Shark Kanika Tekriwal Reveals Cancer Diagnosis at 21: ‘I Was Told I Had Only Months to Live’

Wholeleaf, a startup that asserts it offers a lasting solution to the side effects of painkillers, made its appearance in Season 5 of Shark Tank India. Based in Delhi Shivraj Sharma developed a CBD solution based on an extract from cannabis leaves, blending Ayurvedic principles with contemporary technology. This product experienced a 16.5-fold increase in growth over 18 months and secured funding of Rs 1.5 crore.

In case we experience pain, the majority of individuals turn to analgesics in order to eliminate it said the founder. This provides a temporary solution, but the pain returns shortly thereafter, and it has various side effects.

This startup merges Ayurveda and modern technology to develop solutions. This startup’s solution has been granted a government license as well. This startup offers a solution made from a natural extract of the Vijaya plant. The solution is referred to as CBD. The founder asserted that it is a clinically approved and globally validated medicine for pain relief. It does not provide temporary pain relief; rather, it eliminates the pain by targeting its roots and does so without causing side effects.

Related: Madrasi Kaapi House Serves Authentic South Indian Coffee on Shark Tank India Season 5 Episode 24

Founded in 2020, Wholeleaf is an all-natural pain therapeutics company inspired by Ayurveda and guided by modern science. They exist to help people live healthier, more comfortable lives by offering a better way to heal – through Vijaya-powered, plant-based formulations that focus on the root causes of chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, not just the symptoms.

Official Website – Wholeleaf

Shivraj, who comes from a business family, says that his aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. After that, she started chemotherapy. The results were good, but there were a lot of side effects. The weight was reduced, the pain was enough, after which the family chose the path of turning to herbal medicine. At that time, Shivraj came to know about cannabis oil. After using it for just 7-10 days, she started getting relief in pain, her appetite started feeling good and her condition started improving.

The founder mentioned that it was ordered from the UK at that time. Shark Aman responded by saying that it is illegal in India, but the founder stated that it is permitted. Shark Namita provided an explanation of the NDPS Act 1985, which prohibits certain activities related to cannabis. The founder stated that this act does not prohibit all parts of the cannabis plant, but only its flower, which is used for intoxication. This startup produces cannabis leaves, which are permitted for use in India.

The company was able to earn only Rs 50 in April 2024, while in 18 months in October 2025, the earnings have reached an ARR of Rs 9 crore. That is, the company’s business has increased by about 16.5 times in 18 months. The company has partnered with the Apollo Group and sells the drug through their multiple medical stores as well. The founder claimed to be the first company in India to conduct 13 clinical trials. About 76 per cent of the participants experienced significant pain relief.

Kanika Tekriwal shared details about her experience with cancer, disclosing that she was diagnosed at the age of 21 and endured significant pain throughout her treatment. “Seventeen years ago, I had cancer. I was 21 at the time, receiving chemotherapy every two weeks, and I was in excruciating pain. My doctor advised my parents to get me CBD oil, but it was not available anywhere. I am very happy you are doing this, as it is by God’s grace that I am sitting here before you with a full head of hair. She shared, “I believe that the pain and treatment are more lethal than the cure.”

When Kanika had cancer, she stated that she “does not like allopathy,” but still went through with her chemotherapy and radiation treatments. At the age of 21, 40 doctors informed me that I would survive either 4 months or just 4 days. She shared that she met a doctor in Mumbai and told him, “We will have a drink 40 years later; now, let’s talk.” Kanika made it clear that she could not obtain CBD oil when she needed it because it was unavailable in India at the time. She expressed her desire to back an Indian company that operates in this way “ethically.”

Shark Namita gave an offer to the founder = Rs 50 Lakhs for 2.5 % Equity Valuation – Rs 20 Crores

Shark Kanika gave the same offer as Shark Namita

Shark Anupam & Shark Vineeta were not interested in investing

Shark Aman Gupta gave an offer = Rs 50 Lakhs for 2.1% Equity, Valuation – Rs 23.8 Crores

Shark Aman made a second offer = Rs 1 Crores for 4.2% Equity , Valutaion – Rs 23.8 Crores

Shark Namita & Shark Kanika gave an revised offer to match Shark Aman’s offer = Rs 50 Lakhs for 2.1% Equity

After some discussion Shark Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Kanika Tekriwal made a joint offer of ₹1.5 crore for 7.5% of the company, which Shivraj accepted, a deal that will be remembered.