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Goafest 2023: The Final Countdown (2) – ‘Connections, creativity and a blast’

Medianews4u caught up with Manja's Prajato Guha Thakurta, Enormous' Ashish Khazanchi, Maitri's Ajith Kumar, Plainspeak's Laj Salam and Social Panga's Gaurav Arora ahead of India's largest advertising festival.

by Neethu Mohan
May 23, 2023
in Exclusive, Featured
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Goafest 2023: The Final Countdown (2) - 'Connections, creativity and a blast'
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“This year, it’s even more special”

Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?

Prajato Guha Thakurta
Prajato Guha Thakurta

Yes, I am. This year, it’s even more special because I’ll be attending Goafest not just as a participant but also as the Jury Chairman of the Brand Activation & Promotion category. I’ve attended Goafest almost every year, including its inaugural edition.

Unforgettable Goafest moment…

It definitely has to be the moment when a piece of work we had entered from then-JWT picked up a Grand Prix and we eventually won Agency of the Year.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Goafest has always been a great platform to not just see some of the finest work that the country’s top agencies are churning out, but also to share a chilled beer or twenty with old friends from the industry. The energy in Goafest is absolutely electric.

– Prajato Guha Thakurta, Founder & CCO, Manja


“It needs to be celebrated and cherished”

Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?

Ashish Khazanchi
Ashish Khazanchi

Yes, I am attending. Except two or three editions, I have attended all the editions of Goafest from the beginning.

Unforgettable Goafest moment…

There may have been many. Last edition was a great moment, we attended it without much hope for the awards. But ended up being the fourth highest medal winners. As an independent agency, it’s always a joyous moment to be in the top five agencies in the country.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Goafest is the only festival that the entire industry puts together for itself. It is the largest aggregator of all the people from different sides like media, design, advertising etc. Hence, it needs to be celebrated and cherished.

– Ashish Khazanchi, Managing Partner, Enormous


“Connections, creativity and a blast”

Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?

Ajith Kumar R
Ajith Kumar R

This is my maiden Goafest. So, I’m excited to experience all things advertising and all things Goa. It would be a feast to see award-winning campaigns, creative installations, and presentations by industry leaders while taking in the cool Goan breeze. I’m also looking to gain knowledge from seminars, workshops, and panel discussions by thought leaders.I see this as a unique event to connect with professionals, learn about the direction that creativity is taking, and have a blast!

– Ajith Kumar R, Senior Ideation Group Head, Maitri Advertising


“Hoping to win a metal this time”

Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?

Laj Salam
Laj Salam

Yes. Have attended two before and looking forward to an exciting experience this time as we are one among the shortlisted agencies.

Unforgettable Goafest moment….

Being shortlisted for the first time in 2017 had been an unforgettable moment with our work displayed at the venue. And of course the grandeur of Goafest is something to cherish always.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Look forward to power-packed sessions, meeting the peers of the community, understanding the latest in the industry, engagement, fun, entertainment and of course hoping to win a metal this time.

– Laj Salam, Founder/ MD, Plainspeak


“Connecting with a lot of like-minded and creative peeps!”

Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?

Gaurav Arora
Gaurav Arora

Yes, I am attending Goafest this year. This will be my second year at Goafest and I am really kicked about it as Social Panga’s campaign for Manipal Hospitals has been shortlisted at Abby Awards. So I am looking forward to picking the award for it!

Unforgettable Goafest moment…

I guess, I will have to attend a few more editions to come up with any memorable moments and this year may become more memorable if we win any metals.

What are you looking forward to the most?

I am looking forward to connecting with a lot of like-minded and creative peeps! Listen and learn from industry experts and veterans. The agenda looks very interesting, and I hope to come back with a lot of knowledge and futuristic vision.

– Gaurav Arora, Co-Founder, Social Panga

Also read: Goafest 2023: The Final Countdown (1) – ‘Next week is my daughter’s wedding. But Goafest is calling. I am attending.’

Tags: Ajith KumarAshish KhazanchiEnormousGaurav AroraGoafestGoafest 2023Laj SalamMaitri AdvertisingManjaPlainSpeakPrajato Guha ThakurtaSocial Panga

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