Mumbai’s television darling Neha Marda has stepped away from the spotlight of acting to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. The actress, best known for her roles in popular soaps, launched her personal care brand ‘Fitku’ after a deeply personal challenge post-pregnancy shook her confidence.
During her appearance on ‘Shark Tank India’, Neha opened up about the unexpected hurdle she faced after becoming a mother. ‘Pregnancy changed everything for me,’ she shared candidly. ‘Suddenly, I was dealing with body odor that no amount of regular deodorants could mask. As an actress whose career hinges on poise and presence, this hit me hard, shattering my self-assurance.’
What started as a private battle soon transformed into a groundbreaking business idea. Neha and her team developed Fitku’s flagship product: an alum-based roll-on deodorant. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of traditional alum crystals used by grandmothers, they’ve modernized it into a safe, effective solution accessible to all.
‘This isn’t just a product; it’s born from my own necessity,’ Neha emphasized. Her journey from screen to startup resonates with countless women navigating postpartum changes. The brand aims to empower every mother by delivering reliable odor protection without harsh chemicals.
The Sharks didn’t hold back, probing into the brand’s early visibility and growth. They questioned whether Neha’s celebrity status was the primary driver behind its marketing success and sales surge. Neha’s response highlighted a blend of personal branding and genuine product merit.
Neha’s acting career skyrocketed with ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya’, followed by stints in ‘Ghar Ek Sapna’, ‘Mamta’, and mythical epics like ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’. Her dance moves lit up ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8’, cementing her as a versatile talent.
Today, Fitku stands as a testament to turning vulnerability into victory, proving that personal pain points can spark innovative solutions for the masses. Neha’s story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to find opportunity in adversity.
