Creativeland Asia opts out of Goafest

Sajan Raj Kurup steps down as digital jury head too

A week before the three-day Goafest kicks off, Sajan Raj Kurup-promoted Creativeland Asia has decided to step out of the race.The agency had 24 pieces in the fray, including 18 in digital, three in film (commercials for Cafe Coffee Day, Cinthol and Hippo, two in outdoor and one in the integrated section.

In an email to members of Goafest’s awards governing council (AGC), Kurup said, “I have decided, with the support of my organisation, not to return to awards in this country till we take up the issues on scams seriously and take stringent steps against these.”

Earlier, Kurup was a member of the AGC and head of the digital category jury. Despite Kurup’s decision to opt out, the Goafest organising committee is yet to take a call on whether he can withdraw at this stage. A decision on the matter would be taken next week.

Speaking to Business Standard, Kurup said he was not against the Goafest or its organisers. “I took a stand and, therefore, decided to opt out”