Why The Modern Narrative?
At The Modern Narrative, we don’t just tell stories - we craft influence, drive engagement, and position organizations for lasting impact. Our strength lies in our combined expertise: from television production that understands the power of visuals, to audience insights that shape messaging, a strong background in impact communication, and a deep understanding of this sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. This powerful blend allows us to create content that resonates across mediums - brand films, radio, posters, local public relations, podcasts, and digital media - ensuring every message is strategic and effective. Yet, despite this dynamic expertise, we remain committed to offering exceptional services at competitive rates. We believe that powerful storytelling shouldn’t be reserved for the biggest budgets. Whether it’s shaping narratives for visibility, audience engagement, or funding opportunities, we provide high-quality solutions that maximize reach and influence without compromising on affordability. With The Modern Narrative, organizations don’t just get communications; they get a strategic partner dedicated to making their presence felt where it matters most.
Core Team
Aparna Apte Gupta
Co-Founder | Strategy Head
Aparna Apte Gupta is a seasoned media professional and social sector strategist with over 26 years of experience. She began her career in the media industry, spending 12 years as an executive producer and director for documentaries on BBC World, National Geographic, Doordarshan, and Star TV, among others. Her expertise in storytelling and strategic communication led her to pivot into branding, advocacy, and impact-driven communications for non-profits and social enterprises. With a strong focus on supporting social entrepreneurs, Aparna worked as an Executive Coach at UnLtd India, guiding founders of impact-driven startups in refining their vision, strengthening leadership skills, and building sustainable models for social change. She also played a key role in introducing video storytelling to Oxfam India, expanding its communications approach to better engage audiences and amplify critical social issues.Drawing from her extensive experience across media, branding, and the social sector, Aparna continues to help organizations effectively communicate their impact and mission.
Richard Peters
Co-Founder | Creative Head
Richard Peters has almost three decades of comprehensive experience spread over multiple roles working for TV Channels and production houses like Star TV and CNBCTV18 amongst others. His strength lies in his versatility. Richard has fielded huge concerts at Star TV featuring international artists like Shaggy and Akon. He has a unique blend of creativity along with practicality - for every creative decision is grounded in reality. He started his media career directing ad films assisting Prahlad Kakkar in 2000. He has been actively involved in direction, production and content creation for TV Channels like National Geographic, Disney UTV Bindaas, CNBC-TV18, Zoom TV, Food Food and Brands like Forever 21, Godrej, L’Oreal, Max and Nielsen, IPL
Saurabh Shukla
Executive Associate
Saurabh is the calm in the chaos and the one who ensures everything runs smoothly. As an Executive Associate, he believes in the power of team effort and focuses on delivering tasks with clarity, consistency, and care. With a strong foundation in customer experience, Saurabh is dedicated to supporting the team and making sure every detail is handled with precision. He’s constantly learning and always ready to take on the next challenge
Demetrius Newton
Social Media Manager
Demetrius Newton is the one we rely on to manage our social media. This young man gives great suggestions that the two mid-aged founders are only too happy to take up. He also help us make sense of YouTube`s analytics. Demetrius has seven years of experience and is now the founder of Breezy Media, a new age digital marketing organisation.
Consultants
Anita Balagopalan
Content Editor
Anita has over 25 years' experience in Television Production and Journalism. She has worked as a Producer, Anchor, and Principal Correspondent at CNBCTV18, run her own production house in Mumbai, and been the Senior Editor of digital parenting and lifestyle publications in the Sassy Media Group, Hong Kong. She has also taught English as a Native English Teacher (Hong Kong) and headed the social media and communications strategy for social venture, CrossBow Miles (now featured in the Amazon Prime documentary, WOMB). For the last 15 years, she has also worked as a freelance scriptwriter and researcher for a number of television shows, corporate films, and documentaries. With her experience in entrepreneurship, team management, and strategy, she balances editorial judgement with sales/marketing requirements and creativity with client deadlines and targets.
Meghal Mehta
Visualisation & Branding Expert
With an impressive 25-year journey in the creative industry, Meghal Mehta is a visionary graphic designer and branding consultant known for crafting compelling visual narratives. Her expertise spans branding, advertising, graphic design, environmental design, wayfinding, and digital spaces. She has led prestigious projects, including the award-winning identity for Tata Chemicals’ 'Nourage' . She has also designed the logo for Vadodara’s esteemed SSG Civil Hospital. Meghal’s collaborations with elite brands like CNBC TV18, JW Marriott, and more solidify her reputation as an innovative force in design.
Umesh Matkar
Post Production Head
Umesh Matkar likes to remain in the shadows and is our Batman. He emerges in the night and works to save our talk show... snipping away all the bloopers and building a story worth listening to. While Umesh has been around for the years that saw beta cut to cut machines, he is far from old-school in his editing style.
OUR ADVISORS
Ujwal Thakar
Impact Advisor
Ujwal Impact Advisory
Ujwal Thakar is a seasoned leader with a unique blend of expertise in banking and the social sector. As the Co-Founder of Ujwal Impact Advisors, he brings decades of experience in strategic leadership, philanthropy, and impact-driven initiatives. Having held senior positions in banking for 28 years, Ujwal transitioned to the social sector, serving as CEO of Pratham and GiveIndia, where he played a pivotal role in advancing education and philanthropy in India. His work continues to shape nonprofit strategies, fundraising efforts, and social impact initiatives across the country
Sreekant Khandekar
Co-Founder
AFaqs, Kulzy
Sreekant Khandekar is a seasoned media entrepreneur and journalist with a deep understanding of India's marketing and media landscape. He is the co-founder of , Kulzy, and A&M Magazine, platforms that have shaped industry conversations and insights. As a curator at Digipub World and VDONXT Asia, he continues to influence digital publishing and video content trends. With a career spanning journalism and media entrepreneurship, Sreekant has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around branding, advertising, and digital transformation in India.