The Indian financial community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of Siddhartha Bhaiya, the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Aequitas Investment Consultancy. The veteran fund manager died at the age of 47 due to a sudden cardiac arrest while on a family vacation in New Zealand.
A Sudden Demise on Vacation
Siddhartha Bhaiya passed away on 31 December 2025. The firm formally shared the heartbreaking news with its investors and the public on 2 January 2026. The official announcement expressed profound sadness, confirming his death occurred after a sudden cardiac arrest during what was supposed to be a joyful family holiday.
Bhaiya was a respected figure with over two decades of experience in portfolio management. He began his career as a Fund Manager at Nippon India Mutual Fund in 2005 before founding Aequitas Investment in 2012. His firm catered specifically to Ultra High Net Worth individuals and family offices. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, he was known for his maverick and often contrarian investment strategies.
Social Media Flooded with Tributes
News of his untimely death sent shockwaves across social media platforms, where colleagues, admirers, and followers gathered to pay their respects. Many highlighted the irreplaceable loss his passing represents for the Indian finance sector.
A post from the account ZenFlow Finance on X called it a "profound loss to the finance fraternity," praising Bhaiya as a leader who inspired trust and clarity. The sentiment was echoed widely, with The Investors Club of India expressing heartbreak, stating his death felt "like losing a guru the markets rarely produce."
Other users like Pranav Purankar highlighted his intellectual honesty and deep commitment to value investing, which left an indelible mark on the Indian stock markets. He was often referred to as the 'Multibagger King' for his investment acumen.
Interestingly, user Pracheeti Maheshwari pointed out a tragic irony: Siddhartha Bhaiya was reportedly extremely health-conscious and frequently urged younger people in his audio sessions to prioritize their well-being.
A Legacy of Bold Calls and Conviction
Siddhartha Bhaiya's investment philosophy was defined by courage and independent thinking. He was one of the few voices in 2024 to caution about a market correction when indices were at record highs. His bold strategy was evident when he chose to hold nearly 90% of his portfolio in cash during the period of raging US tariffs imposed by then-President Donald Trump, a move that went against the heavily invested stance of most market participants.
His passing leaves a significant void in the world of investment consultancy. While his insights will be sorely missed, the financial community agrees that his teachings and legacy of principled, long-term investing will continue to guide many for years to come.
