There’s something powerful about dreams that begin in small places. For Shubham Verma, that journey started in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand—a city far removed from the fast-paced world of India’s entertainment industry. But even as a child, he knew he wanted more. Modeling and acting weren’t just ambitions; they were a vision of a life beyond boundaries.
At nineteen, Shubham took his first step into that world. Without industry connections or prior exposure, the move wasn’t easy. Everything—from meeting new people to understanding how the industry functioned—was completely unfamiliar. Yet, what he lacked in experience, he made up for with determination and belief in himself.
The early years in modeling were as challenging as they were transformative. He worked tirelessly, navigating an industry where competition is intense and opportunities are never guaranteed. Doubts came not just from within but also from people around him. Still, he chose to stay focused, letting his work speak louder than skepticism.
After five years in front of the camera, a shift began to take shape. Shubham found himself drawn to the mechanics behind the scenes—the way projects were built, the way talent was discovered, and the way stories came together. Travelling across India and interacting with producers, coordinators, and creatives gave him a deeper understanding of the industry. That’s when casting entered the picture—not as a backup plan, but as a new passion.
Today, as a casting director with Khanna Production House, his work is dynamic and demanding. It involves travelling across cities, conducting auditions, understanding character requirements, and identifying the right talent for each role. No two days are the same, and that unpredictability is exactly what keeps the work exciting.
For Shubham, casting is not just about finding faces—it’s about recognizing potential. He believes that presentation and confidence are key, and that anyone with the right mindset can carve a place in the industry. Over time, he has also seen how unconventional casting choices can create some of the most memorable performances, reinforcing his belief in taking creative risks.
His journey hasn’t been without setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a standstill, testing both patience and resilience. There were also moments that served as hard lessons—like an audition in Jaipur where, due to poor coordination, no participants showed up despite extensive planning. Experiences like these shaped his understanding of professionalism and trust.
Looking at the industry today, Shubham sees immense growth and opportunity. Regional cinema, particularly from Kerala, is gaining recognition for its strong storytelling, while Bollywood continues to invest in large-scale, ambitious projects. The landscape is evolving, and for those willing to adapt, the possibilities are endless.
Closer to home, Goa stands out as a rising hub for entertainment. With its scenic locations and globally recognized platforms like the International Film Festival of India, it continues to attract filmmakers and creatives from across the country. Shubham believes that Goa’s role in the industry will only grow stronger in the years to come.
One of the most defining moments in his journey was landing his first major project. It wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was an emotional one. A moment of realization that all the risks, struggles, and persistence had finally paid off.
Despite working in a highly social industry, Shubham describes himself as an introvert—something that often surprises people. Yet, it’s perhaps this introspection that allows him to connect deeply with his work and understand characters beyond the surface.
If his life were a film, he knows exactly what it would be called: Dream It. Believe It. Just Do It. And in many ways, that title perfectly captures his journey—a story not just about success, but about growth, evolution, and staying true to one’s dreams.
For newcomers looking to break into the industry, his advice is simple but powerful: stay consistent, be patient, and never lose belief in yourself. Because in the end, every big story starts with a small step—and the courage to take it.
At 17, like many others trying to follow a “secure” path, he chose medicine. Enrolling in an MBBS program wasn’t just a career decision—it was also about living up to expectations, especially those shaped by family. But even while navigating textbooks and lectures, there was another side to him quietly growing stronger. He wrote poetry, stories, even drama—creative expressions that hinted at something deeper waiting to surface.
It didn’t take long for that internal conflict to become impossible to ignore.
Something didn’t align.
And that simple realization led to a much bigger question—who was he, really?
What followed wasn’t a sudden breakthrough, but a phase of exploration. Swapnil began trying different forms of expression, almost like searching for a language that felt truly his. Music came first. He picked up the guitar and flute, even played in a band. For a while, it seemed like this could be it. But slowly, doubt crept in. He felt he had started too late, that he might never reach the level he envisioned.
Writing, which had once felt natural, also began to feel limiting. Not because he didn’t love it—but because it didn’t fully capture everything he wanted to say.
