WHO WE ARE
Our Story
Dragonfly’s story began in August 2008 when two young researchers driven by their deep passion for qualitative research decided to open their own boutique firm that would help Clients with not just consumer understanding but also arrive at strategic business solutions. Madhulika Katiyar & Gaurav Shah set sail on this journey together. With a diverse set of clients, Dragonfly has established itself as a leading qualitative research agency which is driven towards providing actionable insights as well as future gazing which help with strategic inputs
Madhulika, a visionary leader, continues to steer Dragonfly Market Research today, while Gaurav remains an invaluable advisor, pursuing his other passions. Together, they laid the foundation for a company that is driven by excellence and fueled by innovation.
Since those early days, Dragonfly has witnessed tremendous growth, expanding its team with a continuous influx of exceptionally talented researchers. Each addition to the Dragonfly family brings their unique set of skills and expertise, enhancing the company’s ability to uncover profound insights and deliver remarkable solutions to clients.
Our Vision
To be the go to partners for Clients to help with BAU as well as further development, innovation and growth. To uphold the highest standards in the discipline of insighting…from providing rich cultural context all the way to actionable insights which help clients meet their business goals
Hence, its about partnership and complete involvement towards ensuring we not only meet the Client’s goal but also go beyond.
WHY DRAGONFLY
New Age Approach
The adoption of technology has significantly impacted both consumer behavior and business models. In addition, there are now innovative technologies that can assist in conducting research. However, traditional research approaches are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the modern age. Dragonfly recognized this paradigm shift early on and has taken a proactive stance in addressing challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Cultural Context
We specialize in the field of cultural understanding, utilizing our expertise to delve into the complexities of the human psyche and its driving forces within a contextual framework. Our team combines a diverse range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, behavioral economics, advertising, marketing and semiotics. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to enrich our work with deep cultural insights and significance
Boutique Advantage
Our partners’ deep involvement and unwavering dedication to projects guarantee that we consistently surpass client expectations by delivering exceptional value. From comprehending the business challenge to designing the study, analyzing data, and deriving actionable insights, our clients benefit from our extensive and diverse expertise. This approach enables us to deviate from the prevailing trend of hasty solutions while maintaining agility in our processes.
THE DRAGONFLY SPIRIT
Dragonfly has symbolic meaning across Air, Water & Land; and in each, its vibrant aura exudes potency in everything it does. This unique synthesis of symbolic elements (air, water & land) is at the core of the Dragonfly Spirit & Qualitative Research.
AIR
Dragonfly represents creative flight of imagination. The way it darts, swoops & intuitively manoeuvres as it monitors its environment is symbolic of agility, wit, presence of mind & the ability to think on one’s feet. Likewise insighting is a creative process.
WATER
Dragonfly is known to lay its eggs near water bodies, especially fresh water. It is symbolic of energy, dynamism, fertility & the harbinger of positivity in life. This philosophy is at the core of what we do with every assignment as we run a project from Conception to end
LAND
Dragonfly is symbolic of inner calm & balance. It remains Centred and at ease when not in motion. Insighting needs this meditative touch
LEADERSHIP
Madhulika Katiyar
MANAGING PARTNER
Madhulika Katiyar is a seasoned research professional and the founding partner of Dragonfly, which she founded in 2008 with a simple & clear vision of being the consumer insights partner clients would trust for their qualitative research needs. Over last 12 years she’s partnered with many top clients across BFSI, media, automotive, FMCG, retail and many more categories, and has delivered insightful work that has helped brands charter their course. In her career, she has varied experience both within India & internationally.
When she has time on her hands, you will find her in the gym (now possibly cultfit app!), reading (she is particularly fond of fiction), playing with her white furball (who is a guaranteed de-stressor), enjoying a beer, or a gin n tonic..and a single malt when it’s strictly business! .
She is an alumni of Miranda House, Delhi University.
