WAVES 2025, the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, opened formally on Thursday, May 1, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Hosted by the Government of India, the four-day summit (May 1–4) will promote India’s vibrant media and entertainment sector in the international arena.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the event, speaking to an enormous crowd of filmmakers, artists, musicians, and investors. “We are witnessing the growth era of the Orange economy. The three pillars of the Orange economy are content, creativity and culture. India is becoming the global hub of music, film and gaming. With the orange economy booming, India’s graphic and animation industry will face tremendous growth and bring economic prosperity for the nation,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi’s Message: ‘Dream Big, Tell Your Story’
Prime Minister Modi encouraged India’s young innovators not to geographically restrict themselves. “Their hard work and dedication are driving this new wave of creativity and the Indian government is facilitating their efforts through various initiatives such as MSDE Skill India Mission, Start Up India and now the WAVES 2025 platform,” he stated.
PM Modi also inspired the investors by saying, “Invest not just in platforms, but in people,” and informed the youth, “Tell your one billion untold stories to the world.”
Tribute to Manoj Kumar and Iconic Performances
A tribute session to late actor Manoj Kumar saw Hema Malini and director Madhur Bhandarkar discussing the legend’s contribution to Indian cinema. The day also featured musical performances by MM Keeravani, Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, KS Chithra, and Mangli. Later, renowned classical musicians like Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Ronu Majumdar delivered powerful performances.
Mukesh Ambani Highlights India’s Cultural Power
Business magnate Mukesh Ambani also spoke at the event and underscored the actual clout of India’s creative industry. “India’s entertainment and cultural industries are not soft power; they are real power,” he told the attendees. He further stated that the $28 billion media and entertainment sector had the potential to surpass $100 billion in the coming decade if suitably invested and supported by policies.
With its celebrity-studded panels, inspiring speeches, and cultural performances, WAVES 2025 has, without a doubt, placed India on the world map as a nascent global player in creativity, storytelling, and entertainment innovation.
Legends Relive Their Moments on Day 1
The first panel discussion, “Legends & Legacies: The Stories that Shaped India’s Soul,” was attended by legendary stars Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi. Akshay Kumar moderated the session. The session commemorated the stars’ careers and how they influenced Indian cinema through the ages.
At the next session, “The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends,” director Karan Johar conducted an energetic session with SS Rajamouli, AR Rahman, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. They discussed how Indian cinema is crossing borders and touching the hearts of the world.
Later in the day, the session “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler” had Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, who were moderated again by Karan Johar. The two spoke about their struggles, industry issues, and overcoming all odds as a result of staying persistent to become the biggest at the top.
At 5 PM, Allu Arjun spoke on stage in “Talent Beyond Borders”, and he spoke of how regional talents are becoming world-known.
