Our Story

Founded in 2010 by a team of dedicated professionals with a shared passion for helping individuals overcome addiction, Zorba began as a humble endeavor to fill a critical gap in the treatment landscape in Pune. Fueled by a deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care, we set out to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals could find healing, hope, and transformation.

Over the years, Zorba has grown into a trusted leader in addiction treatment, known for our holistic approach, personalized care, and unwavering dedication to our clients’ well-being.

we will help you.

Life Beyond Addiction Awaits

At Zorba, our team is comprised of compassionate professionals dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives

Meet the team

Founder/CBT Specialist

Siddharth Jhaveri

Siddharth is a senior therapist and head of client relations. He has 20+ years of experience in the field of chemical dependency at various levels. He specializes in working with young addicts and prefers evidence based & cognitive behavior therapy in his approach.

Since 2004, he has been actively participating in awareness programs for various NGOs and Anonymous groups. He has extensively researched and met a number of addicts both suffering as well as in recovery in the past decade and has worked closely with them at different stages of recovery. In this role, he has also been life coach to many. Cutting edge research is the basis of the program that he practices with his clients in ZORBA. Constant improvement on personal life skills himself, and staying in touch with the latest approaches in therapies, he believes in combining both traditional and experimental approaches that work, according to individual needs of every client. His compassionate and non-judgemental attitude brings out the best in staff and clients.

Apart from a therapist he is also an entrepreneur, designer, theatre patron, life coach and meditation expert. As head of client relations, he manages the team that is responsible for ensuring that the client’s treatment and stay at Zorba is delivered to the highest possible standards. He takes the lead in client contacts and offers them an approachable and experienced environment.

PhD. Psychology - A Beacon of Hope for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery.

Dr. Ranjita Pawar

Dr. Ranjita Pawar is a distinguished psychologist with a PhD in psychology, complemented by a double MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Her academic prowess, coupled with over eight years of extensive corporate experience, exemplifies her ability to blend strategic thinking with a deep understanding of human behavior. As a mother of two vibrant boys, Dr. Pawar’s personal and professional journey gives her a profound appreciation for the delicate balance between family dynamics and individual well-being.

Her career is defined by a unique intersection of professional expertise and personal passion. Dr. Pawar’s exposure to the struggles faced by families of individuals battling addiction and mental health disorders has deeply shaped her commitment to transformative care. She not only understands the devastating impact these challenges have on individuals but also the ripple effect they create within families. Her empathetic approach stems from firsthand insights, enabling her to relate to the travails of those she serves.

Driven by her passion for recovery, Dr. Pawar has dedicated her life to advocating for holistic support systems that address the needs of addicts, mental health patients, and their families. Her mission is to inspire hope, facilitate healing, and foster resilience in the face of adversity. By bridging the gap between clinical understanding and compassionate care, Dr. Pawar stands as a pillar of support for those navigating the challenging journey of recovery.

Whether through her innovative approaches in therapy, her ability to connect deeply with her clients, or her steadfast advocacy for mental health awareness, Dr. Ranjita Pawar continues to transform lives, offering a brighter, healthier future for countless individuals and families. Her work exemplifies the power of blending professional acumen with genuine compassion, making her a true agent of change in the realm of mental health and addiction recovery.

Recovery Coach/ 12 Step Practitioner

Sandeep Kharkar

With over ten years of continuous sobriety and more than three decades of personal experience confronting addiction, Sandeep Kharkar (aka Sandy) brings a unique perspective to the challenges of recovery. Raised in a distinguished, well-educated family, he excelled academically and thrived in extracurricular activities during childhood. However, in his teenage years he was drawn to mood-altering substances, believing they offered an enriched existence. Despite repeated attempts to live responsibly, he found himself trapped in a cycle of relapse, continually struggling to overcome the powerful grip of addiction.
Today, Sandeep uses his hard-earned insights to guide others. As a 24/7 in-house, experiential peer counsellor, he closely observes clients, identifies detrimental behavioral patterns, and intervenes to support positive change. As a recovery coach, his deep understanding of the 12-Step Program, combined with a range of evidence-based strategies, offers practical solutions for clients navigating their own recovery journeys.
In addition to his direct counselling work, Sandeep contributes significantly to the Zorba Team’s educational efforts. He develops content on topics relevant to addictive personalities, curates motivational and informative videos, and leads interactive chalkboard and group sessions focused on personality development and recovery principles. His natural empathy and commitment make him the go-to resource for clients dealing with negative thoughts or emotional distress.
Collaborating closely with psychologists and psychiatrists, Sandeep provides valuable insights on clients’ daily progress, assists with reflective writing exercises, and facilitates overall treatment administration. His humility, understanding, and multifaceted role underscore his importance within the Zorba team, ensuring that each client receives comprehensive, compassionate support on their path to healing.

