A recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 on SonyLIV featured an entrepreneur from Ahmedabad with a vision for the future of textiles. Chhail Khalsa introduced her brand, Anuvad, showcasing a unique blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern technology. Her pitch centered around musical textiles, where fabric interacts with technology to create sound. She emphasized that her expertise lies in merging textiles with innovation, making them more than just fabric.
During her demonstration, Chhail highlighted installations where technology was seamlessly integrated into the material. She spoke about her future aspirations, which included designing textiles for the elderly with memory issues and individuals uncomfortable with wearable gadgets. She also mentioned developing heat-tech solutions using her specialized fabric. Seeking Rs 50 lakh for 5% equity, she valued her company at Rs 10 crore.
Vineeta Singh asked what qualifies as a smart textile. Chhail explained that any textile with enhanced functionality beyond regular fabric falls under this category. She also revealed that she holds an Indian patent for embedding circuits within textiles, effectively making them electronic. While discussing practical applications, she mentioned heated cushions but did not bring them to the pitch, which left the panel confused.
Kunal Bahl questioned why she hadn’t brought the heated cushions along, and Chhail struggled to give a clear reason. Anupam Mittal, in his characteristic tone, remarked, “Aapko laga isme fnding mil jayegi. Voh kyu dikhana?”
Chhail shared that she had been developing this concept for over eight years and had received three grants from the IKEA Foundation, amounting to Rs 44 lakh. Vineeta, surprised by her long-term commitment, asked whether she was certain that there was real demand for such textiles. Chhail remained hopeful, expressing confidence in the market potential.
Kunal acknowledged her dedication and appreciated her perseverance. However, Namita Thapar felt the business was still in its early stages and decided not to invest. Anupam offered a critical perspective, stating, “college project, craft centre, research oriented textiles looking for a use case.” He suggested she find a clear application for her product before scaling up. While he declined to invest, he did express interest in possibly commissioning an installation from her company.
Vineeta was unconvinced about the practical need for such textiles. She said these fabrics might serve as novelty items but did not see them replacing traditional textiles. Kunal and Ritesh Agarwal also chose to step back from the deal. As Chhail left the stage, Vineeta advised her that sometimes harsh feedback is necessary for growth and finding the right path.
Despite not securing an investment, Chhail remained undeterred. She later shared that she disagreed with the investors and believed there was significant potential in the evolving field of E-textiles. Her journey continues, driven by her vision to bridge tradition and technology in the world of fabric.