MEET THE TEAM
SAACHI ASTHANA
About Saachi
While working on her Master’s degree in Social & Cultural Psychology at LSE, London decided on taking up a career in the field of Market Research. Having lived in and travelled across several cities in and outside India, Saachi’s understanding of people and ability to take on challenges is a valuable asset in the field of research. She started her career with Dragonfly in 2016 and in over 6 years of rich and varied experience in the field, she has worked on a multitude of top brands across a wide array of industries including telecom, media, financial services and FMCG. She approaches her work with the aim of meeting client needs, delivering on expectations and also providing unique insights. In her time off from work, Saachi enjoys travelling, dancing and binging on Bollywood movies!
APRAJITA KALYANI
About Aprajita
Having selected her specialization basis elimination approach, whether it was choosing Commerce in junior college or graduating in Media Studies from Symbiosis; she finally found her subject of interest during an internship in consumer research.. She completed her PGDM in Marketing from NMIMS Bangalore and eventually landed up at Dragonfly in October 2017. Life since then has been about understanding various aspects from the consumers’ POV and the dynamics that come with it keeps her interested. Also, assign her a project with fieldwork travel and give her a DSLR and you will see the best results (in pictures and in analysis). Oh and she sings too! 🙂
MANISH PATIL
About Manish
Manish started his career with Oracle Financial Services and went on to join TNS and then Brandscapes Worldwide. He took a break from the corporate world to pursue his interests in mobility, construction, eco-friendly products & logistics. Having dabbled his hand in multiple verticals, he is now with Dragonfly, he has worked on projects in the BFSI, automotive, tobacco, FMCG & media categories. Automotive being his all-time favorite. He loves travelling, off-roading, superbikes & Jet Fighters. He is always up for a good craft beer.
RAMONA D’MELLO
About Ramona
Ramona started off her career in qualitative research with Dragonfly after 11 years in the field of Digital and Social Media marketing. Her interest in research is fuelled by a passion and curiosity for learning about consumer behaviour to arrive at insightful solutions for clients. She marries her rich and varied experience in digital marketing working across verticals with her learnings from qualitative research working with clients across BFSI, FMCG, home decor, GEC and much more.
When not working, she enjoys food – both cooking and eating, singing, and playing the ukelele, reading fiction and watching and talking about TV shows and movies.
ZARIQ RETIWALA
About Zariq
Having his first innings played in the family business, Zariq found his calling in research while studying the subject of Marketing Research during his MBA with a specialization in Marketing. Even while dabbling in various aspects of business, he had a particular interest & curiosity in understanding consumer behaviour and their perception. Fascinated with the world of understanding and learning about a consumer’s POV, he joined Dragonfly in November 2022. After working hours, you will either find him on his bike, playing with a cat or just chilling! He likes to keep it simple & real yet memorable.
ROHAN KHANDELWAL
About Rohan
Having a keen interest in understanding what makes people tick and read between the lines to understand their true desires; He took on the role of consumer whisperer at Dragonfly in September 2022. He developed a passion for market research while studying the subject in his undergraduate studies at OP Jindal Global University.
In a short period of time, he has gained a valuable experience of working with a variety of brands in different industries, including telecom, media, automobiles, BFSI and FMCG which has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing brands in today’s competitive marketplace.
When he’s not working, this fitness fanatic. So, if you’re looking for an insightful adventure, count him in.
ASAD SHAIKH
About Asad
After graduating in MBA from Rizvi Institute, Asad started working as an Account Manager in IT industry for a short while which allowed him to learn the process of managing long-term clients & ensuring customer satisfaction. He found his calling in Market Research thanks to the long discussions with his college professors who emphasized on the importance and need for research, understanding consumer behavior, and perception. Working at Dragonfly provides him exposure to multiple industries, such as Technology, Finance, FMCG, and Healthcare. In his free time, you’ll find him on small adventures throughout the city on his two-wheeler, looking for places to eat, drink (coffee) and explore.
