OUR SPEAKERS
2025
Farhad Samji
Director & Screenwriter
Farhad Samji is an Indian screenwriter, director, and lyricist known for his contributions to Hindi cinema. He began his career in 2002 as a lyricist alongside his brother, Sajid Samji. The duo, known as Sajid-Farhad, wrote dialogues for films like Shiva (2006) and Singham (2011). They co-directed Entertainment (2014) and Housefull 3 (2016). Farhad later directed Housefull 4 (2019) and Bachchhan Paandey (2022).
His recent work includes directing Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023).
Namita Dubey
Actress & Performer
Namita Dubey is a versatile Indian actress, known for her roles in TV, films, and web series. She gained recognition as Meera Raizada in Bade Bhaiyya Ki Dulhania and Pooja Hooda in Bepannah. In cinema, she starred in Lipstick Under My Burkha and Rashmi Rocket.
Namita made a mark in the digital space with her role as Dhairya Singh in Aspirants. A literature graduate from Lady Shri Ram College, she blends strong performances with a passion for storytelling, making her a rising star in Indian entertainment.
Yashvi Bagga
Content Creator & Social Media Influencer
Yashvi Bagga is a popular digital creator, known for her relatable and humorous content on Instagram and TikTok. Her videos, often centered around relationships, friendships, and daily life, have garnered a wide audience. A Bachelor of Architecture graduate, she blends creativity with authenticity, making her one of India's most engaging influencers. Beyond content creation, she has also explored astrology, adding a unique dimension to her digital presence.
Shakthisree Gopalan
Singer, Composer & Songwriter
Shakthisree Gopalan is a versatile vocalist, composer, and songwriter, best known for her collaborations with A.R. Rahman and her work in South Indian film music. Trained in Carnatic music, she won SS Music’s Voice Hunt in 2008, marking the beginning of her playback singing career. Beyond films, she is an active figure in the independent music scene, exploring genres like pop, jazz, R&B, and trip-hop.
Her song "Aga Naga" from Ponniyin Selvan gained widespread popularity, and in 2024, she is set to debut as a music composer for the film The Test. An architect by profession, Shakthisree seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary sounds, making her a standout artist in the Indian music industry.
Gaurav Juyal
Designer & Former Host of Disney’s Art Attack
Gaurav Juyal is a designer, educator, and artist best known as the host of Disney India’s Art Attack, inspiring kids to explore creativity through everyday materials. An Animation Film Design graduate from NID Ahmedabad, he has mentored over 10,000 students through workshops across SAARC nations. Gaurav has held key academic roles, co-founded the learning design agency 'Thoughts and Bolts', and is a TEDx speaker. He currently runs Juyal Prayogshala, an experimental space for creative learning.
Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick
Motorcyclist & Fashion Designer
Dr. Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick is a trailblazing motorcyclist and fashion designer. She founded the House of Maral Yazarloo in 2012, showcasing collections in Paris, Rome, London, Dubai, and India.
A passionate rider, she was the first woman in India to own Ducati & BMW GS motorcycles and founded ‘Lady Riders of India,’ the country’s first women’s superbike club. Her ‘Ride to Be One’ solo world tour covered 110,000 km across 64 countries over 18 months, finishing while pregnant.
A TEDx speaker and advocate for women’s rights in biking, she has been recognized by BBC 100 Women, Femina, and The Economic Times.
Ragini Maharaj
Torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana & Kathak Dancer
Ragini Maharaj, granddaughter of Pandit Birju Maharaj, is a distinguished Kathak dancer from the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow. Trained under her grandfather and Vidushi Mamta Maharaj, she has performed at renowned festivals across India, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.
She has played key roles in Pt. Birju Maharaj’s dance dramas like Kho-Kho, Meera Hari Rang Rachi, and Krishna-Dhyaan. Honored with awards like the Nritya Shringar Gandharv Award and Tarana Yuva Pratibha Award, she continues to preserve and promote the legacy of Kathak.
