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MRSI honours top researchers at 7th Golden Key Awards in Mumbai
Industry leaders celebrate research excellence as AI reshapes insights
MUMBAI: The market research industry gathered in Mumbai last week to celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of insights.
The Market Research Society of India held the seventh edition of its Golden Key Awards on 6 March, recognising excellence across the research and analytics ecosystem. The event brought together industry leaders, brand custodians, researchers and young professionals, with 14 awards and a lifetime achievement honour presented during the evening.
Esomar consultant and president Anne-Sophie Damelincourt, delivered the inaugural address and highlighted how technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the research industry. She noted that deeper collaboration between global and regional players will be crucial as the sector adapts to new tools and evolving data landscapes.
Esomar consultant and president anne-sophie damelincourt said the organisation is working with MRSI on a joint event focused on AI and technology scheduled for 2027. She added that the initiative aims to bring together researchers, technologists and business leaders to discuss responsible applications of AI in insights and research while encouraging global collaboration.
The evening also featured a fireside chat titled The Craft of Quiet Brilliance with national award winning actor Vikrant Massey. In conversation with Shafali Arora, Massey reflected on his professional journey and the importance of resilience and authenticity, drawing parallels between storytelling in cinema and the art of building meaningful insights in research.
Alongside the awards, MRSI also unveiled its refreshed logo, signalling an evolution in the organisation’s identity. The new visual language aims to reflect the body’s role as a hub for expertise and innovation in India’s research and insights community while reinforcing its focus on ethical standards and industry excellence.
Among the winners, Hindustan Unilever Limited and several research firms featured prominently across categories ranging from technology innovation to business impact. Rohit Bansal of Hindustan Unilever Limited was named Best Researcher Under 30, while Kantar won Best Operations Team of the Year. Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt Ltd received awards for both client servicing and the use of artificial intelligence.
Other winners included Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited for Best Client Insight Team, Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd for Best Business Impact Through Analytics, and Quantum Consumer Solutions for Best Research Methodology Innovation.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to B V Pradeep in recognition of his long standing contribution to the research and insights community.
Tam Media Research chief growth and partnerships officer and MRSI president Nitin Kamat said the industry in India is experiencing significant growth driven by digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour and the increasing role of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. He added that the Golden Key Awards continue to highlight how research can deliver meaningful strategic and business impact while raising the standards of excellence across the ecosystem.
The seventh edition of the awards was supported by several industry partners including Advent International, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestlé India, ITC Limited, Amazon, NielsenIQ and Ipsos, among others.
ITV News
Deepak Bhojwani exits SonyLIV
Advertising executive closes chapter after working on marquee properties from UEFA Champions League to Kaun Banega Crorepati
MUMBAI: Deepak Bhojwani has moved on from SonyLIV, drawing the curtain on an 18-month run that placed him at the centre of some of India’s most powerful television and streaming properties.
Bhojwani served as manager, content partnerships and ad sales at the streaming platform, where he handled more than 45 key accounts and worked closely with agencies to structure advertising deals and brand integrations across major intellectual properties.
The role brought him into the commercial engine room of premium content—from global sporting events such as the UEFA Champions League and major tennis tournaments to flagship Indian entertainment shows including Kaun Banega Crorepati, MasterChef India and Shark Tank India.
During his tenure, Bhojwani also secured key advertisers across marquee events such as the French Open and the Asia Cup, winning the platform’s quarterly “Customer Champion” recognition for exceeding revenue targets.
Before joining SonyLIV, Bhojwani held senior ad-sales and partnership roles across the digital and sports media ecosystem, including stints at Viacom18 Sports, Airtel Digital, Paytm, and OYO. His career spans more than a decade across category building, strategic partnerships, and B2B account growth.
Bhojwani described the stint as a demanding but formative phase that deepened his understanding of the content ecosystem, particularly the fast-evolving non-fiction and sports landscape.
The next destination remains undisclosed. But in an industry where content, commerce and advertising increasingly collide, the next chapter is unlikely to stay unwritten for long.
