Meet Our Team
We have a vibrant, multi-disciplinary assembly of Psychologists and Management Grads
We have a vibrant, multi-disciplinary assembly of Psychologists and Management Grads, Engineers and Writers and many more – unified by their curiosity and interest in understanding consumer minds.
A K Balaji Prasad
Managing Director
PGDM from IIM Calcutta with over 35 years of experience, Balaji started with MARG, Bombay before becoming the Branch Head at MBA (now Gallup) in 1991, GM at SAMIR – Mudra in 1993 before setting up Drshti in 1994.
A much sought after strategist, his perspectives and acumen guide the business directions provided for each study that Drshti undertakes. He is also an acknowledged expert in areas such as Conjoint and multivariate analysis. He is the primary developer of InfoMonsta, involved in the speccing and in the evolution of the offering. He is an avid observer of social change and evolving technologies and is a natural innovator in the space.
Shobha Prasad
Director
Shobha started her career at MARG, Bombay about 3 decades ago before moving into advertising in account planning and client management at Sista’s Advertising (now Saatchi & Saatchi) and O & M respectively. She returned to research thereafter to start the qualitative division at Drshti.
Shobha has presented award winning papers at the ESOMAR and MRSI conferences and is known for her thought provoking and often disruptive papers. Her natural interest is in the areas of culture change and impact on behaviour. Keynote speaker at Australian Marketing and Social Research (AMSRS) Conference, Melbourne 2017
Now a published cartoonist with a regular column on Research World, and ESOMAR publication. She is the creator of SHOBSERVATORY for her range of cartoon observations.
Srinivasan Raman
Director
Srinivasan is one of the early leading qualitative researchers of India, with significant exposure across various research tools (qualitative, quantitative, ethnography, semiotics and cultural research). Formerly President at Pathfinders, the research division of Lowe Lintas, after a 17 year stint at ORG-MARG A C Nielsen, he spent more than a decade at Hansa as Executive Director, in charge of all Custom Research Business in India. Srinivasan created a successful interplay of qualitative insights into the traditional quantitative measurement tools and extensive experience in idea generation and consumer insights research, advertising research, brand equity.
Kavita Ghosh
Senior Research Director
With a keen nose for culture Kavita picks upon all those little cultural quirks that may escape the average eye. She loves travelling to new places, experiencing different cultures and food and has a rich trove of anecdotes from all her experiences.
Vanessa Gracias
Associate Research Director
Vanessa describes herself as an extroverted introvert! She has an MBA degree in Marketing, from SJIM, Bangalore. A passionate foodie, she loves to try out new cuisines and this love for food has influenced some of her job choices as well… Vanessa loves to travel and explore and is always looking for a new adventure.
Dinesh D
Associate Research Director
Dinesh loves exploring into human minds through his qualitative research skills. He excels at asking the right questions and analysing the data. He likes working on challenging and learning-oriented projects.
He has many hobbies and experiences. He is a self-taught artist, a tech enthusiast, a biker, a gardener, and a space science lover. He is fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
An MBA gold medalist in Marketing from Ramaiah, B’lore, he is a unique and diverse professional who brings creativity and curiosity to his work. He loves collaborating and sharing ideas with others. He is excited to work with you and make a positive impact on the world
Sunita Haloi
Associate Research Director
Sunita is a conversation starter, she likes to understand how a human mind works and like to read between the lines. She is not satisfied with the what’s but the why’s of the conversation. With 6+ years in Market research, Sunita has worked in many categories ranging from FMCG to technology and automobiles with some great brands like Dyson, Pepsi, ITC, BMW, Maruti, Havells to name a few.
She loves to work yet she enjoys her life to the T, loves travelling to the known and unknown and an amateur photographer… Also easy to impress, just give her a ‘cup of chai’ and she will be all yours
Shrithi Shetty
Associate Research Director
An ex-journalist by profession, Shrithi has a natural ability to connect and engage with people. This along with a strong passion for understanding consumer behaviour and an innate curiosity about different cultures and choices makes consumer insights not only a professional interest but a personal fascination.
Beyond the professional realm, I enjoy exploring new destinations and enjoying the culture and food of that region. A good aromatic strong coffee and my family helps me sail through any difficult situation.
Chandralekha Bania
Senior Research Manager
Chandralekha is a cat mom with a penchant for unravelling the mysteries behind the what, whys, and hows of every aspect of life—both professionally and personally. She not only deciphers market nuances but also paints life’s canvas with a colourful blend of curiosity and compassion. When not delving into the intricacies of consumer behaviour, you’ll find her harmonizing melodies, orchestrating beats on the drums, and bringing life to canvases through sketching and painting. Beyond the analytical mind lies a sensitive and empathetic soul, someone who holds dear the bonds with family and friends.
Vijay Parekh
Senior Research Manger
With a discerning focus on live artist performances and web series, Vijay has a talent for uncovering the hidden gems that often go unnoticed. His passion for exploration extends beyond discovering new places; he is fascinated by the rich history each destination holds. As an enthusiastic solo traveller, Vijay embarks on journeys to delve into the cultural tapestry of various locales. A connoisseur of not only adventure but also gastronomic delights, he has an undeniable fondness for savouring diverse culinary experiences along his travels.
Priyanka Balasubramanian
Senior Research Manager
Unique blend of data science, mathematics and marketing background allows Priyanka to decode consumer behaviour and market trends to provide actionable insights. With keen eye for patterns and an intuitive understanding of complex datasets, she effortlessly transforms raw data into strategic recommendations.
Beyond research, she finds solace in nature and yoga. With playful nature she often finds herself stargazing and dancing to the rhythm of the cosmos. Amidst all, she finds joy in the simple pleasure of reading books and grooving to music, adding a dash of humour to every step of her journey.