Dr. Sanjay Arora
Marketing Strategist & Entrepreneur
Dr. Sanjay Arora, a PhD in Brand Management, is a marketing expert with 38+ years of experience. He founded Shells Advertising Inc., one of central India’s largest agencies, which expanded to Dubai in 2009. An 8-time TEDx speaker, he has been featured on CNN-News18, NDTV, and regularly shares marketing insights with over 4.5 lakh Instagram followers, garnering 100M+ views monthly.
A recipient of Rotary’s Vocational Excellence Award, he has taught at IMT Nagpur, Manipal University (Dubai), and serves on the Board of Studies at leading institutions. A passionate Rotarian, he has led multiple international exchange teams. Beyond marketing, he is a certified yoga instructor and the author of Simple Yoga for a Healthy Life.
Arjun Vaidya
Entrepreneur & Ayurveda Advocate
A sixth-generation Vaidya, Arjun Vaidya modernized his family’s 150-year-old Ayurvedic legacy by founding a direct-to-consumer Ayurvedic healthcare brand, blending traditional formulations with cool branding and online retail. After graduating from Brown University and working at LVMH’s private equity arm, he returned to India to carry forward his grandfather’s vision. Under his leadership, the brand launched 38+ products and offered free Ayurvedic doctor consultations to customers. Arjun, a juvenile bronchitis survivor cured by Ayurveda, is now an active investor and mentor in India's startup ecosystem.
2024
Ms. Shreya Kapoor
Finance Educator
Ms. Shreyaa Kapoor is a prominent finance influencer known for her expertise and insights in the world of finance. With a background in finance and accounting, Shreyaa has established herself as a respected voice in the industry, sharing valuable knowledge and advice through her platforms.
As a finance influencer, Ms. Kapoor educates and empowers her audience, offering practical tips and strategies for financial success. Her content covers a wide range of topics including budgeting, investing, and personal finance management, catering to individuals of all backgrounds and financial goals. Shreyaa's dedication to financial literacy and her ability to simplify complex financial concepts have earned her a loyal following and recognition within the finance community. Through her engaging content and genuine desire to help others achieve financial wellness, Shreyaa Kapoor continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her followers.
Mr. Vivek Agnihotri
National Award Winning Filmmaker, Author
Vivek Agnihotri's career in Indian cinema has been a blend of commercial ventures, critical acclaim, and social activism. As an avant garde Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, Mr. Agnihotri is one of the few new age Hindi cinema film directors, known to experiment in different genres of film making. A turning point came in his career in 2019 with "The Tashkent Files," a political thriller exploring a historical event. The film's success and his National Film Award win for Best Screenplay (Dialogues) solidified his position in the industry. However, it was "The Kashmir Files" (2022) that catapulted him to national prominence, while garnering him the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.
Beyond filmmaking, Agnihotri is a social advocate, having led movements supporting victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy.
Ankit Aggarwal
Founder and CEO, Unstop
Defying the traditional path of an "engineering plus MBA", his journey is marked by a passion for education and a drive to make a difference. From opting out of his MBA summer placements at IMT Ghaziabad to getting a 100% tuition scholarship from Harvard Business School for a coveted leadership program, he has done things differently. He has worked at Deloitte, Sapient, and spent 3 years with Teach for India (NGO) to understand the educational inequity from the roots of India. Fueled by his experiences and his desire to make a positive impact, Mr. Aggarwal founded Unstop, a unique community-driven platform catering to both students and companies that uses gamification to make learning, interaction, and hiring more engaging. Through Unstop, he connects students across domains in India to a world of opportunities across the globe. This enables students to learn & upskill, showcase their talent, while getting rewarded and hired by their dream employers.
Mr. S.Y. Quraishi
Former Chief Election Commissioner
Mr. S.Y. Quraishi is a distinguished figure in Indian Civil Service and leadership, renowned for his impactful contributions to democracy and human development. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971. Rising through the ranks, he eventually ascended to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing the electoral processes of the world's largest democracy from July 2010 to June 2012.
