From TV’s Gehna to ₹180-Crore Entrepreneur: How Neha Marda Turned a ₹10 Household Item Into a Thriving Business

For actors today, relying solely on acting projects is no longer the norm. Building businesses alongside entertainment careers has become a growing trend, with Bollywood stars such as Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, and Kriti Sanon successfully launching their own brands. Television celebrities are following suit, and actor Neha Marda is among the latest examples.

Best known for playing Gehna in the hit television serial Balika Vadhu, Neha Marda stepped away from acting after becoming a mother and ventured into entrepreneurship. What began as a personal struggle eventually transformed into Phitku, an alum-based roll-on brand that has now achieved a valuation of ₹180 crore.

A Personal Problem Sparked a Business Idea

Neha shared the story behind her venture during her appearance on Shark Tank India in January 2026. The actor revealed that the inspiration for Phitku came after she experienced body odor issues following her pregnancy.

“Post my pregnancy, I started feeling a little discomfort with my body odor. Being an actor, my confidence was shaken that day. Nothing actually worked to solve it,” she said on the show.

As she searched for natural and organic solutions, Neha found a gap in the market. Unable to find a reliable product that met her needs, she decided to create one herself. Along with her husband and brother, she began working on what would eventually become Phitku.

“What began as a personal problem soon turned into a business idea,” she explained.

From ₹99 Product to Premium Brand

The company initially launched its alum-based roll-on at a price of ₹99. However, refining the formulation and perfecting the product took nearly three years. Once satisfied with the final version, the founders repositioned it as a premium offering and increased the price to ₹999.

The dramatic price jump attracted criticism and skepticism, with many questioning whether a traditional ingredient like fitkari could justify such a premium tag. Yet the strategy appeared to pay off.

During her Shark Tank India pitch, Neha claimed the company serves around two lakh customers and generates approximately ₹2 lakh in monthly revenue. She also revealed that the brand crossed ₹14 crore in revenue within just 10 months.

Industry observers have credited the company for reimagining a centuries-old household product rather than simply repackaging an existing concept.

The Shark Tank Deal That Valued Phitku at ₹180 Crore

While the Sharks raised concerns about the company’s valuation and pricing strategy, Neha ultimately won over investors Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal.

The duo jointly offered ₹1.8 crore in exchange for 1% equity, a deal Neha accepted. The investment valued Phitku at an impressive ₹180 crore, turning the actor-turned-entrepreneur into one of the show’s notable success stories.

From Boogie Woogie Winner to Television Star

Long before her entrepreneurial journey, Neha had already built a successful career in entertainment.

She first entered the spotlight at the age of 11 as a contestant on Boogie Woogie, winning the popular dance reality show in 2004. She continued participating in later editions throughout her teenage years.

Her television debut came in 2005 with Saath Rahega Always, followed by roles in Ghar Ek Sapnaa and several other serials. However, it was her portrayal of Gehna in Balika Vadhu that made her a household name across India.

During the peak of her television career, Neha got married and later took a break from acting. Her last major television appearance was in Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti (2020–2021).

Today, Neha Marda’s journey stands as an example of how celebrities are increasingly leveraging their public profiles to build successful businesses, proving that a simple household ingredient can become the foundation of a multi-crore brand with the right vision and execution.