Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath reveals why he never gets angry - and how it makes him a better stock market investor

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us often find ourselves frustrated or angry, whether at work, in traffic, or dealing with daily challenges. It’s easy to get caught up in emotional reactions, especially when things don’t go as planned. But what if controlling those emotions could be the key to success? For Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and who is 39, mastering emotional restraint has been an essential part of his journey as a top investor and trader. A recent video of him is going viral on the internet, where he claims that he never gets angry.

Why Nikhil Kamath never gets angry

When asked by business tycoon Kumar Birla in the podcast WTF why he never gets angry, Kamath revealed that it’s not because he is naturally calm, but because he grew up surrounded by confrontation and learned early on to avoid it. Instead of reacting with anger, he prefers to withdraw or stay silent. He admits this isn’t necessarily a strength but rather a way to escape unpleasant emotions. This emotional detachment has helped him stay focused and rational in his professional life.


Nikhil's approach to emotions might seem robotic to some, but it’s a coping mechanism he developed over more than two decades in investing and trading. Starting at just 17 years old, he realised that success in the market demands a clear head and steady nerves. For him, this emotional discipline has become part of his personality and a vital skill that helped him go through the highs and lows of the financial world.

While some have labelled Kamath “emotionally cold,” he explained that he does experience deep emotions, though very rarely. He shared that the few times he has allowed himself to break down were during extreme personal pain when his brother Nithin suffered a stroke, death of his father and pet dog, and a painful breakup.

Nikhil Kamath's journey

Zerodha, founded in 2010 by brothers Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, is widely credited with transforming India’s stockbroking industry through the discount broking model. By lowering trading costs and simplifying access to markets, the firm disrupted a sector long dominated by traditional brokers. Today, Zerodha has grown into one of the country’s largest brokerage houses, with millions of active clients.


Nikhil Kamath, the younger of the two brothers, is not only the co-founder but also an astute trader and investor in his own right. He heads financial planning at Zerodha and is known for his sharp understanding of markets. Away from business, Nikhil is an avid reader who also enjoys a game of chess.

The Kamath brothers extended their vision for innovation through Rainmatter, a venture capital fund and incubator that supports fintech startups and initiatives promoting financial inclusion. With a net worth estimated at Rs 22,000 crore, Nikhil Kamath is among the youngest Indians to join the Giving Pledge, a global movement of the ultra-wealthy committed to philanthropy. He has pledged to donate half his wealth, underscoring his belief in giving back to society.