Tuesday, December 16, 2025
MediaNews4U
  • Exclusive
  • Advertising
  • Media
    • Radio
    • Cable & DTH
    • Print
    • Digital Frontier
    • Gaming Nexus
  • Television
  • OTT
  • Ad-Tech
  • Marketing
  • Campaigns
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
    • Opinion
    • Think Through
    • Prescience 2023
    • Prescience 2024
  • People
  • Events
    • Leader Speak
    • STRAIGHT TALK
    • Gamechangers
    • Print & TV Summit
MediaNews4U
  • Exclusive
  • Advertising
  • Media
    • Radio
    • Cable & DTH
    • Print
    • Digital Frontier
    • Gaming Nexus
  • Television
  • OTT
  • Ad-Tech
  • Marketing
  • Campaigns
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
    • Opinion
    • Think Through
    • Prescience 2023
    • Prescience 2024
  • People
  • Events
    • Leader Speak
    • STRAIGHT TALK
    • Gamechangers
    • Print & TV Summit
MediaNews4U.com
Home Exclusive

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
A A
Goafest 2023: The Final Countdown (2) - 'Connections, creativity and a blast'
Share Share ShareShare

“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

RECENT POSTS

Cinematic storytelling resurges as audiences seek polish, escapism, and larger-than-life visual magic: Sushma R Rao, Blissclub
Exclusive

Cinematic storytelling resurges as audiences seek polish, escapism, and larger-than-life visual magic: Sushma R Rao, Blissclub

December 16, 2025
0

For decades, the fashion industry has normalised women suffering in the name of style. This year Blissclub, which has focussed...

Read moreDetails
Micro-dramas could be a really big deal, but only if we nail the execution: Kailash Gandhi, Ideabaaz
Exclusive

Micro-dramas could be a really big deal, but only if we nail the execution: Kailash Gandhi, Ideabaaz

December 15, 2025
0

Kailash Gandhi has been serving as the Creative Head of 'Ideabaaz'. He is a seasoned creative veteran behind many of...

Read moreDetails
“True Ideas Don’t Live on Google — They Live Within Us”: Sonal Dabral’s Message to Creatives
Exclusive

“True Ideas Don’t Live on Google — They Live Within Us”: Sonal Dabral’s Message to Creatives

December 12, 2025
0

Cochin: At the 19th edition of the Pepper Creative Awards, Sonal Dabral — Founder of Tribha and former Vice Chairman...

Read moreDetails
We’ve focussed on building a brand people relate to, but with strict discipline on marketing spends: Chaithanya Murali, Novatr
Exclusive

We’ve focussed on building a brand people relate to, but with strict discipline on marketing spends: Chaithanya Murali, Novatr

December 12, 2025
0

Novatr, which focusses on professional education for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, had this year unveiled 'The Civil...

Read moreDetails
We’re focused on strengthening consumer connections and ensuring our brands are easily discoverable everywhere: Diego Bianchi, Sazerac
Exclusive

We’re focused on strengthening consumer connections and ensuring our brands are easily discoverable everywhere: Diego Bianchi, Sazerac

December 11, 2025
0

Fireball Cinnamon Flavoured Whisky, a US shot brand, this year launched its latest campaign, ‘Be Bad. It’s More Fun’. It...

Read moreDetails
“The South Doesn’t Follow Trends—It Creates Them”: Krishnan Kutty on JioHotstar’s Big Bet on Regional Storytelling
Exclusive

“The South Doesn’t Follow Trends—It Creates Them”: Krishnan Kutty on JioHotstar’s Big Bet on Regional Storytelling

December 10, 2025
0

Chennai: At a high-energy media roundtable, Krishnan Kutty, Head – Entertainment (South), JioStar, positioned South India as the country’s most...

