Rewriting rules of Storytelling

Goafest is the premier festival for advertisers, marketers, and media professionals in India, held annually in the vibrant setting of Goa. Celebrated over three days, this iconic event is a grand celebration of creativity and innovation, spotlighting the finest work in advertising and media from across India and South Asia. Hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) in collaboration with The Advertising Club, Goafest features inspiring keynote sessions, insightful panel discussions, prestigious award ceremonies, and unmatched networking opportunities.

In 2025, the festival will unfold at the luxurious Taj Cidade de Goa, offering a perfect blend of business, creativity, and coastal charm.

On Day 2, the Goafest stage lit up with a captivating fireside chat featuring Suniel Shetty, a name synonymous with action, discipline, and heart. Moderated by Aruna Daryanani, Director at Amazon MX Player, the session was less about stunts and scripts and more about life, wellness, and the soul of storytelling.

Right off the bat, Suniel served some serious truth bombs. “Fitness isn’t just six-packs and protein shakes. It’s mental peace, clean eating, and knowing what’s on your plate.” He laughed about how people are still falling for “bro-science” on the internet, and stressed the importance of listening to your body over fad diets. The real shocker? His fittest self didn’t show up in his 30s or 40s it showed up later, thanks to a lifestyle built on consistency and clean living. (Yes, folks, dad-bod is cancelled.)

Talking about his upcoming series Hunter: Season 2, Suniel described it as more than just another action-packed ride. “It’s not about throwing punches it’s about tugging heartstrings.” The plot follows a father fighting to reunite with his daughter, diving deep into themes like family, love, and redemption. With killer music, top-tier production, and a storyline that makes you feel something, this one’s set to punch above its weight emotionally and otherwise.

He also got real about his toughest role to date portraying a real-life hero in Water. “When you’re playing someone who lived, breathed, and sacrificed you better show up with honesty.” It was more than just a role; it was a responsibility.

But what really lit up the room? Suniel talking about his fans.

From jumping off walls like him to sending him emotional letters, fans have blurred the line between reel and real. “That connection that raw love? That’s the real award.” And let’s be honest how many celebs actually get emulated in real life?

Before signing off, he gave a massive shoutout to India’s growing action content space. “We’ve got firepower. Our stories, our emotion, our style it’s world-class. Let’s support it.” And just like that, he turned Hunter from a show into a movement a salute to unity, family, and the unsung heroes in uniform.

So, was it just another session? Nope. It was part fitness TED Talk, part emotional rollercoaster, and all heart.

At Goafest 2025, Sunil Shetty didn’t just rewrite the rules of storytelling he mic-dropped his way into our hearts.

-Khizra khan