The latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 5 delivered high drama and intense scrutiny as it featured the pitch of natural skincare and haircare brand Lewisia Wellness. Its founder, Dr Manoj Das, who identifies as an Aromatherapist and Natural Therapist, entered the tank seeking an investment but left empty-handed after facing a barrage of tough questions and accusations from the panel of investors.
A Pitch Built on Catchphrases and Content Creation
Manoj Das began his presentation with a series of catchy phrases, immediately capturing the Sharks' attention. He revealed an unconventional entrepreneurial journey, stating he became a content creator before starting his business. His foray into the beauty industry began in 2003 after completing a beauty culture course. However, the business itself took shape much later. In 2017, he started creating YouTube videos on beauty topics, and after garnering massive views, he officially launched Lewisia Wellness in 2020.
The brand, which sells hair, skin, and healthcare products made from natural ingredients, was structured into four distinct categories: Skin Affairs, Lewisia In-organics, Wellness Beat, and Tatvam. Das admitted to the Sharks that creating these four categories was his "biggest mistake." He explained that they initially launched with a sunscreen under Skin Affairs but had to pivot due to government trademark policies. The brand has now applied for trademarks across all product classes under the unified Lewisia Wellness name.
His investment ask was Rs 1 crore for a 1% equity stake, valuing his company at a staggering Rs 100 crores. This lofty valuation immediately raised eyebrows in the tank.
Sharks Question Science, Credibility, and Ethics
The Sharks' skepticism began with the product claims themselves. Aman Gupta questioned Das's assertion that his products contained no chemicals, a claim promptly dismissed by new Shark Mohit Yadav of Minimalist, who pointed out the scientific inaccuracy. The founders were further unconvinced by the business's clinical testing—or lack thereof—and Das's inability to clearly explain his vision and financial numbers.
However, the central point of contention became Manoj Das's use of the title "doctor." Anupam Mittal grilled him on whether an aromatherapist or natural therapist is legally permitted to use that designation. "Pehle ek baat batao, aap Aromatherapist hain, natural therapist hai, so usmein doctor aap likh sakte hain?" Anupam challenged, warning him about the legal ramifications of such claims during due diligence. Aman Gupta sided with Anupam, bluntly stating, "This is fraud."
Anupam Mittal analyzed the business model, suggesting its success was driven not by product efficacy but by provocative, viral social media reels. "Main samajh gaya yaar aap kya kar rahe ho. Aapka jaadu hai aapki content creation," he said, calling the product claims 'baseless' after viewing the videos.
Unanimous Rejection and Harsh Criticism
The Sharks' doubts were compounded by the brand's online reputation. When asked, Das revealed the brand had only a 3.5-star rating from about 50 reviews. Anupam questioned the authenticity of these reviews and argued that a brand claiming Rs 5 crore in sales should have significantly more customer feedback.
One by one, the Sharks backed out with severe criticism:
- Mohit Yadav was the first to opt out, accusing Das of playing on users' insecurities and using clickbait content to sell non-scientific products.
- Namita Thapar refused support, calling the business unethical and misleading to consumers.
- Kunal Bahl also backed out, slamming claims of curing diseases and expressing hope that no one would invest.
- Aman Gupta said investing would be wrong for the country, his business, and his money, focusing on the misuse of the doctor's tag.
Anupam Mittal delivered the final, most scathing remarks. He accused Das of fooling Indian consumers and suggested his social media presence was the only thing keeping him from legal trouble. "Manoj aap social media par ho isliye nazar nahi aarahe, jab aaoge toh sidha jail jaaoge. I think you should leave and I won't even wish you a good luck," he concluded.
Ultimately, none of the Sharks offered a deal to Lewisia Wellness, making it one of the most contentious and unanimously rejected pitches of the new season.
