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PM Modi Opens WAVES Summit 2025, Celebrates Indian Creativity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for India’s creative economy. The four-day global summit, themed “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” is envisioned as a platform to showcase India’s cultural prowess and promote international collaboration in media and entertainment.
In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the vast global potential of Indian content, noting that Indian storytelling—rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving—has the unique ability to transcend borders and connect people across cultures. He called India’s creative industries “a force that binds the global community,” and highlighted the transformative impact of cinema, music, and digital content in shaping modern narratives.
WAVES Summit 2025: A Cultural Showcase
The opening ceremony began with a rousing performance by a 30-member orchestra conducted by Academy Award-winning composer M.M. Keeravaani. This was followed by “Sutradhar Reinvented,” a captivating theatrical showcase tracing the evolution of Indian cinema, performed by actor Sharad Kelkar. The cultural evening concluded with electrifying musical performances by Shreya Ghoshal and a special collaboration between Indian rapper KING and global music producer Alan Walker.
A Star-Studded Industry Gathering
The summit has drawn major Indian film personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Mohanlal, alongside global executives from platforms including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney. Industry panels will explore storytelling trends, emerging markets, AI in content creation, and the future of streaming.
A highlight of the summit is the “Create in India Challenge,” a talent platform where emerging content creators and filmmakers pitch ideas to major studios and investors. The initiative aims to nurture innovation and amplify new voices from India’s grassroots creative communities.
Building a Global Entertainment Hub
WAVES 2025 aims to position India as a global powerhouse in audio-visual content, leveraging its diverse linguistic heritage, strong talent pool, and booming digital ecosystem. The summit is expected to pave the way for co-productions, global distribution alliances, and technology-led storytelling initiatives.
Running until May 4, WAVES Summit 2025 is not only a celebration of India’s entertainment legacy but also a bold statement of its ambitions on the world stage.