And then, cinema happened.
During his college years, exposure to world cinema and a filmmaking workshop changed everything. It wasn’t just about watching films—it was about understanding them. Breaking them down. Feeling them differently.
For the first time, he found a medium that didn’t ask him to choose between his interests. Cinema allowed him to combine them all—music, writing, visuals, performance. It was collaborative, layered, and limitless.
It felt like home.
Like many filmmakers, his influences were shaped by what moved him. The raw honesty of Anurag Kashyap left a strong impression early on. He admired the craftsmanship of Vijay Anand and the storytelling brilliance of Salim–Javed, even before he consciously realized their impact.
Over time, his cinematic world expanded. Filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and Mahesh Bhatt added new layers to his understanding of storytelling.
Across regions and borders, inspiration continued to flow—from Lijo Jose Pellissery and Umesh Kulkarni to global masters like Bong Joon-ho, Akira Kurosawa, Park Chan-wook, and Martin Scorsese. He also holds Billy Wilder among his absolute favorites, alongside Woody Allen and Kathryn Bigelow.
Beyond cinema, literature shaped him just as deeply—especially the works of Haruki Murakami. But above everything else, Swapnil believes that life itself is the greatest teacher.
His approach to storytelling reflects that belief.
Ideas don’t arrive in a structured format. They come as fragments—a visual, a feeling, a line of dialogue, sometimes even a news report. His film Stolen was born from one such moment—a disturbing real-life incident where misinformation spread through WhatsApp led to mob lynching. But instead of simply recreating the event, he chose to explore the psychology behind it. Why do people behave the way they do in a crowd? What drives fear into violence?
That curiosity became the foundation of the film.
His process is meticulous but organic. A spark becomes a premise. A premise becomes a logline. That expands into a paragraph, and eventually a detailed treatment of 30 to 40 pages. Only then does the screenplay begin.
And even then, it’s just the beginning.
The first draft—often stretching between 100 to 150 pages—is far from final. For Swapnil, writing is rewriting. And in filmmaking, rewriting doesn’t stop on paper—it continues on set, and even in the editing room.
Collaboration plays a crucial role here, especially with actors. During Stolen, he remained closely involved throughout the shoot, constantly refining scenes. He values the way actors interpret moments, often catching nuances that might escape a writer or director too close to the material.
But like most independent filmmakers, the journey hasn’t been without challenges.
Reaching the right audience remains one of the biggest hurdles. While mainstream films like Pushpa: The Rise are built for mass appeal, independent cinema often struggles with distribution—both in theatres and on OTT platforms.
This is where film festivals become vital.
For Swapnil, they weren’t just platforms—they were gateways. Stolen connected with audiences far beyond India, resonating in countries like Italy, Germany, and China. Its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2023 marked a defining moment in his journey.
But what makes that milestone even more powerful is the journey behind it.
The film began in November 2019 and went through nearly 70 drafts before reaching its final form. Years of persistence, doubt, rewriting, and rebuilding—all leading to a story that finally found its audience.
At its core, Swapnil’s work is driven by connection.
He wants audiences to feel something—whether it’s laughter, discomfort, fear, or empathy. He sees himself as both an entertainer and a storyteller, someone who can engage while also making people think.
And he’s far from done exploring.
Currently, he’s venturing into horror and thriller genres, while also working on a deeply personal story about two societal misfits—another example of his instinct to explore the human condition from different angles.
On a personal level, the success of Stolen brought something beyond professional validation.
It brought emotional closure.
Walking away from medicine without industry backing wasn’t easy. But today, seeing his parents proud of the path he chose—that makes it all worth it.
Stories, for Swapnil, are not just a profession—they’re a way of life. He consumes them endlessly—books, films, poetry, graphic novels. There are days he watches three to four films back-to-back, simply because he wants to understand storytelling better.
And if you asked him which fictional world he’d step into?
It would be Breaking Bad—to experience life as Walter White.
Because at the end of the day, what fascinates him most isn’t just stories—it’s people. Their choices, their contradictions, their journeys.
