‘Food Pharmer' recalls Nithin Kamath's unexpected act of kindness during his toughest time: ‘It wasn't charity'

Indian Express

2 days ago

Influencer Revant Himatsingka, better known as the 'Food Pharmer', recently shared a heartfelt story about an unexpected gesture of kindness from Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath that came at a time when he needed it most.
In a post on X, Himatsingka opened up about a difficult chapter in his life – he had left a steady job in the US, wasn't taking on any brand deals, and was overwhelmed by lawsuits, facing eight legal notices. He described himself as being 'nearly broke' and emotionally drained, grappling with self-doubt.
It was during this low point, in December 2023, that he happened to meet Kamath at an event. Despite being strangers, Kamath made a surprising offer. 'Don't worry, if you need any financial help, let me know, I'll help out,' he told Himatsingka. When asked if he'd want equity in return, Kamath simply smiled and said, 'None. I don't want anything. I just want to support you.'
The gesture left Himatsingka stunned. He hadn't expected such generosity from someone he'd never met. 'It wasn't charity. It was belief,' he said. 'Belief that doing the right thing is worth backing.'
Though he chose not to accept the offer – wanting to build something sustainable on his own – he shared deep appreciation for Kamath's support. 'In a world obsessed with ROI, here was someone who reminded me that true wealth is in character… Forever grateful, Nithin,' he wrote. 'You didn't just offer me help. You inspired me.'
When I was nearly broke, battling lawsuits, and questioning everything—Nithin Kamath offered to help me out.
I had quit my job in the US, wasn't doing food brands deals, and I had 8 legal notices. That's when I met @Nithin0dha at an event in December 2023.
He told me 'Don't… pic.twitter.com/Cfc5P6katE
— Revant Himatsingka 'Food Pharmer' (@foodpharmer2) May 29, 2025
The post went viral and netizens took to the comments to react to it. A user wrote, 'This is what we want billionaires to do, support those who bring change.' Another user wrote, 'Let this be a reminder- the best investments are often those made in people, not just companies. Early belief shapes legacies.'
A third person commented, 'He is single handedly going to be responsible for the golden age amazing capitalism help people become better.'
A fourth person said, 'Food is primary to us, and tackling the processed food industry for us all is an enormous job and worthwhile one. Kudos.'
Earlier this year, Himatsingka shared on social media that he had left behind a Rs 2 crore-a-year job in the United States to come back to India, driven by a mission 'to fight companies which are doing false marketing.'
Over the past 18 months, he says he's rejected offers from countless food brands–some offering hefty payouts–because he didn't want to compromise on his values.