Neha Marda, the beloved actress from Balika Vadhu, has successfully pivoted from television to entrepreneurship. She recently appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5 where she pitched her natural body care brand Phitku and secured ₹1.8 crore for just 1% equity.
From Struggle to Success
After experiencing post-pregnancy body odor issues in 2023, Neha’s confidence took a hit. When conventional products failed, she turned to traditional Indian wisdom and developed Phitku—India’s first alum crystal deodorant using phitkari. The brand has since sold over 2 lakh units.
The Shark Tank India Deal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Phitku |
| Investment | ₹1.8 Crore for 1% equity |
| Investors | Aman Gupta & Anupam Mittal |
| Product | Alum-based natural deodorant |
| Features | 100% natural, chemical-free, ₹999 |
While Namita Thapar questioned the ₹999 price point and Amit Jain raised concerns about celebrity advantage, boAt founder Aman Gupta and Shaadi.com’s Anupam Mittal saw the potential and closed the deal.
What Sets Phitku Apart
Phitku combines Ayurvedic ingredients—alum, aloe vera, and turmeric—with modern science. Unlike chemical deodorants that block pores, it neutralizes bacteria naturally while letting skin breathe. The brand offers variants in Aloevera, Turmeric, Natural, plus anti-chafing and foot care products.
Neha’s authenticity has sparked crucial conversations about maternal wellness. Shark Tank India provided the perfect platform for scaling operations. Season 5 has invested ₹94.8 crore across 130+ brands. For more inspiring stories, visit TechnoSports and explore entrepreneurial journeys.
FAQs
Q: What problem does Phitku solve?
Q: Why did Neha Marda start Phitku?
A: After experiencing post-pregnancy body odor issues that affected her confidence, Neha developed Phitku to help women facing similar challenges with a safe, natural solution.