And maybe that’s why, if given a superpower, he wouldn’t choose invisibility or flight.
He’d choose storytelling.
The power to move people. To persuade. To connect.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do… is tell a story well.
It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for Lily Catering Services, traveling across every corner of Goa and curating unforgettable experiences for weddings and events. Each event brings new learning, new people, and the joy of sharing good food. What has touched the team most is the warmth and acceptance they’ve received from clients all over the state. Along the way, they’ve discovered Goa’s many cultures and traditions, and with each event, they’ve grown more connected to the people they serve.
The menu at Lily Catering Services reflects a perfect balance of Goan heritage and global influence. Signature dishes like BBQ Pork Ribs, Pork Belly in Hunan Sauce, and Shepherd’s Pie bring together comfort and creativity, while desserts such as the Dark Chocolate Marquise, Baklava Cheesecake Roll, and Tender Coconut Kheer add a distinct and memorable finish to every celebration.
When planning a wedding, the goal is simple—to create a menu that stands out. Whether it’s a Goan celebration or a modern themed event, the team curates dishes that surprise and delight guests. They often suggest fusion menus that mix Goan favorites with international flavors, and the joy on guests’ faces as they try something new makes it all worthwhile.
Each menu is personalized to reflect the couple’s taste and personality. Tasting sessions help finalize dishes, and dietary requirements like vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals are handled with utmost care. The team works closely to customize dishes, brief the service staff, and ensure every guest feels included and cared for.
Some of the most memorable experiences have come from large-scale weddings—events that feel like organized chaos but end in triumph when everything flows seamlessly. Behind the success is a well-trained team, many of whom have worked together for years. Their shared experience and chemistry make the service smooth, efficient, and professional.
Communication is key, and the team maintains constant contact with wedding planners and venues through WhatsApp and calls to ensure every detail is aligned. Alongside food, Lily Catering Services also offers bar services, featuring cocktails and mocktails customized to the couple’s story—sometimes even recreating the first drink they shared together. Popular choices like the ‘Busy Bombay’ cocktail and their rotating seasonal creations keep guests delighted year after year.
Behind every dish is a skilled culinary team personally trained to uphold high standards. With flexible catering packages, including special discounts for upcoming seasons, Lily Catering Services ensures that great food is accessible without compromising on quality. Regular training sessions and workshops keep the team sharp, ensuring service that’s both warm and professional.
Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests often praising the unique flavors and presentation. Even small, detailed feedback is valued—it reflects the company’s commitment to perfection. From the first consultation to the final event, clients receive hands-on support, ensuring that every element runs smoothly and stress-free.
When asked what makes the team special, the founder says they’re like a Shepherd’s Pie—a blend of many ingredients coming together to create something comforting and satisfying. The same spirit drives their work ethic and passion.
With new dishes and services launching every season, and a dream of catering beyond Goa, Lily Catering Services continues to grow. Their ultimate vision is to take their love for food and hospitality global—ensuring that no matter where they go, every meal carries a little bit of Goan warmth and a whole lot of heart.
Darshil Naik is a computer engineer by profession, but his true passion lies far from the world of codes and circuits. He’s the heart and soul behind Goan Heaven, a platform that captures Goa’s rich food culture, local cuisines, and hidden culinary gems. What started as a simple love for photography has grown into a journey of storytelling — one that celebrates Goa’s flavors, people, and the emotions that food brings to life.
Darshil’s fascination with Goan food began at home, with the comforting Goan fish thali made by his mom. He fondly recalls fried Chonak, prawns, and Serradura as his all-time favorites. But it wasn’t just the food — it was the experience of family meals and local festivals that shaped his love for Goan cuisine. Every gathering had a special flavor, and every meal told a story of heritage and warmth.
Before Goan Heaven was born, Darshil used to wander through Goan streets capturing moments — from flowers to festivals. Photography was his way of preserving the essence of his surroundings. Gradually, his camera lens turned toward food, and that’s where he found his calling. Every restaurant he visited, every home-cooked dish he tasted, reminded him that Goan food deserved to be celebrated on a larger stage.
