Television actor Neha Marda, best known for her role as Gehna in Balika Vadhu, is now making headlines for her entrepreneurial success story.
The actor recently appeared on Shark Tank India, where she revealed how a deeply personal challenge eventually led her to build a wellness brand that now reportedly earns nearly ₹2 crore in monthly revenue.
Her company, Phitku, focuses on crystal-based underarm roll-ons and has quickly gained visibility in the wellness and personal care market.
A Personal Problem Sparked the Idea
During her pitch on Shark Tank India, Neha Marda opened up about experiencing body odour issues after pregnancy, something she said affected her confidence both personally and professionally.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleShe explained:
“Post my pregnancy, I started feeling discomfort with my body odour. Being an actor, my confidence was shaken. Nothing actually worked to solve it.”
According to Neha, her search for effective natural and organic alternatives eventually inspired her business idea.
“What began as a personal problem soon turned into a business idea,” she shared.
She added that despite trying multiple products, she struggled to find a solution that worked consistently.
Building an Alum-Based Wellness Brand
Neha launched the business alongside her husband Rahul and her brother after reportedly spending nearly three years researching and developing the product.
The brand transformed traditional alum — commonly available at low prices in local markets — into a crystal-based underarm roll-on designed to combat body odour and bacteria naturally.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleInitially launched at a much lower price point, the product later evolved significantly in terms of formulation, ingredients and manufacturing quality.
As a result, the product’s price eventually increased to ₹999, triggering debate and criticism online from users questioning the premium pricing.
Neha later clarified that the higher price reflected research, improved ingredients and product development costs.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleBrand Reportedly Crossed ₹14 Crore Revenue
Despite online criticism, the business appears to have grown rapidly.
During the show, Neha claimed that:
- The brand crossed ₹14 crore in revenue within 10 months
- It serves more than 2 lakh customers
- The company currently generates approximately ₹2 crore in monthly revenue
She also credited social media for helping expand the brand’s reach, revealing that the company’s Instagram presence generated nearly 24.5 million organic views.
Tough Questions on Shark Tank India
Although Neha entered the show with strong television recognition, the investors questioned multiple aspects of the business including pricing, scalability and market positioning.
Shark Anupam Mittal questioned the product’s fragrance-related claims, while Namita Thapar raised concerns about whether Indian consumers would accept a ₹999 roll-on product when cheaper deodorants dominate the market.
The discussion also explored whether Neha’s celebrity image contributed heavily to the brand’s visibility.
Deal Secured on the Show
Despite the scrutiny, Neha managed to secure investment interest during the pitch.
Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal jointly offered:
- ₹1.8 crore investment
- In exchange for 1% equity
Neha accepted the offer on the show.
From Television Fame to Business Leadership
Before entering entrepreneurship, Neha Marda established herself as a familiar face in Indian television through shows including:
- Balika Vadhu
- Doli Armaano Ki
- Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
After stepping away from acting following motherhood, her appearance on Shark Tank India introduced audiences to a new chapter of her professional life.
Her journey reflects a growing trend of celebrities transitioning into entrepreneurship by building brands around personal experiences and consumer-focused solutions.
