Individuals to Watch in 2026 highlights emerging leaders and forward-thinking professionals expected to shape the coming year. This curated feature showcases impactful achievements, innovation, and influence across industries, offering selected individuals credible national visibility and positioning them among notable names driving the future of business and growth.
Dirishala Naresh Chowdary, Founder and Managing Director of DNC Group
Dirishala Naresh is a dynamic leader shaping India&rsquo;s infrastructure. With deep expertise in project planning and strategic management, he has built DNC Infra on a disciplined, quality-first philosophy focused on execution excellence, governance, and sustainability. Under his hands-on leadership, the company has delivered complex infrastructure projects across sectors while integrating clean energy and modern construction practices. Chowdary is also committed to social impact through the DNC Foundation and has been recognised with the Champions of Change Telangana Award 2021.
Sahil Verma, COO, Shray Projects Pvt. Ltd.
&nbsp;Sahil Verma is the Chief Operating Officer of Shray Projects Pvt. Ltd., a leading real estate consultancy in North India with over three and a half decades of legacy. With a graduation from Aston University, UK, and a specialised diploma in Real Estate Economics and Finance from LSE, Sahil combines global exposure with deep technical expertise in property advisory. Since 2013, he has been driving operations, building strategic partnerships, and leading leasing mandates for top developers and brands including DLF, Krisumi, M3M, Anytime Fitness, McDonald&rsquo;s, American Express, and RBL Bank. Known for nurturing high-performance teams, he ensures client-focused, investment-driven real estate solutions. Sahil actively engages with emerging market trends, investment strategies, and Delhi-NCR real estate insights, making him a trusted voice for media discussions on property, leasing, and real estate investments.
Tamanna Singh, President of India Awardee, TEDx speaker, and serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Menoveda
Menopause Made Easy: Tamanna Singh Leads an Ayurvedic Revolution.
Tamanna Singh, President of India Awardee, TEDx speaker, and serial entrepreneur, is co-founder of Menoveda - World&rsquo;s first Ayurveda-focused menopause brand. Blending ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science, Menoveda supports women through all stages of menopausal transition with evidence-based&nbsp; research-driven solutions. Backed by doctors, gynecologists, and experts, the brand creates clinically tested, Ayush-certified products that address the root causes of menopausal symptoms. Beyond products, Menoveda has impacted 1 lakh plus women and is building a strong community where women feel heard, informed, and empowered. With a vision to impact one million women by 2028, Tamanna Singh is redefining mid-life - not as a struggle, but as a powerful phase of renewal, balance, and self-ownership. <a href="https://menoveda.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://menoveda.com/</a>
Neer Chhaunkar, Founder of Vision Group
Neer Chhaunkar, Founder of Vision Group, is reshaping real estate leadership in his 30s with strategic vision and disciplined execution. In an industry led by veterans, he stands out for blending strong land economics, market insight, and investor psychology with modern digital branding. Rather than focusing on short-term profits, Neer built Vision Group on transparency, structured development, and long-term value creation. He believes real estate is not just about transactions, but about building assets, trust, and legacy. Representing a new generation of entrepreneurs, he lives by one principle: &ldquo;In real estate, everything is real, and everything is rare.&rdquo;
Deepali Rawtani, Life Coach | Grooming Expert | Tarot Mentor | Columnist.
Deepali Rawtani is a multifaceted professional dedicated to empowering individuals from the inside out. As a life coach, grooming expert, tarot mentor, and holistic healer, she seamlessly blends beauty, confidence-building, and spiritual guidance. Through her venture, The Posh Boutique Salon, she has created more than a grooming space-it is a center for transformation. Her signature Chakra Healing Facial, a first-of-its-kind experience in Delhi, combines advanced skincare with energy-balancing techniques for complete rejuvenation. A renowned tarot reader, Deepali&rsquo;s intuitive insights have positively impacted many lives. Her Daily Tarot Column on Zee News , Jansatta and Miss Malini Digital reaches thousands, offering clarity and direction. She believes true beauty lies in aligning the mind, body, and soul. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tarotbydeepalirawtani?igsh=MWN3ejM2aWprZmFncg==" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/tarotbydeepalirawtani?igsh=MWN3ejM2aWprZmFncg==</a>
Aditya Sharma &amp; Ritika Sharma &ndash; Directors, Tiger Shark Hospitality | Founders, Pour Over Coffee Roasters.
Aditya Sharma and Ritika Sharma are Directors of Tiger Shark Hospitality and founders of Pour Over Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee brand with a growing presence across Delhi NCR. Aditya brings international coffee expertise, Certified Professional Trained from Italy, and a strong focus on roasting, flavour profiling, and product innovation. Ritika contributes global business acumen, with a double degree from Boston University and experience in public policy and strategy. Together, they drive the brand&rsquo;s vision of delivering high-quality, experiential coffee culture while expanding its footprint and appeal among modern consumers.