CHINMAY RASTOGI
About Chinmay
Chinmay is a writer, translator, and researcher with 8 years of content creation experience. He has worked in the UX space as a writer and researcher for 4 years, creating engaging content and building brands. As a freelancer, he worked on long and short form copy as a writer, editor and translator (Hindi<->English, Japanese<->English) for five years with business owners, humanitarian organizations, writers, and game creators. When not writing, he likes to play the guitar, learn a new language, play PC games from Contra to Alan Wake, or go on a motorcycle tour
MANYA SRIVASTAVA
About Manya
Having early interests in the marketing, Manya completed her PG diploma in advertising and marketing from Xavier Institute of Communication after completing BA in Mass Communication. Duringher diploma, she found her strength in market research to land her in Dragonfly. Since then, she has been allabout the latest trends and finding insights from consumer behavior. When not digging for deep insights, she likes to cook, travel, and binge watch series and films.
NISHTHA SINGH
About Nishtha
After completing her PGDM in Media & Entertainment, Nishtha began her career as an Account Executive at a PR agency for 2 years. Realizing her passion lay elsewhere, she found her way back to what truly excites her – understanding the ‘why’ behind consumer decisions and their behavior. This led her to Dragonfly Market Research, where she approaches her work with an open mindset and an eagerness to learn from every project and experience. Outside of work, Nishtha is a fitness enthusiast who loves hitting the gym, and when she’s not lifting weights, you’ll probably find her enjoying some good movie or series
SABAH LAKHANI
About Sabah
Sabah Lakhani is a Communication Studies graduate from FLAME University, where an in-depth autoethnographic study on gender and caste deepened her interest in understanding people within their social and cultural contexts. She began her career in brand management, leading strategy and managing key accounts across hospitality, wellness, and FMCG—shaping narratives and driving growth.
Naturally drawn to the “why” behind consumer choices, Sabah recently stepped into the world of market research—where her passion for insight, strategy, and people converge to help build meaningful brand foundations. Outside of work, she finds creative expression through music and enjoys singing and producing her own tracks.
ARYAAN SHASTRI
About Aryaan
Having taken the plunge into market research fairly recently, Aryaan has over four years of experience as a fashion photographer and finallly decided to settle on a career in research & insights after learning about the industry through an internship right here at Dragonfly. Through research, he’s able to hone his strengths in analytical problem-solving and rigorous inquiry, as well as putting his language skills to good use. When away from the keyboard, you can find him in the gym, riding his motorbike through the city or catching a game of football.
SHAMIM AHMED
About Shamim
Shamim has completed his graduation in commerce from Calcutta University, West Bengal. He had worked closely with the Qualitative Research Team in Quantum Market Research, Research International and TNS India Ltd
PRIYANKA JOSHI
About Priyanka
Priyanka is a Social Anthropology Postgraduate from the School of Oriental & Asian Studies, London. Her Master’s thesis explored how the contradictory yet coexistent status of Indian restaurants in London as both ethnic spaces & workplaces affected the Indian migrant student worker’s sense of belonging. Her interest in Social Anthropology stemmed from her Bachelors at St. Xavier’s Mumbai, where she learned to view food, gender, & religion amongst many others from a socio-anthropological lens.
She haspreviously worked at MX Player, Pocket FM, and Jiostarrespectively as a copywriter & content strategist.
When she’s not up to any of this, Priyanka loves cooking, writing blurbs, playing nyt games, and the concept of reading.
MEDHA SHITUT
About Medha
Medha is a research and insight miner for over 2decades of experience. A pharmacist and MBA marketing by education – Medha did not restrict her career to pharmaceutical industry and did explore varied sectors like Banking, Telecom, Media (Sports and Movies) as Research and Insights lead.
As a conscious decision Medha did take a break from her corporate career for couple of years and worked withSwades– NGO dedicated to holistic village development in Rural Maharashtra to create “Dream Villages”….
Back to research andlife comes to a full circle as I am now a Partner and Head of Dragonfly Health – a new service from Dragonfly Market Research dedicated to Health and Wellness
When not struggling with deadlines you will find her Reading (anywhere! anything), Gardening and Googling (playing and fighting with our puppy Google)
On weekends catch her inCinema hall or a Theater for latest play or on couch binge-watching spy thrillers or romcoms….
Work Culture at Dragonfly
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15 years of Dragonfly



