Siddhartha Bhaiya, founder and managing director of Aequitas Investment, passed away on December 31, 2025, after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while on a family vacation in New Zealand. The news was confirmed by the company in an official statement issued on January 2, 2026, sending shockwaves across India’s investing and market strategy community.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Managing Director, Mr Siddhartha Bhaiya, following a sudden cardiac arrest while on a family vacation,” the statement said.
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A respected contrarian voice in Indian markets
To many in the markets, Siddhartha Bhaiya was not just another fund manager. He was known for saying uncomfortable things when markets were euphoric — and for being right more often than not.
In 2024, when Indian equities were trading near record highs and optimism was running unchecked, Bhaiya publicly warned about overheated valuations. At a time when most investors preferred to stay fully invested, he argued for caution and capital protection, earning him a reputation as a rare contrarian who wasn’t afraid to go against the crowd.
The bold cash call that stood out
One of Bhaiya’s most talked-about decisions came in April 2025, amid global market volatility triggered by reciprocal tariff tensions under US President Donald Trump. While many investors stayed aggressive, Bhaiya reportedly moved Aequitas’ portfolio to nearly 90% cash — a move that drew criticism initially but later earned widespread respect as markets turned choppy.
Market participants often described his approach as disciplined, unemotional, and deeply rooted in risk management rather than short-term returns.
Beyond numbers and charts
Colleagues and investors who worked closely with Bhaiya say he had a rare ability to explain complex market risks in plain language. He regularly stressed patience, downside protection, and the importance of sitting out frothy phases — advice that resonated strongly with long-term investors.
Tributes from market professionals began pouring in soon after the news broke, with many calling his death a personal loss to India’s independent research-driven investing ecosystem.
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What happens next at Aequitas?
Aequitas Investment has not yet announced details about succession or operational changes following Bhaiya’s passing. The firm said further communication would follow in due course.
This remains a developing story, and more updates are expected as the company and industry respond to the loss.
