In a country with over a billion people, conversations about sexual health remain hushed. That irony wasn’t lost in the latest episode of Shark Tank India 4, where Chandigarh-based entrepreneurs Dheeraj Nagpal and Sachin Goel introduced their Ayurveda-based brand, Zinga Vita. Their pitch wasn’t just met with laughter but also sparked some serious debates.
Zinga Vita focuses on Shilajit, an ancient ayurvedic supplement often associated with sexual health. The founders, however, insisted that its benefits extend far beyond that. They explained that Shilajit improves metabolism, boosts energy, and is beneficial for both men and women. With a mission to break the stigma surrounding the herb, they sought Rs 1 crore for 1.25% equity, valuing their business at Rs 80 crore.
As soon as the entrepreneurs asked the judges to sample their product, Aman Gupta couldn’t resist joking, “I don’t need Shilajit… What are you even talking?” The room erupted in laughter, but the conversation quickly turned serious. The sharks questioned why an age-old product needed a rebranding. The founders argued that awareness had grown in India and that the US market showed a rising demand. They claimed their product improved strength, vitality, and muscle gain.
Vineeta Singh immediately raised a concern, asking if these claims were based on any new studies. She pointed out that Shilajit has long been associated with erectile dysfunction treatment. Dheeraj countered, explaining that the herb enhances metabolism and energy production, which allows it to be marketed in different ways, from fitness to sexual health.
Despite their confidence, the entrepreneurs faced tough scrutiny over the lack of clinical trials. Namita Thapar emphasized the importance of scientific backing, stating, “Focus on fundamentals, and base it on evidence.” Without trials proving its effectiveness, she found it difficult to support their claims.
Aman Gupta’s concern went beyond the science, he was alarmed by their high product return rates. The founders argued that once the stigma around Shilajit fades, demand would naturally stabilize. But Aman remained unconvinced, saying he was out of the deal because of uncontrolled financial losses. “There is no control in the burns or the RTOs,” he remarked.
Other sharks were equally skeptical. Ritesh Agarwal believed it was too soon to determine whether the brand had a sustainable customer base or if it was just riding a temporary trend. Vineeta pointed out that their marketing expenses were increasing, yet they continued losing money on each sale. Kunal Bahl advised them to go back to the drawing board, work on cost-cutting, and focus on profitability before attempting to scale up.
With every shark withdrawing from the deal, Zinga Vita left the tank without securing an investment. While the brand had a bold vision, the sharks needed more than just enthusiasm, they wanted scientific proof, financial stability, and a clear strategy for growth. The pitch may not have ended in a deal, but it certainly fueled an important conversation about Ayurveda, marketing, and the fine line between hype and substance in the business world.