Read moreDetails

LATEST NEWS

Prime Video premieres Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Thamma globally today

Prime Video premieres Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Thamma globally today

December 16, 2025
JioSaavn unveils Replay 2025, mapping India’s audio preferences and listening trends

JioSaavn unveils Replay 2025, mapping India’s audio preferences and listening trends

December 16, 2025

ANALYSIS

69% of SMBs in India already use digital advertising, and another 27% plan to adopt it within three years: Primus Partners
Analysis

69% of SMBs in India already use digital advertising, and another 27% plan to adopt it within three years: Primus Partners

December 16, 2025
0

Mumbai: Primus Partners has unveiled its latest report, Empowering Small Businesses through Digital Advertising, a comprehensive study based on a...

PEOPLE

Storytellers 101 Communications promotes Devendra Singh to Chief Operating Officer
People

Storytellers 101 Communications promotes Devendra Singh to Chief Operating Officer

December 16, 2025
0

Mumbai: Storytellers 101 Communications, a public relations and communications agency, has announced the elevation of Devendra Singh (Dev) as its...

MARKETING

Brightsun Travel appoints Varun Mehta as Head of Partnerships for India
Marketing

Brightsun Travel appoints Varun Mehta as Head of Partnerships for India

December 15, 2025
0

Gurugram: Brightsun Travel, a trusted name in premium travel management and global B2B travel solutions, has reinforced its leadership team...

Subscribe to Newsletters

ADVERTISING

YP Digest India enters DOOH space with launch of ‘YP Outdoors’ at Chennai’s MGR Central Station
Advertising

YP Digest India enters DOOH space with launch of ‘YP Outdoors’ at Chennai’s MGR Central Station

December 15, 2025
0

Chennai: YP Digest India Pvt. Ltd., the publisher behind Your Platform, India’s first intrain travel and lifestyle magazine, has announced...

PRINT

Durga Chakraborty joins Dainik Bhaskar Group as Corporate Sales Head – South India
Print

Durga Chakraborty joins Dainik Bhaskar Group as Corporate Sales Head – South India

November 21, 2025
0

Mumbai: Dainik Bhaskar Group, India’s largest newspaper group, has further strengthened its leadership presence in the southern market with the...

AUTHOR'S CORNER

Trust as a Product Feature: How BFSI Brands Are Selling Confidence, Not Just Credit
Authors Corner

Trust as a Product Feature: How BFSI Brands Are Selling Confidence, Not Just Credit

December 15, 2025
0

Trust was once a byproduct of banking but now it has become an integral part of how Banks market and...

UPLIFT MEDIANEWS4U DIGITAL PVT LTD
No. 194B , Aram Nagar 2, JP Road,
Versova, Andheri West
Mumbai - 400061

For editorial queries:
[email protected]
[email protected]

For business queries:
Smitha Sapaliga - +91-98337-15455
[email protected]

Recent News

Gulf News appoints Manifest Marketing Management LLC to expand agency network in India

Gulf News appoints Manifest Marketing Management LLC to expand agency network in India

December 16, 2025
Prime Video premieres Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Thamma globally today

Prime Video premieres Maddock Films’ horror-comedy Thamma globally today

December 16, 2025
JioSaavn unveils Replay 2025, mapping India’s audio preferences and listening trends

JioSaavn unveils Replay 2025, mapping India’s audio preferences and listening trends

December 16, 2025

Newsletter

Subscribe to Newsletters

Medianews4u.com © 2019 - 2025 All rights reserved.

  • The South Side Story 2023 Download Report
  • Goafest 2023: Day 3
  • Goafest 2023: Day 2
  • Goafest 2023: Day 1
  • Straight Talk Gallery 2022
  • The South Side Story 2022 Download Report
  • Focus 2022
  • Futurescope Conclave Gallery 2022
  • The South Side Story 2021 Download Report
  • FOCUS 2021
  • Exclusive
  • Exclusive
  • Advertising
  • Media
    • Radio
    • Cable & DTH
    • Print
    • Digital Frontier
    • Gaming Nexus
  • Television
  • OTT
  • Ad-Tech
  • Marketing
  • Campaigns
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
    • Opinion
    • Think Through
    • Prescience 2023
    • Prescience 2024
  • People
  • Events
    • Leader Speak
    • STRAIGHT TALK
    • Gamechangers
    • Print & TV Summit

Medianews4u.com © 2019 - 2025 All rights reserved.