Prerna Ankur
Research Manager
A nomad who enjoys searching for answers of the unknown. Exploring the secrets of different places fuel her energy.
Nandini Chakrabarti
Associate Research Manager
Nandini is a Media Researcher with a MA in Media & Communication Studies from Christ University, Bengaluru. Nandini believes in compelling storytelling and hosts her own podcast ‘Gendered Conversations.’ When not immersed working, you will find her spending time at a coffee shop or in nature reading a book, capturing sunsets, learning a new instrument, playing chess or working towards animal welfare. Nandini’s drive for stories also makes her an avid traveller and an admirer of art and culture as with her vision she’s able to stitch together stories and seamlessly bring together unheard narratives.
Anna Antony
Associate Research Manager
With a master’s degree in applied economics and a marked speciality for dad jokes, Anna can be found meticulously crafting playlists for the perfect moment. Her love for the ocean is only rivaled by her passion for travelling. Armed with an insatiable curiosity for understanding different cultures, she’s ready to take on the world one data point at a time.
Prakriti Kumar
Associate Research Manger
Prakriti is a graduate of Ashoka University with a B.Sc. in Psychology and a minor in Economics. Her keen interest in market research and consumer behaviour fuels her desire to unravel the mysteries of human behaviour. Beyond academics, she has a passion for languages, immersing herself in learning Japanese and Mandarin.
Lynda Varghese
Associate Research Manager
Armed with a master’s degree in economics and endless energy to thrive in social environments Lynda is dedicated to creating a positive impact through her work. She strives to maintain a customer-centric approach by actively engaging with clients and being a good listener. Lynda can also be found enjoying her moments of peace with a comforting movie and her embroidery needle in her hand, embarking on her next sartorial project.
Neelakshi Basu
Associate Research Manager
Neelakshi hold a Master’s degree in Sociology and has a strong interest in urban, media, and gender studies. Among her friends she is know for turning the simplest stories into something hilariously entertaining. As a peoples person who makes friends everywhere she goes, she loves connecting with others. Outside of work, she enjoys movies, trivia, dancing, and writing. Her fondness for all things blue adds a unique touch to everything she does, reflecting her diverse interests and approach to life.
Aditya Pradhan
Associate Research Manager
Forget love, I usually fall a lot while playing football. Apple products are my first love, research is second. Very particular about typos and my sneakers. Also notice how I love love a lot.
Lipsa Acharya
Associate Research Manager
A professional overthinker, amateur artist and someone who enjoys long romantic walks to the fridge. Extremely curious to understand why humans are the way they are, though prefers pets over hoomans.
Diksha Raut
Senior Research Associate
With a passion in consumer behaviour and exploring the intricate workings of markets, Diksha brings a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the dynamics that shape consumer choices. Outside of work, she is interested in fashion and travelling. In her free time, you can often find Diksha exploring new fashion trends, places to trek, and experimenting with food.
Anushka Kakkar
Research Associate
A beacon of joy, Anushka exhibits an artful precision, approaching tasks with a specific flair. She finds harmony in playing lawn tennis and travel. Her inviting spirit and easy going smile creates a warm atmosphere, making others feel at home in her company.
Pranhavya Karthikeyan
Research Associate
Pranhavya has completed B.Sc. Psychology (Honours) from Christ University, Bangalore. Her interests lie in understanding the intricacies of the human mind and exploring various methods to study them. Her primary area of focus includes research, consumer behaviour, and psychology. Outside her professional pursuits, you can find her sketching, writing, traveling, and binging on sitcoms.
Himanshi Sher
Research Associate
Coexisting with the art of stumbling over her own steps, Himanshi navigates research projects with a mix of genuine enthusiasm and a healthy dose of ‘I hope this works’ spirit. She appreciates beauty of messy work-in-progress. Apart from research, she’s interested in fashion and modeling. Let her crunch a few snacks along the way.
Yash Purohit
Research Associate
In a world full of trees, Yash wants to be the mycelium, listening and supporting all what’s unsaid. He is a geeky fun person exploring alternatives to what’s usually done. He aspires to be a scientist of all sorts.
Rinku Raorane
Manager –
Project Management Team
Rinku is a Punjabi by birth and heart. Having been married into a Maharashtrian family for over 2 decades, she is also a hardcore Maharashtrian.
She is a fun-loving person who likes to make friends, enjoys singing & loves travelling. She likes to explore new places and plans a long trip when possible. Rinku loves visiting temples when on her trips. Sev-Puri & Pani-Puri are Rinku’s weak points. In her 25yrs of research journey she has learnt patience and handling people. You will always find her with a smile on her face.
Akanksha Khechare
Associate-Research Support and Accounts
Meet Akansha, the dynamic force at Drshti! Whether mapping out new cities or harmonizing project timelines, she is your go-to. With a passion for growth and a soundtrack for success, she is always tuned in to support her team’s journey.
Jacintha Jaiswal
Administration Manager
Always gentle and smiling, she keeps the office ticking, is the go-to person for all sorts of odds things. Watching TV, NEWS, Cooking Experiments are her favourite pastimes!
Susan D’Souza
HR Manager
Susan has a master’s in psychology and is currently pursuing training in Transactional Analysis. She started her journey as a Qualitative researcher and has since worked in different roles including a trainer and counsellor. She enjoys art and craft, and crochet. She loves travelling and exploring different places and their cultures.
Ketaki Thorat
Senior HR Executive
A people’s person who loves to connect with people on stories and small joys. Her friends describe her as a bundle of energy. With a master’s degree in human resources, Ketaki is enthusiastic about helping people around her grow every day. When not at work, Ketaki likes travelling, painting, baking or just enjoying a hot cup of tea!