Shark Tank India Judge Kanika Tekriwal Opens Up About Her Cancer Battle at 21
In a deeply personal and emotional moment on Shark Tank India Season 5, judge Kanika Tekriwal revealed her harrowing journey with cancer, which began when she was just 21 years old. The revelation came during a pitch by entrepreneur Shivraj Sharma, founder of Wholeleaf, a company offering government-licensed pain relief products made from cannabidiols (CBD) derived from the Vijaya plant.
The Pitch That Sparked a Personal Story
Shivraj Sharma entered the tank seeking Rs 50 lakh for 2.1% equity, valuing his company at Rs 23.8 crore. He explained that his products are designed to help patients with chronic pain, sharing that his inspiration came from his aunt's cancer treatment, where CBD was sourced from abroad. When questioned by fellow sharks Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar about the legality under India's NDPS Act, Sharma clarified that while cannabis buds are narcotics, the leaves—with lower THC—are permitted for medicinal use and are procured from licensed state governments.
Kanika's Heart-Wrenching Cancer Experience
Moved by the pitch, Kanika Tekriwal shared her own story, stating, "I had cancer 17 years ago. I was 21 years old and I used to get a round of chemo every 2 weeks and I used to be dying in pain." She recounted how her doctor recommended CBD oil for pain relief, but it was unavailable in India at the time. Tekriwal emphasized the severity of her prognosis, revealing, "40 doctors told me that you will survive for 4 months or 4 days." She credited a doctor in Mumbai for helping her defy those odds, leading to her recovery and full head of hair today.
Tekriwal expressed strong support for Wholeleaf, noting, "I think more than the cure, it's the pain and the treatment that kills them." She highlighted her preference for non-allopathic approaches but completed chemotherapy and radiation, underscoring her desire to back an Indian company operating ethically in this space.
Deal and Clinical Validation
Namita Thapar was impressed by Wholeleaf's evidence-based approach, with 13 clinical trials, including two involving 50-75 patients each. Ultimately, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Kanika Tekriwal secured a deal with Sharma for Rs 1.5 crore for 7.5% equity, valuing the company at Rs 20 crore. This investment reflects the sharks' confidence in the product's potential to aid pain management in medical treatments.
Cancer's Impact on Kanika's Life and Career
In previous interviews, Tekriwal disclosed that she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. She reflected on how the experience transformed her, saying, "Cancer made me a strong person ready to face any challenge." During her eight months of treatment, she planned and structured her vision, which later fueled her entrepreneurial success. Today, with an estimated net worth exceeding Rs 420 crore and recognition on the Hurun Rich List, Tekriwal's journey from cancer survivor to business mogul serves as an inspiration to many.
Her story on Shark Tank India not only sheds light on the challenges of cancer treatment but also advocates for improved pain management solutions in healthcare, making it a poignant moment in the show's history.