Mr. Quraishi’s global influence extends beyond borders, as he has represented India in numerous international conferences. His impact has been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Nehru Fellow Award, the Secular India Harmony Award, and the Silver Elephant, the highest national award of the Indian Scouts and Guides, among others. His commitment to democracy earned him the title of "Defender of Democracy" by the Chauthi Duniya Group of Newspapers in 2011.
Mr. Kshitij Sheetak
Digital Creator and Cinematographer
Mr. Sheetak is a distinguished digital creator and cinematographer celebrated for his exceptional talent and creative prowess. With a diverse portfolio spanning various industries, Mr. Sheetak has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Outlook Traveller, Apollo Group, Mahindra, Isuzu, Havells, NDTV, TLC, and Fox Life, translating their creative visions into captivating visual narratives.
As an independent producer, Mr.Sheetak has captivated audiences with his feature film 'Narayan,' which received nationwide acclaim. Additionally, his work on the film 'Mystery Man,' written and directed by Vibha Singh, earned him recognition at the esteemed Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival.
Ankur Warikoo
Entrepreneur and Author
From entrepreneur to content creator, Mr. Warikoo is a multi-faceted personality. He's a successful entrepreneur, having founded ventures like WebVeda, an online school that helps young professionals become life-ready and HelpClub, an anonymous platform where one can receive and offer help to people without any fear of judgement and co-founded nearbuy.com. He is also a bestselling author, with books like "Do Epic Shit", “Get Epic Shit Done” and recently “Make Epic Money”, guiding readers on personal and professional success.
Mr. Warikoo’s engaging and honest approach to topics like business, finance, and self-awareness has resonated with a wide audience, making him one of India's top content creators. He encourages self-reflection and critical thinking to help individuals navigate their paths to success. His life’s journey is truly inspirational.
Mr. Anirudh Varma
Pianist and Composer
Contemporary pianist, composer, and producer, he is renowned for his unique blend of Indian classical, Western classical, and contemporary music. As a Grade 8 pianist certified by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, London, Mr. Anirudh's performances seamlessly weave these genres together, showcasing his versatile repertoire. He is also the curator and creative director of The Anirudh Varma Collective, a Delhi-based contemporary Indian classical ensemble that has garnered international attention and has been the subject of academic research worldwide.
Mr. Anirudh's musical journey includes the release of his debut EP, "Melancholic Rhapsody," in February 2016, followed by his full-length debut album, "Perspectives," featuring over 65 musicians from India, both of which received critical acclaim. His performances have graced prestigious events such as The Jaipur Literature Festival 2020, Jashn-e-Rekhta 2020, Calcutta School of Music, and HCL Concerts, among others.
Kannan Gopinathan
Ex - IAS, Activist
Mr. Kannan Gopinathan, former IAS officer in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Cadre, became a notable figure in India's civil service landscape due to his unwavering commitment to public service. Mr. Gopinathan’s dedication to public service has been remarkable. During the devastating floods in Kerala, he volunteered for relief work, working alongside labourers in flood-affected areas without disclosing his identity. It was only when his IAS batchmate, the Ernakulam Collector, recognized him and revealed his identity to the public that his selfless service came to light.
Despite the challenges he faces, his commitment to serving the people remains unwavering, earning him both admiration and criticism in equal measure.
Priyanka Mohite
Mountaineer and Scientist
Ms. Priyanka Mohite, is an exceptional Indian mountaineer and scientist whose groundbreaking achievements have earned her widespread recognition. With a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai, Kalina, Priyanka combines her passion for adventure with her dedication to scientific exploration as a Research Associate at Aurigene Oncology Ltd.
Ms. Mohite's illustrious mountaineering career includes being the first Indian woman to climb five peaks above 8000m and to conquer Mount Annapurna I, the 10th tallest mountain in the world, in 2021. She has also summited Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Everest, earning her prestigious awards such as the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and the Shiv Chhatrapati State Adventure Award.