Yes, that part is true, especially when there are big oversized engines like in Massa (large engines with big power and torque reserves overcome a lot of limitations of crappy slush boxes). But notice that it is not efficient.For city driving, where most people would spend their time, automatics are perfectly usable. Have been so for the last 20 years.
Do that math .. Around $800 extra in initial costs over stick shift + 1 to 2 mpg lower fuel efficiency, and higher maintenance in Indian driving conditions and all this financed at 10% percent rates of interest , adds up to a big big difference over manual ..
So like the good song says..
"Aulaad maan jao aur ban jao Hindustani.." that is... chalao stick. Let AmriKhani men and wimmins and wimpy R2I types who never drove a stick in their lives pine for slush box!.