The name “Goan Heaven” came to him naturally. For Darshil, every Goan dish — from a plate of spicy prawns to a Sunday curry — feels like heaven on a plate. When he started posting, not everyone understood what he was trying to build. But his family believed in him, and as time passed, the same people who once doubted his efforts became his biggest supporters.
The journey wasn’t always easy. Traveling to shoots was tough in the beginning — Darshil didn’t even have his own bike. But his father’s gift of one changed everything, allowing him to explore Goa freely and document its hidden food stories. His unique storytelling style soon stood out — showing not just food, but the people, places, and emotions behind it.
One of his favorite things about Goan Heaven is the connection with his followers. Many suggest places he should try, and some of those recommendations have become his personal favorites. People often message him saying they tried a dish or visited a restaurant because of his posts — even his professors once asked him for food recommendations, which made him realize how far his work had reached.
Being recognized by the Government of Goa as a social media influencer was a defining moment in Darshil’s journey. It felt like a milestone — proof that his work was helping preserve and promote Goan culture. He dreams of taking Goan Heaven beyond Goa, to a national and international audience, so the world can experience Goa beyond its beaches — through its authentic food stories.
If his journey were a dish, Darshil says it would be “Susegad Curry” — full of calmness, flavor, and love, just like Goa itself. His story is one of passion turned purpose, a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin with a camera, a plate of food, and a dream to share your world with others.
Through Goan Heaven, Darshil Naik continues to serve more than food — he serves stories, culture, and a taste of Goa that lingers long after the meal is over.
Raunak Singh, known in the martial arts community as Coach Ronnyy, brings over 17 years of experience as a certified MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Combat Sports Instructor. Beyond training athletes, he also serves as an Army Martial Arts and Tactical Combat Trainer, specializing in self-defense and operational combat systems tailored for all age groups and professional categories.
His extensive coaching career includes mentoring athletes for some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ADCC, World Martial Arts Mastership, World Cup, WAKO Kickboxing Championships, AJP Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and the Mombasa Open. Through these experiences, Raunak has always aimed to build a foundation where martial arts training develops not just skilled fighters, but strong, disciplined, and purpose-driven individuals—both on and off the mat.
The Academy of Combat Sports Goa (ACS GOA) was founded with a mission to establish a professional combat training hub that meets international standards right in Goa. Having worked closely with various federations, defense units, and international coaches, Raunak realized that India lacked a structured academy that could blend combat education, fitness science, and moral discipline. Today, ACS GOA acts as the parent academy and central body for multiple clubs, associations, and affiliate academies throughout Goa and India, uniting diverse martial arts communities under one shared goal: to raise India’s combat sports standards on the global stage.
The main academy is based in Old Goa, but official training programs also run in Panjim, Candolim, Vasco, and Margao. Collaborations with local institutions like Fitness Bar Old Goa and Don Bosco Oratory help extend ACS GOA’s reach. Through a network of affiliates and partner clubs, the academy provides technical guidance, instructor certification, and athlete development, serving as the core hub for the region.
At its core, ACS GOA’s mission is simple: to build warriors for life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Martial arts, according to Raunak, is not just about fighting; it’s about discipline, humility, and leadership. Every program under the academy operates with the belief that strong character is the foundation of true strength.
The academy offers professional-level training across multiple disciplines. These include MMA, which integrates striking, wrestling, and submission grappling; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on leverage and ground control; Kickboxing and Muay Thai for striking precision and endurance; TIMD (Tongilmoodo), a Korean unified martial art blending traditional philosophy with modern combat practice; and real-world self-defense systems tailored for civilians, police, and women’s empowerment programs. Each discipline is taught through a structured and progressive approach emphasizing technique, safety, and mental development.
Beginners begin their journey with foundational drills, movement patterns, and discipline habits, while advanced students delve into specialized tactical training, sparring, and conditioning for competition or self-defense. Raunak personally monitors every student’s progress to ensure safety, growth, and consistent development.
