Transformational Indian Leaders who have Redefined Business, Health, Wellness and lifestyle in 2025

2025 marked a defining chapter in the journey of Sreedhar Bevara, as he bridged literature, leadership, and entrepreneurship with rare coherence. Internationally recognised for his leadership writings, Bevara’s ideas continued to influence youth, corporate leaders, and policymakers. His work on empowerment and self-reliance earned national-attention, including appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the entrepreneurial front, Bevara founded Aayu AI, a pioneering healthtech-startup incubated at the BITS Pilani, Dubai. Recognised by Startup-India and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to watch out in 2025, Aayu AI secured $250K in angel-funding and $250K in Google Cloud credits to build an insightful 360-degree health-dashboard. As an Author, Professor of Practice at BITS Pilani Dubai, and Innovation Advisor at the Goa State Innovation Council, Bevara’s 2025 stands out for purpose-led, multidimensional impact.

2. Dr. Ankesh Sahetya, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Specialist- infertility, Endoscopic surgery and PCOD

Dr. Ankesh's journey into Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Fertility Medicine is driven by deep empathy for women’s health and a strong medical lineage, medicine was a natural calling. Trained in Mumbai (MBBS, DGO, DNB) and associated with Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Lilavati Hospital, his passion lies in caring for women across every life stage-from menarche to menopause, with affinity towards the infertile and those with high risk pregnancy and with recurrent miscarriages. A Fellow of the Indian College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FICOG), MNAMS, a teacher by heart and mind, a FALS, and enthusiastic about fertility enhancing surgeries, fibroids and endometriosis. He also holds fellowships in IVF, Sexology, Sonography, and Endoscopy.

3. Chitwn Malhotra: Crafting a New Legacy in Indian Luxury Jewellery

Recognised among the Transformation Indian Leaders Who Have Redefined Business in 2025, Chitwn Malhotra is redefining India’s luxury jewellery narrative. As Founder and Creative Director of Dillano Luxurious Jewels Ltd., she has shaped the brand over two decades by blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Dillano’s design-led collections, celebrated for their refined aesthetics and individuality, have earned admiration from elite clientele and industry tastemakers. Marking the brand’s 20-year milestone, the Éclat Rose collection embodies sculptural elegance and meticulous artistry. Dillano now enters its next chapter with the upcoming launch of a new store at 100 Feet Road, Chhatarpur, New Delhi.

4. Ismail Sheikh, Founder of bearhugs.in

In 2025, Ismail Sheikh has redefined retail by transforming Bearhugs.in from a niche portal into India’s largest novelty powerhouse. By curating premium, "never-before-seen" global trends-from high-tech gadgets to Sanrio collectibles and from kawaii décor to premium plushies-Sheikh has tapped into the nation's growing desire for unique self-expression.

Beyond digital dominance, Sheikh successfully bridged the online-offline gap this year, launching Bear Hugs’ flagship store and announcing aggressive expansions into Delhi and Mumbai. With over 50k+ SKUs, 100,000 customers and a global supply chain, his impact is measurable and profound. Sheikh’s ability to blend whimsical curation with scalable business logic solidifies his status as a key visionary driving the future of India’s experiential e-commerce landscape.

5. Vivek Surve, Founder, Oreo One Digital

Vivek Surve is an Indian political strategist, columnist, entrepreneur, and cultural storyteller known for blending high-stakes communication strategy with grounded, grassroots narratives. He is the Founder and Director of Oreo One Digital, a Mumbai-based strategic communications firm established in 2017, with offices in the USA and Canada. Through the firm, he has shaped election strategies, media planning, public relations, and digital brand building for high-profile clients. Surve has advised Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, MPs, and senior party leaders across India, with a focus on message crafting, voter outreach, and crisis management. A weekly columnist with the Indian Express group, he writes on public policy, transport, and culture across Maharashtra. He has also curated landmark literary works including Bai, Alagatti Galagatti, and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame.

6. Bhavya Nathani, Co-Founder of Talent Lab

Bhavya Nathani is a leading PR and marketing professional, Co-Founder of Talent Lab, and Strategy Head at Stanley Communications, Delhi. With a background in Psychology and Sociology, she brings sharp consumer insight and strategic depth to luxury communications. Since starting her career in 2019, Bhavya rose to Creative Director by 2023, leading a 30-member women-led team and managing 40+ fashion, luxury, and retail brands. Her work includes landmark projects such as the launch of Valentino in India and campaigns for Versace, Ferragamo, Tod’s, and Bulgari, alongside collaborations with Reliance Brands, Luxottica, BCPL, and Tata Retail Group. Through Talent Lab, she mentors emerging professionals and partners with Pearl Academy, Amity University, and Istituto Marangoni, shaping future luxury marketing talent.

7. Dipti Das-Kirtikar, Founder of Tiny n Shiny

Tiny n Shiny is a thoughtfully designed, child-centric family salon where comfort, care, and creativity come together. Founded by Dipti Das-Kirtikar, a passionate mompreneur, the brand was born from a simple insight-children deserve salon experiences that are joyful, stress-free, and safe, while parents enjoy professional, high-quality services under one roof. From kids’ haircuts, mundan and styling to adult grooming, skincare, and pampering, Tiny n Shiny blends playful interiors with trained stylists who truly understand children. Hygiene, patience, and personalization are at the heart of every service. Dipti’s vision is to create a warm, inclusive space where families feel relaxed, children feel excited, and every visit becomes a happy memory-tiny moments that shine bright.

8. Dr. Sanket Mehta, Founder & Director of SSO Cancer Hospital

Dr. Sanket Mehta stands out as a transformational leader who has redefined cancer care in India by seamlessly blending medical innovation with compassionate leadership. As Founder & Director of SSO Cancer Hospital, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, he has been instrumental in bringing globally advanced oncology treatments closer to Indian patients. Dr. Mehta is the first surgeon in India to perform cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC using a dedicated HIPEC machine-marking a significant milestone in complex cancer treatment. Under his leadership, SSO Cancer Hospital recently secured USD 2.8 million in funding from Everhope Oncology, W Health, and Narayana Health, reinforcing trust in his vision. Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Mehta is committed to accessible, outcome-driven cancer care that prioritises quality of life, positioning him as a true change-maker in India’s wellness landscape.

9. Dr. Deeksha Katiyar, Founder & Managing Director of WeClinic Homeopathy

Dr. Deeksha Katiyar, Founder & Managing Director of WeClinic Homeopathy, stands as a strong symbol of purpose-led leadership in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. Coming from a non-medical background in Kanpur, she built her journey on conviction, compassion, and a deep desire to heal. A graduate of the London College of Homeopathy, she founded WeClinic in 2019 with a clear vision-to blend holistic healing with modern, patient-centric care. Her path was marked by scepticism, the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her personal battle with chronic kidney disease, leading to a kidney transplant in 2023. Yet, her resilience never wavered. Under her leadership, WeClinic has successfully treated over 3,00,000 patients, earning trust through results and empathy. Today, Dr. Katiyar is focused on expanding access to homeopathy through multi-city growth and multilingual teleconsultations, redefining compassionate healthcare for the future.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!