Psychiatrist MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)

Dr. Sonia Malhotra

Dr. Sonia Malhotra is one of the best psychiatrists in Pune/India. She has done her medical graduation and post graduation in psychiatry from top reputed government medical colleges in the country. Practicing psychiatry since many years, she has extensive experience and exposure in dealing with general and deaddiction psychiatry.

She is also an expert in Dual-Diagnosis. Her fresh perspective, cutting edge research and belief in her work along with the knowledge of modern medicine is the reason why she is more flexible and innovative and sought after compared to old school practitioners. She has a strong belief in the rehabilitation of people in all spheres of life. She is passionate about her work and takes extra steps to ensure overall psychiatric well being of all her clients.

Apart from regular visits, she is available round-the-clock at Zorba for all the resident clients. She is responsible for the Detox of the clients and ensures a safe and speedy recovery. Her easy going and warm nature makes it easy to open up to her and approach her, not only with addiction issues but also with other emotional, psychological and relationship issues of life that need attention. Dr. Sonia along with her team is responsible for creating a voluntary and participatory approach towards addiction in India.

Psychologist

Miss. Swapnil Mahajan

Miss. Swapnil Mahajan is a skilled and dedicated psychologist with an MSc in Applied Psychology from NMIMS, Mumbai, where she graduated with an impressive GPA of 3.51. Her academic journey, complemented by extensive practical experience, showcases her ability to merge theoretical expertise with real-world application, making her a valuable asset to Zorba Rehab and its clients.

Swapnil’s diverse professional background spans research, clinical practice, and team management. She has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in conducting psychological assessments, designing tailored treatment plans, and leading teams to deliver impactful outcomes. Her ability to understand complex human behaviors and provide customized interventions ensures that clients receive compassionate and effective care.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Swapnil has made significant contributions to psychological research. She has explored innovative treatment approaches, such as Virtual Reality Cue Exposure Therapy for nicotine dependency, and presented her findings on addiction and psychological well-being at leading conferences. This research-oriented mindset enhances her ability to bring individualised model practices to her role at Zorba Rehab, benefitting clients with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques.

Swapnil is equally passionate about community service, having led initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged communities through education and awareness. Her leadership experience, strong interpersonal skills, and unwavering dedication to mental health make her an exceptional team member at Zorba Rehab, ensuring clients receive holistic and empathetic care to support their recovery journey.

Psychiatrist MBBS, DNB (Psychiatry)

Dr. Sayantani Mukherjee

Dr. Sayantani Mukherjee brings over 14 years of psychiatric expertise to Zorba, where she leads our mental health team in delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to every client. An MBBS graduate from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, she went on to earn her MD in Psychiatry at Nair Hospital, Mumbai, and her DNB in Psychiatry from the National Board of Examinations in New Delhi.

Before joining Zorba, Dr. Mukherjee served as an assistant professor in government medical education for five years, contributing to numerous national and international research publications. At Zorba, she has become a trusted partner to our clients—children navigating developmental challenges, adolescents facing stress and mood disorders, adults struggling with addiction or chronic headaches, and seniors experiencing geriatric psychiatric issues.

Her specialties—child and adolescent psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, de-addiction, stress-related health interventions, and parenting guidance—ensure that each individual at Zorba receives personalized treatment and ongoing support. Whether through one-on-one counseling, psychotherapy, or collaborative care plans, Dr. Mukherjee is dedicated to guiding our clients toward lasting wellness and resilience.

ZORBA