'Where's the party tonight?' Boat's Aman Gupta recalls finding secret Goa parties through foreigners; says Indians were not respected

Goa, known today as one of India’s most popular party destinations, wasn’t always as welcoming to Indian tourists as it is now, according to boAt co-founder and Shark Tank India judge Aman Gupta. Recently, on The Prakhar Gupta Xperience podcast, he reflected on this transformation and shared personal stories from the early 2000s. Back then, Goa’s underground party culture was dominated by foreigners, and Indians were often sidelined and not welcomed, particularly at exclusive forest parties and beach locations like Anjuna. Gupta’s experience offers a glimpse into how much the tourist landscape has evolved over the years.

When Indians Weren’t Welcome

Recounting his youth, Aman Gupta recalled partying with friends in the forests of Goa, where the party culture was largely dominated by international tourists. He said that during those days, Goa wasn’t a common destination for Indian youth, and Indian tourists were not treated with the same hospitality that foreign visitors received.

Gupta specifically mentioned Anjuna Beach, where, according to him, the scene was controlled by Israeli travelers. Local hosts in that area were known to reserve accommodations for foreigners, leaving little room for Indian visitors. “It was a time when the local community didn’t seem to respect Indian tourists as much,” he explained. “We used to go there and often found ourselves turned away while Israelis got the best spots.”

A Sense of Exclusion

One of the highlights of Gupta’s early visits was the underground party scene. These parties were not publicly announced; instead, partygoers would find their way by networking with foreigners who knew the locations. Gupta recalled using scooters to roam around asking international acquaintances, “Where’s the party tonight?”

He and his friends often found themselves as the only Indians at these gatherings, a clear reflection of the exclusivity that marked Goa’s party scene at the time. “There were times when we felt like outsiders in our own country,” Gupta reflected.

Shift in Attitudes and Tourist Dynamics

Fast forward to the present, and Gupta noted a significant shift in how Indian tourists are perceived in Goa. He pointed out that today, domestic travelers are not only welcomed but are also a major economic force. “Indian tourists now have more spending power than ever before. That has changed how we’re treated,” he said.

Goa, once seen as a foreigner’s playground, has evolved into a popular destination for Indians across the country. Gupta added that the vibe has matured, and the inclusivity that was once missing is now more prominent.

Despite this evolution in attitude and accessibility, Goa’s tourism sector is currently grappling with a downturn. The Shack Owners Welfare Society recently reported a steep drop in visitor numbers. By mid-March of the 2024–25 season, domestic tourist arrivals had fallen by about 60%, while international arrivals dipped by 40%. Popular beaches like Calangute, Colva, and Majorda have seen several shacks shut down early due to the reduced footfall.

The decline follows a strong start to the season, but with British tourists typically leaving by March and only a few Russian travelers remaining, many local businesses are now bracing for a tough off-season.

Nostalgia for Goa

Despite these challenges and the changes over the decades, Aman Gupta maintains a deep connection with Goa. He expressed that even with fluctuating crowds and shifting party scenes, his fondness for the state remains unchanged. “Even now, when others say they don’t enjoy Goa like before, I still feel the same excitement. It feels like the real Goa is coming back,” he said.

Gupta even joked about how closely Dil Chahta Hai, the iconic Bollywood film that romanticized Goa trips, mirrored his own experiences. “We used to go even before that movie came out. It felt like our story was being told on screen.”