Digital News Guru Mumbai Desk:
WAVES 2025 Summit
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 commenced on May 1 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in India’s media and entertainment sector. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the four-day summit aims to position India as a global leader in the creative economy.
A Global Gathering
WAVES 2025 has attracted participation from over 90 countries, bringing together more than 10,000 delegates, including 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit features 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses covering diverse sectors such as broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), films, and digital media.
Prime Minister’s Vision
Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s potential to become a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music, and live concerts. He highlighted the vast opportunities in the global animation market, currently valued at over $430 billion, and encouraged stakeholders to leverage this expansion for greater international reach.
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s potential to become a global hub for storytelling and content creation. He highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage and the global appeal of Indian cinema, citing examples like Raj Kapoor’s popularity in Russia and the international acclaim for films like ‘RRR’. The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, with an allocation of Rs 400 crore, aiming to nurture creative talent and foster innovation.
Industry Leaders Share Insights
The summit witnessed the presence of prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Shah Rukh Khan, in a session titled ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler’, reflected on his career and the importance of sincerity in filmmaking. Deepika Padukone shared her experiences of moving to Mumbai at 18 and navigating the film industry.
Actor Allu Arjun participated in the ‘Talent Beyond Borders’ panel, discussing the significance of versatility and fitness in acting. He recounted his dedication to perfecting scenes in ‘Pushpa 2’ and emphasized the importance of physical preparedness for demanding roles.
Music composer A.R. Rahman praised the summit, stating that it addresses the aspirations of both the younger and older generations, and expressed pride in India’s creative initiatives.
$1 Billion Fund for Creator Economy
The Indian government announced a $1 billion fund to support the growth of the creator economy, aiming to help content creators improve their skills and expand to global markets. Additionally, 4 billion has been allocated for establishing the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai.
Economic Aspirations
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani projected that India’s media and entertainment industry could triple to $100 billion in the coming years, driven by digital innovation and global collaborations.
Cultural Showcases
The summit also featured cultural performances, including the launch of the song ‘High in the Sky’ by the Meet Brothers, celebrating modern India’s spirit.
Conclusion
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 commenced today, May 1, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this four-day event aims to position India as a global leader in the media and entertainment industry.
The four-day event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and features prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth, and Aamir Khan. The summit aims to position India as a global leader in media and entertainment, with discussions on expanding the industry to a $100 billion market in the next decade.
WAVES 2025 represents a concerted effort to harness India’s creative potential and establish the country as a global leader in the media and entertainment industry. With active participation from industry stalwarts, government support, and international collaboration, the summit sets the stage for a new era of cultural and economic growth.
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