Shark Tank India’s Kanika Tekriwal Recalls Battling Cancer And Unbearable Pain At 21

Shark Tank India Season 5 has shown many emotional moments. In one episode, new shark Kanika Tekriwal shared a very personal story. She talked about fighting cancer when she was just 21 years old and the severe pain she went through during her treatment.

She revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago and had to undergo chemotherapy every two weeks. “I used to be dying in pain,” Kanika shared, recalling how difficult those months were for her and her family.

Kanika further spoke about the frightening medical opinions she received at the time. “I was 21 and 40 doctors told me that you will survive for 4 months or 4 days,” she said. Despite the grim prognosis, she refused to give up and chose to fight.

She recalled meeting a doctor in Mumbai

and telling him, “We will have a drink 40 years later, now, let’s talk,” showing the determination that helped her survive the illness.

Pain During Treatment Affects Patients More Than the Disease

During the pitch of a CBD-based pain relief product, Kanika explained how managing pain is one of the biggest challenges cancer patients face. She said doctors had advised her parents to get CBD oil to ease her pain, but it was not available in India at the time.

“I think more than the cure, it’s the pain and the treatment that kills them,” Kanika said, highlighting why pain management solutions matter deeply to her today.

Supports Ethical and Evidence-Based Healthcare Solutions

Kanika clarified that although she does not like allopathy, she completed her full course of chemotherapy and radiation. She praised the startup for focusing on ethical practices and evidence-based medicine, noting that the founder had conducted multiple clinical trials.

Kanika liked the product and the research behind it. She teamed up with Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar to invest Rs 1.5 crore for a 7.5 percent share in the company, valuing it at Rs 20 crore.

From Cancer Survivor to ‘Shark Tank India’ Judge

Kanika Tekriwal is the founder of JetSetGo, India’s first private aviation leasing firm. With a net worth of over Rs 420 crore, she is one of the youngest women entrepreneurs on the Hurun Rich List.

Shark Tank India Season 5, which premiered on January 5, features 15 sharks, including six new judges.