The sudden death of Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder of the popular yoghurt brand Epigamia, has cast a harsh spotlight on the growing issue of work-related stress and its impact on health. At a time when debates about 70-hour work weeks dominate the narrative, his passing reminds us of the critical need to rethink our approach to work-life balance. Unfortunately, Mirchandani’s story is not an isolated incident. In recent years, several other young and dynamic leaders have succumbed to similar fates, raising alarming questions about the toll of relentless ambition.
Pankhuri Shrivastava
The 32-year-old founder of the rental startup Grabhouse and women-focused platform Pankhuri, passed away due to cardiac arrest. Through her platform, launched in 2019, she empowered women to socialize, upskill, and connect via live courses and clubs. Her untimely demise shocked the startup community.
Rohan Malhotra
Similarly, Rohan Malhotra, co-founder of early-stage venture capital firm Good Capital, also fell victim to cardiac arrest in 2024 at the age of 36. Together with his brother Arjun Malhotra, he has been instrumental in supporting innovative startups since founding the firm in 2019.
Ambareesh Murty
In 2023, Ambareesh Murty, co-founder of Pepperfry, died of a heart attack while on a biking trip in Leh. At 51, he was celebrated for transforming the online furniture space since the company’s inception in 2016.
Rudratej Singh
Rudratej Singh, affectionately known as Rudy, served as the CEO of Royal Enfield, driving the iconic motorcycle brand to new heights. He passed away in 2020 at just 46, again due to cardiac arrest.
As these stories echo through the business world, they pose a crucial question: Is it time to prioritize health over hustle? The call for a balanced lifestyle is louder than ever—what are your thoughts?