On the latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 5, actress Neha Marda, known for her role in "Balika Vadhu," faced tough questions from the Sharks regarding her alum-based underarm roll-on, Phitku. The product, priced at ₹999, aims to tackle body odor using traditional Indian ingredients like alum, coconut oil, and shea butter. Marda shared that her personal struggle with body odor after pregnancy led her to create Phitku, as she felt her confidence as an actor was shaken. She explained, "Post my pregnancy, I started feeling a little discomfort with my body odor... Nothing actually worked to solve it. What began as a personal problem soon turned into a business idea".
However, the Sharks didn't hold back in expressing their concerns. Namita Thapar questioned the product's affordability, remarking, "Rs 200 mein deo milte hain... India relate kar paayegi?". She highlighted the challenge of marketing a premium-priced product in a market where cheaper deodorants are readily available. Anupam Mittal also probed the "fragrance" claim, asking if it was merely a marketing gimmick. Amit Jain raised concerns about the product's usability and effectiveness. The Sharks also questioned whether Marda's celebrity status would give her brand an unfair advantage.
Despite the grilling, Marda stood by her product, emphasizing its chemical-free composition and use of traditional Indian ingredients. Phitku aims to offer a safe and effective solution for everyday hygiene. The actress-turned-entrepreneur is hoping to tap into a market of consumers seeking natural and traditional alternatives to conventional deodorants. It remains to be seen whether Marda's passion and unique product formulation will be enough to convince the Sharks and, more importantly, Indian consumers, of Phitku's value proposition in a competitive market. The episode featuring Neha Marda and Phitku is part of the ongoing season of Shark Tank India 5, which features a panel of investors including Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, Kunal Bahl, and Viraj Bahl. Amit Jain is also returning this season, with new judges including Mohit Yadav, Kanika Tekriwal, Shaily Mehrotra, Hardik Kothia, and Varun Alagh joining the panel.
