial fairy tales that’s the sharp message from veteran investor Shankar Sharma. Speaking boldly and clearly he warned that chasing popular investment myths won’t help people build real explore what he said and what it means for you as an investor.
Stop Believing in Myths
Many Indian investors think longterm investing is the only way to get rich. They often hear stories about legendary investors like Warren Buffett who became a billionaire by holding stocks for decades.
But Shankar Sharma wants to burst that bubble.
He said “Warren Buffett made most of his money after 60. That’s not going to pay your bills.”
This means that while longterm investing might work in theory in real life most people can’t wait 30 or 40 years to see results. You need money now to pay bills, support your family and plan for your future.
The Over-Romanticization of LongTerm Investing
In India we often romanticize long-term investing. People are told “Buy good stocks and forget them for 20 years.” This advice sounds nice but it’s not always practical.
Sharma believes this idea is too idealistic. He argues that many people invest small amounts and expect to become millionaires just by waiting. But if your income and savings are limited time alone won’t create wealth. You need smart strategies not just patience.
He says “Waiting doesn’t make you rich. Acting wisely does.”
What Should Indian Investors Really Do?
If longterm investing isn’t a magic formula what should investors in India do?
Here are 5 clear takeaways from Shankar Sharma’s message:
1. Avoid Blind Faith in Popular Ideas
Don’t follow investment trends just because they are popular on social media or YouTube. Research analyze and understand where your money is going.
2. Think About Real-Life Needs
Your investment plan should match your personal goals like buying a house supporting your parents or funding your child’s education. If you need money in 5–10 years waiting 30 years is not helpful.
3. Learn Active Investing
Passive investing (like index funds) is good for beginners but learning how to manage your portfolio actively can give better results in shorter periods. This does not mean trading daily but reviewing and adjusting regularly.
4. Don’t Worship Market Gurus
Warren Buffett and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala are brilliant investors but copying their style without understanding the full picture can be dangerous. Everyone’s journey is different.
5. Be Open to Different Strategies
Use a mix of strategies – longterm holding medium term trading, real estate, mutual funds and even gold. Diversifying can protect you from sudden market falls.
The Indian Market Is Different
Sharma also points out that India is not the same as the US. In America stock markets have been rising steadily for 50+ years. In India markets are more volatile. Small investors often face heavy losses during crashes and may not recover quickly.
So it’s risky to apply American style longterm thinking without considering the local situation.
Why This Matters in 2025
In 2025 Indian markets are full of retail investors. Many are new and excited. Influencers talk about 10x stocks and overnight success. But real wealth comes from careful planning not hype.
Shankar Sharma’s message is a timely wake up call. He is not saying “don’t invest.” He is saying “Invest wisely not blindly.”
Final Thoughts: Be Practical, Not Dreamy
Every investor dreams of getting rich. But chasing myths, copying others and blindly following longterm slogans won’t help. As Shankar Sharma says you need strategies that actually work in your life.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want from my investments in 5 years?
- Can I afford to wait 30 years?
- Do I understand where I’m putting my money?
If not take time to learn, plan and act.
Wealth is not created by dreams. It’s created by decisions.