Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath Recounts Stroke, Contemplating Retirement
Imagine Nithin, who runs a company called Zerodha, got very sick with a minor brain event called a stroke.
It happened in January 2024.
For a little while, he couldn't do things he used to, like write or even talk clearly.
He even thought he might have to stop working forever.
But Nithin is strong!
He decided to fight back.
He started with small steps, like walking on a treadmill, and got help from his family and friends.
He learned that even though he was active, he needed to eat better and not drink so much.
Slowly, he started feeling better.
After about a year, he was almost back to how he was before, but he realized how important it is to take care of his body and mind.
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath suffered a mild stroke in January 2024.
The stroke caused him to contemplate retirement due to initial severe symptoms like facial drooping and inability to read/write.
Kamath underwent a challenging recovery, needing to 'relearn' basic functions such as writing, speaking, and walking.
He credited his support system, including his brother, wife, and team, for encouraging his recovery.
Following the incident, Kamath adopted a healthier lifestyle, focusing on diet and reducing alcohol consumption, and returned to work after two months.
- Who
- Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath
- What
- Shared his experience of suffering a mild stroke, the challenging recovery process, and his contemplation of retirement.
- When
- Mild stroke in January 2024; recovery updates in March 2025.
- Where
- Not specified in the article.
- Why
- The stroke led him to reevaluate his health and lifestyle, prompting a focus on recovery and a 'hard reset' on his approach to well-being.
Kamath's initial thoughts
Kamath's recovery outlook
Retirement contemplation
Kamath's initial thoughts
In the immediate aftermath of the stroke, Kamath genuinely thought he would retire due to the severity of his condition.
Kamath's recovery outlook
Despite contemplating retirement, Kamath began focusing on recovery just two weeks later, viewing it like a challenging football match.
Recovery timeline
Kamath's initial thoughts
Kamath initially faced significant challenges including facial drooping and an inability to read or write, requiring him to relearn basic functions.
Kamath's recovery outlook
By March 2025, 14 months after the stroke, Kamath reported his body was almost back to normal, his mind at about 85%, and his speech at a similar level.
- Company
- Zerodha
- Co-founder
- Nithin Kamath
- Health Event
- Mild Stroke
- Date of Event
- January 2024
- Recovery Status (March 2025)
- Body: Almost normal, Mind: 85%, Speech: Similar level, Writing: Not improved