ACS GOA boasts an accomplished coaching team combining international experience and national excellence. Notably, Coach Erica J. de Sequeira, an international athlete ranked third globally in Professional Jiu-Jitsu (AJP ranking), represents India at elite competitions such as ADCC, World Pro, and the Mombasa Open. Alongside her, Raunak himself brings expertise as an Army Martial Trainer and Tactical Combat Instructor, while Instructor Ravindra Chand complements the team with certified yoga and martial arts training focused on athlete mobility, flexibility, and recovery. Together, they embody a balance of technical mastery, modern coaching science, and traditional martial discipline.
The academy caters to a wide range of age groups, designing custom programs to fit each. For kids aged five and above, the focus is on building confidence, focus, and coordination. Teens train for strength, discipline, and leadership development. Adults engage in self-defense, conditioning, and personal mastery, while seniors receive tailored training to improve flexibility, balance, and light defensive skills.
Students join ACS GOA for many reasons: fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal growth. Many start to improve health but stay for the discipline and mental growth martial arts fosters. Some go on to represent India internationally, while others discover balance and peace through consistent practice.
One standout success story is that of Erica J. de Sequeira. Rising from a local Goan student to securing third place in the World Jiu-Jitsu Professional Division, she exemplifies ACS GOA’s vision—empowering Indian athletes to reach global podiums through disciplined training.
Safety remains a top priority. The academy follows certified training protocols, offers medical supervision when necessary, and mandates proper safety gear use. Every session incorporates warm-ups, supervised drills, and skill-level appropriate sparring to ensure students train safely and confidently.
ACS GOA athletes regularly compete at all levels, from local tournaments to international championships such as ADCC, AJP, WAKO Kickboxing, and the World Mastership Games. The academy proudly produces champions who represent India with honor.
Beyond competition, student progress is measured through discipline, consistency, attitude, and technical improvement. The academy employs structured syllabus cards, skill evaluations, and ongoing feedback to support holistic development.
The academy’s self-defense programs are particularly impactful. Through Project Self-Defense Goa, ACS GOA runs initiatives focusing on women’s safety, child protection, and tactical awareness for real-world scenarios. These programs emphasize psychological readiness, situational control, and reaction training, delivered in collaboration with the Goa Police, Department of Women & Child Development, and Pink Force.
Looking ahead, Raunak envisions ACS GOA evolving into a National Center of Excellence for Combat Sports and Tactical Training within five years. The academy plans to expand its network nationwide, creating development pathways for youth athletes, instructors, and defense professionals. The goal is to position Goa as a leading hub for martial arts and combat education across South Asia.
When asked what title would best suit a martial arts movie about ACS GOA, Raunak says it would be “THE FIGHT WITHIN” — because true victory starts inside every individual before it’s visible in the ring.
Training at ACS GOA is not without its lighter moments. One memorable incident involved a kids’ sparring match where a young student suddenly paused mid-round, bowed, and said, “Coach, I need water before my takedown!” Moments like this bring laughter and humility, reminding everyone of the human side of martial arts.
If the academy had a signature move named after it, Raunak would call it “The Goan Lockdown” — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based control transition symbolizing patience, precision, and pure technique, perfectly reflecting ACS GOA’s core values.
Expansion plans include developing international collaborations and launching online coaching platforms to make training accessible worldwide. The academy is also preparing to launch the Goa Fight League, an in-house MMA and Jiu-Jitsu event aimed at nurturing young Indian fighters. Ultimately, ACS GOA aspires to unify combat systems under an educational and ethical framework centered on discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.
Raunak also hopes to break a common myth: “Martial arts is only for fighters.” In reality, martial arts is for anyone seeking balance, strength, and confidence in life.
For those nervous about starting martial arts, Raunak offers simple but powerful advice: “Everyone starts as a beginner—even world champions. You don’t need to be strong to start; training will make you strong. Step onto the mat once, and you’ll realize martial arts isn’t about fighting others—it’s about discovering your best self.”
At ACS GOA, Raunak and his team are building more than fighters—they are creating a legacy of discipline, courage, and unity. As the parent academy to many clubs, associations, and affiliate academies, their mission is to raise the next generation of Indian martial artists who carry strength in skill and humility in heart.
