Neha Marda's Bold Leap from Television to Entrepreneurship
When Neha Marda stepped onto the set of Shark Tank India Season 5 earlier this year, audiences witnessed a remarkable transformation. Best recognized for her iconic role as Gehna in the long-running television series Balika Vadhu, Marda appeared not as an actor but as a determined entrepreneur. She was there to pitch her innovative venture, Phitku, an alum-based underarm roll-on brand designed to tackle body odor and pigmentation issues.
A Newcomer Again: Learning Business on the Go
Reflecting on her Shark Tank experience, Marda draws parallels to the early days of her acting career. She shares, “It felt like being a newcomer again. Even as an actor, I was directly on set as a heroine. I hadn’t learnt acting then. I learnt it while working. Similarly, I don’t know what it means to run a business or how to handle numbers and operations. But the journey is beautiful and I am already in the middle of the river.”
She emphasizes her commitment to learning, stating, “I am learning business from the best, my brother. I am being the voice of the brand. Tab acting seekh lee thi, ab business seekh loongi. I understand that building a business takes time, just like acting did.” This mindset highlights her resilience and adaptability in navigating unfamiliar territory.
The Personal Inspiration Behind Phitku
The genesis of Phitku stems from a deeply personal struggle Marda faced after the birth of her daughter. She explains, “This is a venture I founded myself and I am the reason behind it. Post my pregnancy, I felt immense discomfort with my body odour. I was feeding my daughter then, so I started looking for organic products in the market. But nothing helped.”
Her search for a solution extended for nearly a year, during which she tried various organic and chemical-based options without success. The issue soon began to erode her confidence. Marda recalls, “My confidence had taken a hit. I would hug people and dance confidently. Hug karna toh band hi kar diya tha maine. I would keep checking myself and masking the smell.”
Compounding the problem, she noticed underarm pigmentation and darkening, which further impacted her self-assurance, especially as an actor required to wear sleeveless attire. This dual challenge prompted her to seek help from her brother, who embarked on extensive research. “I spoke to my brother and he started researching extensively. That’s how we reached the point of creating this brand. Along with solving my problem, I wanted people dealing with the same issue to regain their confidence,” she adds.
Conquering Fears on Shark Tank India
Despite her extensive experience in television, pitching Phitku on Shark Tank India was a daunting endeavor. Marda admits, “Presenting myself as a businesswoman and pitching my product was a proud moment. I was extremely scared and nervous. In fact, I felt I had prepared for this more seriously than I did for my Class 10 and 12 board exams.” This comparison underscores the intensity of her preparation and the significance she placed on this entrepreneurial debut.
Leveraging Celebrity Status with Authenticity
Marda acknowledges that her visibility as an actor may have initially boosted Phitku's sales. She notes, “The initial sales may have been influenced by my celebrity association. Being an actor, usne Phitku ke liye darwaaze khole zaroor hain. But keeping that door open is something Phitku has done on its own.”
Today, she focuses on engaging directly with customers, a skill she excels at. “At this point, I am more involved in communicating with my customers, something that I am good at. If your intentions are right, you are not scared of losing anything because we are not selling. We are sharing,” she concludes, emphasizing the brand's ethos of authenticity and community support.
Neha Marda's journey from a beloved television actor to a passionate entrepreneur exemplifies how personal challenges can inspire innovative solutions. With Phitku, she aims to empower others facing similar issues, blending her artistic background with a newfound business acumen to make a meaningful impact in the wellness industry.