Suhasini Deshmukh, Co-Founder and Director of MedRabbits.
Suhasini Deshmukh&nbsp; is a dedicated healthcare professional and a qualified nutritionist focused on strengthening efficient and patient-centric healthcare delivery in Mumbai. At MedRabbits Healthcare, she plays a key role in enhancing operational systems and improving overall patient experience. An alumna of Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women&rsquo;s University, she combines a strong academic foundation with practical industry expertise. Suhasini brings together strategic thinking and hands-on execution to streamline services and ensure quality care. With a collaborative approach and commitment to community well-being, she continues to contribute meaningfully to building reliable and accessible healthcare solutions.
Ruhani Mann, Founder &amp; CEO, Brand Talk.
Ruhani Mann is the Founder of Brand Talk, a new age public relations and communications agency known for building emotionally intelligent brand narratives and powerful founder positioning. With a strong understanding of audience psychology and modern media ecosystems, she has led strategic communication campaigns for both emerging and established brands, helping them earn meaningful visibility and long term credibility. Her thought leadership and authored industry content have been widely recognised across prominent platforms. Ruhani&rsquo;s work and impact have also earned her notable recognitions including ET Times 40 Under 40 and BusinessWorld 30 Under 30 to name a few. Known for her intuitive leadership and relationship driven approach, she continues to champion human centred communication and purpose led storytelling in today&rsquo;s evolving PR landscape.
Rana Aryan, Co-Founder, VRIGHT Exchange.
Rana Aryan is building VRIGHT Exchange on four foundational pillars: Structured Investor Visibility, Strategic Vision, Sustainable Value, and Institutional Credibility. He believes investor communication must move beyond fragmented disclosures toward a disciplined, technology-enabled ecosystem that builds trust at scale. VRIGHT Exchange integrates compliant disclosures, leadership dialogue, real-time intelligence, and curated investor engagement into one structured framework. The platform is designed not just to inform markets-but to strengthen perception, enhance governance confidence, and create long-term capital trust.
Pawan Yadav, founder of Volatile Branding.
Pawan Yadav, has made a remarkable impact in the Digital Branding and PR Industry since establishing the company in 2016. Based in Surat, Gujarat , He has Worked with over 500 Bollywood artists, Including Actors, Singers, Influencers, and Many Politicians. Volatile Branding has a Wide range of Experience in Political PR and Branding Solution For Political Party, Ministers, MPs, MLA and Many Political Administrators. Volatile Branding has worked with Many Corporate Firms as a Media Solution Agency. Volatile Branding has Also worked For Many Bollywood Songs, Movie,&nbsp; TV Program etc.With a keen understanding of digital trends and creative strategies, Pawan has built a reputation for delivering impactful branding solutions. His dedication and expertise have positioned Volatile Branding as a leading Name in PR Media Solution Company.
Anup Khandelwal, Visionary Transformational Leader in Tax, Technology &amp; Strategy.
Anup Khandelwal is a future-focused business leader driving impact at the intersection of tax strategy, digital transformation, and high-impact leadership. A Director at BDO India, he brings over 15 years of experience, including nearly a decade at Ernst &amp; Young. He has led large-scale GST implementations, executed 50+ due diligence engagements, and shaped cross-border investment strategies. At BDO India, he spearheads Tax Technology and Indirect Tax practices, driving digital innovation and multi-country e-invoicing deployments across India and Europe. Beyond corporate leadership, Anup mentors start-ups through the IIT Bombay Executive MBA ecosystem and advocates for immersive, future-ready education. Currently pursuing an Executive MBA with Washington University in St. Louis, he blends strategic foresight with human-centred leadership to shape sustainable growth. <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ca-anup-khandelwal/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.linkedin.com/in/ca-anup-khandelwal/</a>
Nehaa Shastri &ndash; Founder, Jan Jagriti Foundation &amp; Actor
Nehaa Shastri is an accomplished actor, fashion model, and founder of Jan Jagriti Foundation, an NGO focused on social welfare and community empowerment in India. With over seven years in the entertainment industry, she blends creativity with compassion and was honored as Perfect Woman of the Year 2024. Her foundation works across education, healthcare, women&rsquo;s rights, rural development, and environmental conservation. A Mumbai native and fashion influencer in Dubai, Nehaa recently appeared at the Filmfare Middle East Achievers Night and continues to expand her presence in Bollywood while driving meaningful social impact.

Individuals to Watch in 2026 spotlights leaders shaping business, innovation, and social impact across India.

Individuals to Watch in 2026: Leaders Shaping the Future

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Buzz / Article / Individuals to Watch in 2026: Leaders Shaping the Future

Individuals to Watch in 2026: Leaders Shaping the Future

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast