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Akshay Chavan Author, Historian & Founder, Pratiti Trust
An author and cultural leader with a passion for India's history and heritage, Akshay Chavan is the former Founder and CEO of Live History India, the country's first digital platform dedicated to history and culture. He has authored over 200 articles on India's social, economic, and cultural legacy. He currently heads the Pratiti Foundation, where he works with communities to foster shared knowledge, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation.
Anita Martins Co-founder, MatchBox Global
Co-founder of MatchBox Global, a premier international matchmaking consultancy serving prominent business, entrepreneurial, and legacy families across the world. With a background spanning media, entrepreneurship, and investment, she is known for her discreet, highly personalized approach to matchmaking. Anita also serves as a Trustee of the Women's India Association UK and has been actively involved in philanthropic and community initiatives.
Chef Manish Mehrotra Founder Chef, Nisaba, Delhi
Chef Manish Mehrotra is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Indian cuisine. Born in Patna, he spent over two decades with Old World Hospitality, where he created the iconic Indian Accent and later conceptualised Comorin, both of which helped redefine contemporary Indian dining in India and abroad. Known for his ability to balance innovation with familiarity, Chef Mehrotra has received numerous national and international accolades, including Culinary Icon of the Year by Travel + Leisure India and induction into the Hall of Fame among India’s Top 30 Chefs. In 2026, he launched Nisaba in New Delhi, a restaurant inspired by the way India eats today, bringing together flavours, dishes and food traditions from homes, streets and small towns across the country in a contemporary yet deeply familiar setting.
Chhaya Momaya Luxury Lifestyle Consultant
A luxury lifestyle consultant with extensive experience in fashion, luxury retail, and brand curation. Known for her refined aesthetic and deep understanding of luxury consumer experiences, she has worked closely with leading premium brands and discerning clientele. Her expertise spans luxury lifestyle, fashion, and hospitality, making her a respected voice in style, design, and elevated consumer experiences.
Dhruv Vaish Founder & Creative Director, Dhruv Vaish
Founder and Creative Director of his eponymous luxury menswear label, celebrated for its impeccable craftsmanship and contemporary tailoring. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, he worked with Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, and Rohit Bal before launching his label in 2010. Renowned for introducing handcrafted Neapolitan tailoring to India, Dhruv is also acclaimed for his refined bespoke suits and elegant Indian occasion wear.
Dipannita Sharma Actor & Producer
An acclaimed actor who began her career as one of India's leading supermodels before successfully transitioning to films. She has appeared in acclaimed films, including Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and Netflix's Mismatched, along with several television projects. Celebrated for her elegance and versatility, Dipannita remains a respected name in Indian fashion and entertainment.
Divya Palat Founder, Balancing Act
A leading communication and image consultancy. An acclaimed motivational speaker, corporate trainer, author, and emcee, she has spent over two decades helping individuals and organisations build confidence, strengthen leadership, and communicate with impact. Through her work, Divya continues to inspire personal growth, purposeful leadership, and meaningful professional development.
Dr. Madhuri Agarwal Dermatologist and Founder, Yavana Skin & Hair Clinic
A dermatologist and founder of Yavana Skin & Hair Clinic with over 21 years of experience in clinical and aesthetic dermatology. Widely recognized as one of Mumbai's leading aesthetic dermatologists, she is trusted by clients across the entertainment, fashion, and business industries for her evidence-based, personalized approach and expertise in advanced skin and hair treatments.
Lydia Buthello Head – Programming & Experiences, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre
Lydia Buthello is a leader in live entertainment and experiential programming with over two decades of experience creating world-class cultural, sports, and entertainment experiences. As Head – Programming & Experiences at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), she curates and delivers globally acclaimed productions and immersive experiences, bringing the best of international performing arts to India while showcasing Indian talent to the world.
Manish Saksena Business Lead, Aadyam Handwoven & Advisor/Board Member, Brand Concepts Ltd
A retail and lifestyle leader with over three decades of experience in brand building, design, merchandising, and consumer strategy. Former COO of Tommy Hilfiger India and Co-founder of LimeRoad, he currently leads Aadyam Handwoven (Aditya Birla Group), driving business growth while empowering India's weaving communities. A mentor to craft-led startups and advisor to leading lifestyle brands, Manish brings a unique blend of global retail expertise and a deep appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, design, and culture.
Monisha Jaising Founder & Creative Director, Monisha Jaising
A pioneering force in Indian fashion whose eponymous label has redefined contemporary luxury for over three decades. Celebrated for her glamorous aesthetic and modern silhouettes, she has dressed generations of celebrities, industry leaders, and global personalities. With an enduring influence on Indian fashion, Monisha continues to shape the evolution of luxury couture and occasion wear through her bold, sophisticated design vision.
Namrata Purohit Fitness Expert, Pilates Pioneer, and Co-founder of The Pilates Studio
Known as the "Pilates Queen," she has spent over 15 years championing holistic fitness. An entrepreneur, bestselling author, influencer, and Co-founder of athleisure brand KYN, Namrata continues to inspire a balanced and mindful approach to movement and wellness.
Nikhila Palat CEO, Katalyst Reputation Management
Nikhila Palat has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and service industry. She has led Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications for some of the country's most iconic hospitality brands, including The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Taj Wellington Mews, The Imperial Club by Taj, and Vivanta by Taj President, Mumbai. She later launched her entrepreneurial venture, Katalyst Reputation Management, a boutique PR and marketing agency. Today, it is recognized as one of India's premier agencies, with a clientele that includes Taj, InterContinental, Four Seasons, Conrad, Gucci, Ulysse Nardin, Bell & Ross, and more.
Punit Balana Founder & Creative Director, Punit Balana
Puneet Balana is the Founder and Creative Director of his eponymous label, celebrated for contemporary Indian occasion wear rooted in Rajasthan's rich craft traditions. Known for blending traditional textiles, intricate embroidery, and modern silhouettes, his collections have become a favourite among celebrities and discerning brides. Through his design philosophy, Puneet continues to champion Indian craftsmanship while creating timeless, globally relevant fashion.
Rayed Merchant Co-Founder & Director, SSIZ International Pvt. Ltd.
Rayed Merchant is the Co-Founder & Director of SSIZ International, the Mumbai-based company behind one of India's largest professional salon distribution networks, serving over 150,000 salons nationwide. He is the co-founder of Ikonic Professional, India's leading professional hairstyling tools brand, part of the company's portfolio alongside Biosoft and Proarte. SSIZ is also the exclusive India partner for international brands including Cadiveu (Brazil), Denman (UK), and JRL (USA). With over 25 years in the industry, Rayed has been featured in Businessworld for building India's largest professional beauty network.
Samarth Bajaj Founder, BOHEIM
A third-generation entrepreneur from one of India's longstanding real estate families. Building on a legacy of over six decades, he has reimagined luxury living by blending design, hospitality, and innovation. Driven by a vision to create meaningful, future-forward spaces, Samarth continues to challenge convention and redefine contemporary experiences in the real estate and lifestyle sectors.
Samir Srivastav Founder and Creative Director, Looks Salon
With decades of experience in the beauty and grooming industry, Samir Srivastav has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary hair, beauty, and wellness trends in India. Renowned for his creative vision and commitment to excellence, he continues to influence the evolution of premium salon experiences across the country.
Shunali Khullar Shroff Author & Co-host, Not Your Aunty
Shunali Khullar Shroff is an acclaimed author, columnist, and cultural commentator whose work explores womanhood, relationships, parenting, travel, and contemporary Indian life. She is the author of bestselling books including Love in the Time of Affluenza, Battle Hymn of a Bewildered Mother, and The Wrong Way Home. Shunali also co-hosts the popular podcast Not Your Aunty, where she discusses culture, relationships, and modern life with wit and insight.
Smitha Menon Food and Travel Journalist
Smitha Menon is a food and travel journalist and the creator and host of Big Food Energy, a podcast highlighting innovative food businesses across India and the world. She is India's only 50 Best TasteHunter for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, Bars & Hotels. Previously, she served as Culinary Editor at Condé Nast Traveller India, where she established the F&B vertical and launched acclaimed properties such as India's Top Restaurant Awards.
Sonali Ashar Creative Director & Principal Designer, Sonali Ashar Studio
Sonali Ashar is the Creative Director and Principal Designer of her eponymous luxury interior design studio in Mumbai. With over two decades of experience, she is renowned for creating timeless, bespoke interiors across luxury residences, corporate spaces, heritage properties, and premium retail environments. Her work has been featured in leading design publications, and her studio has been recognized in the Architectural Digest AD Pro Directory for 2025 and 2026.
Among her many contributions to the industry, Renu is also credited as one of the pioneers of luxury prêt jewellery in India — introducing elevated designs that effortlessly transition from everyday moments to special occasions, and setting a new standard for versatility in fine jewellery.
Yash Dongre Director and Chief Operating Officer, House of Anita Dongre
With extensive experience in retail, brand strategy, and business leadership, he has played a key role in expanding the company's portfolio and strengthening its presence in India and international markets. He is passionate about building purpose-led brands that seamlessly combine innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable growth.
Yash Vasant Managing Director of the Vasant Group & Executive Director BNI
Yash Vasant is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and globally sought-after keynote speaker. As the Founder & Executive Director of BNI Gujarat and National Director of CorporateConnections India, Nepal & Sri Lanka, he has built one of India's largest business networking ecosystems, enabling billions of dollars in business through meaningful relationships. He is also the Managing Director of the Vasant Group and Founder of Playtos, an education venture focused on nurturing future-ready leaders, while actively championing entrepreneurship, leadership, and social impact
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