Balika Vadhu star’s brand gets an offer of Rs 1.8 crore investment from Shark Tank judges. Who is Neha Marda?

The latest episode of Shark Tank India 5 witnessed a surprising and entertaining pitch as television actor Neha Marda stepped into the tank, not as a performer but as an entrepreneur. Known widely for her portrayal of Gehna in the iconic show Balika Vadhu, Neha arrived to present her wellness brand Phitku. She was accompanied by her co-founders, her brother Sumit Marda and close associate Rahul Dokania, as the trio sought to make a strong case for their business.

Instead of beginning with numbers and charts, the founders opened their presentation with a lively qawwali, instantly grabbing the attention of the sharks. Once the creative introduction ended, they moved on to their ask, seeking an investment of Rs 1.8 crore in exchange for just 1 percent ownership, which valued the company at a hefty Rs 180 crore. The valuation immediately drew sharp reactions. Aman Gupta dismissed the proposal almost instantly, wishing them luck before signaling his disinterest. Anupam Mittal admitted that while the opening had sparked curiosity, the valuation quickly dampened his enthusiasm. As the discussion progressed, Amit Jain scrutinized the financial claims, questioning whether the revenue figures had been exaggerated and pointing out inconsistencies that raised concerns about clarity and honesty.

Phitku positions itself as a natural alternative to conventional deodorant sticks. The product is crafted using refined alum stone combined with select natural components and promises odor protection for up to an entire day. Explaining the inspiration behind the brand, Neha spoke about experiencing discomfort related to body odor after her pregnancy. Regular deodorants, she noticed, led to skin pigmentation under her arms, which became a source of frustration, especially given her public-facing profession. She emphasized that such concerns are rarely discussed openly, despite affecting many people. Sumit added that recognizing this unmet need encouraged them to transform the idea into a full-fledged brand.


The sharks then weighed in with their perspectives. Anupam shared that he personally related to the problem, pointing out that many fragranced products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals with long-term risks. He mentioned switching to alum stone himself and abandoning after-shaves. Namita Thapar, however, remained unconvinced about mass appeal. She highlighted that most Indian consumers associate satisfaction with strong fragrance sprays, which are affordable and widely available. With Phitku priced at Rs 999, she questioned whether the average customer would be willing to switch. She also expressed irritation over the requirement to wet the product before use, calling it an unnecessary inconvenience.

Founded in 2024, Phitku has reportedly reached two lakh customers so far. The founders shared that they generated Rs 1 crore in revenue within two and a half months during the 2024–25 period, followed by Rs 14 crore so far in the current financial year. They emphasized that the company has grown without external funding. Breaking down the numbers further, they claimed monthly revenues of Rs 1.4 crore in September 2025, Rs 1.6 crore in October, and nearly Rs 2 crore in November. However, Amit Jain became visibly displeased when he discovered that these figures included GST, arguing that revenues should always be stated exclusive of tax. Anupam echoed this concern, recalculating the previous year’s revenue at closer to Rs 10 crore rather than 14. Amit further questioned how the founders projected Rs 24 crore by year-end when the current monthly run rate suggested a lower total.

Despite reservations, Aman Gupta made the first offer, proposing Rs 1.8 crore for 3 percent equity along with a 2 percent royalty until his investment was recovered. Namita opted out entirely, citing challenges around changing consumer habits and the extra application step, which she viewed as friction points. Amit Jain also pointed out a red flag when the founders disclosed that each of them drew Rs 7 lakh from profits. Anupam pressed further, questioning whether these withdrawals would continue post-investment, expressing disappointment over what he perceived as transparency issues.

Nevertheless, Anupam acknowledged his excitement about the category and surprised everyone by matching the founders’ original valuation. He offered Rs 1.8 crore for 1 percent equity, coupled with a 5 percent royalty until three times the investment was earned back. The founders then requested Aman and Anupam to partner on the deal and sought a reduced royalty. After discussion, both sharks revised their terms, agreeing jointly to invest Rs 1.8 crore for 1 percent equity, with a 5 percent royalty until they recovered three times their capital.

Neha Marda originates from Rajasthan and began her journey in the entertainment industry at a young age. She first gained public attention as a contestant on Sony TV’s dance show Boogie Woogie, eventually winning the competition in 2004. She appeared on the show multiple times during her childhood and teenage years and later even served as a judge. Her acting debut came in 2005 with Saath Rahega Always, followed by roles in Ghar Ek Sapnaa and Ek Thi Rajkumari. Her defining breakthrough arrived with Balika Vadhu, where she portrayed Gehna from 2008 to 2011. Over the years, she appeared in several other television projects, including Jo Ishq Ki Marzi Woh Rab Ki Marzi and Shraddha. In February 2012, she married businessman Ayushman Agrawal in Kolkata, and the couple welcomed their daughter Anaya in 2023.