AD Agencies
Weekend Unwind with: Thought Blurb Communications’ Israa Khan
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind – a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Thought Blurb Communications associate vice president – brand solutions Israa Khan.
Israa embarked on her professional journey as a trainee at Thought Blurb Communications in Mumbai, and her passion and dedication have propelled her to the role of associate vice president. Over a period of 10 years with Thought Blurb Communications, Israa has worked on key accounts of industry giants like Reliance Digital and Parle Products.
She holds a keen interest in audio-visual communication and her forte lies in crafting highly successful TV and digital campaigns for these esteemed brands. She also specialises in translating candid slice-of-life insights into compelling and effective propositions and ideas. Her approach is rooted in creativity and strategy, delivering results that leave a lasting impact.
Beyond the boardroom, she thrives as a team player and an avid sports lover. You might catch her engaging in lively debates about the finer nuances of Beckham’s free-kicks or Kohli’s straight drive when she is not brainstorming creative strategies with her dynamic team.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for Life
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
A Book you are currently reading/plan to read
I plan to read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. His interesting definition of hard work caught my attention; ‘Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig.’
Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Go easy, but do it.
Your comfort food
French Fries with a chilled glass of Coke.
When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
It’s all part of the plan.
Your guilty pleasure
Binge-watching while I’m all cooped up in bed in my most comfy pajamas.
A Life lesson you learnt the hard way
It’s not always about you. Sometimes you can take a backseat and see life drive you.
What gets you excited about life
Meeting new people, knowing them, the similarities, the differences and exchanging life experiences. There is so much to learn there.
What’s on top of your bucket list
I have been an avid sports lover and a David Beckham fan since I was little. On top of my list is to interview David Beckham and take a sneak peek into his sports life surrounding all the controversies, his freekicks and his unbeatable hairstyles while revealing the secret behind being one of the most popular faces amongst advertisers.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Travel. You can earn your money back but not your time.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
Focus on appreciation over flaws.
An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
Retail therapy. Reward yourself, pamper yourself, treat yourself and there’s nothing you can’t overcome.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down
A drive all by myself in search for an unexplored café.
Your go-to stress buster
An episode of Friends, The Office or Schitt’s Creek.
AD Agencies
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
