New Delhi: The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held from May 1 to May 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marked a historic milestone for India’s creative economy. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first-of-its-kind summit brought together over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups from more than 90 countries. With a vision to position India as a global leader in the entertainment industry, WAVES 2025 showcased the nation’s storytelling prowess, technological innovation, and cultural heritage, aiming to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029.
A Grand Inauguration by PM Modi
On May 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the stage to open WAVES 2025, emphasizing the transformative potential of India’s creative economy. He described WAVES not just as an acronym but as a “real wave” carrying films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling to global audiences. “India is not just a market for stories but a powerhouse of storytelling,” Modi declared, highlighting the country’s ability to touch hearts worldwide through its cinema, from Raj Kapoor’s popularity in Russia to Satyajit Ray’s acclaim at Cannes and RRR’s Oscar success.
Modi underscored the “orange economy”—comprising content, creativity, and culture—as a key driver of India’s economic growth. He noted that India’s media and entertainment industry, currently valued at $28 billion, could soar to over $100 billion in the next decade, fostering entrepreneurship and creating millions of jobs. To support this vision, he announced the upcoming WAVES Awards, poised to become the world’s most prestigious recognition platform for arts and creativity. Modi urged creators to “dream big and tell your story,” investors to “invest in people,” and youth to share India’s “one billion untold stories” with the world.
The Creative Economy: India’s Rising Power
The creative economy, often termed the orange economy, encompasses sectors like media and entertainment, advertising, animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR). Contributing $30 billion to India’s GDP and employing 8% of the workforce, this sector is a cornerstone of economic growth. Creative exports, valued at over $11 billion annually, underscore India’s global influence. However, challenges such as misinformation, copyright issues, intellectual property disputes, privacy concerns, market monopolization, limited rural digital access, and lack of formal financing persist.
To address these, the government launched several initiatives. The $1 billion Creative Economy Fund aims to fuel innovation, while the All India Initiative on Creative Economy (AIICE), spearheaded by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, taps into the sector’s vast potential. The National Creators Award recognizes digital content creators, promoting online creativity and innovation. Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in partnership with FICCI and CII, established the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) as a National Centre of Excellence to nurture talent and drive industry growth.
Star-Studded Panels and Sessions
WAVES 2025 was a melting pot of ideas, with conference sessions, keynote addresses, masterclasses, and workshops featuring industry giants. On Day 1, a panel titled “Legends & Legacies: The Stories that Shaped India’s Soul” featured Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, moderated by Akshay Kumar. Chiranjeevi shared how Mithun Chakraborty’s raw performances and Amitabh Bachchan’s stunt work inspired him, while Mohanlal highlighted the balance between art and entertainment in Malayalam cinema.
Another session, “The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends,” moderated by a filmmaker, saw SS Rajamouli, AR Rahman, Anil Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal discuss India’s global cinematic ambitions. Rajamouli admitted that despite India’s rich storytelling heritage, it lags behind the USA, South Korea, and China on the international stage. He expressed hope that WAVES would serve as a launchpad for Indian cinema.
The session “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler,” moderated by Karan Johar, featured Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. Shah Rukh rejected notions of “hunger” or “ambition,” emphasizing sincerity in his craft. He shared a light-hearted anecdote about declining a script requiring him to wear a skirt, while Deepika reflected on her journey from a shy 16-year-old model to a Bollywood icon and new mother to daughter Dua. Shah Rukh praised Deepika’s potential as a mother, predicting she would excel in this role.
On Day 3, a fireside chat between Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Saif Ali Khan explored the impact of streaming platforms. Khan noted that streaming has liberated actors, enabling sharper writing and deeper character exploration, bringing epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana to global audiences. Aamir Khan, speaking on filmmaking’s future, highlighted AI’s role in enabling scenes to be shot without actors physically present.
Celebrity Highlights and Cultural Performances
WAVES 2025 was a star-studded affair, with Bollywood and South Indian cinema luminaries like Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, and Allu Arjun in attendance. Allu Arjun, speaking at the “Talent Beyond Borders” panel, expressed his ambition to elevate Indian cinema globally, citing the need for a serious impact on the global box office. He shared behind-the-scenes insights from Pushpa 2, including a shoulder injury that required six months of rest and the 17-18 takes for a dupatta-flying shot to achieve perfection.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the summit. Composer MM Keeravani, alongside singers Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, KS Chithra, and Mangli, enthralled audiences. Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ronu Majumdar, and Brij Narayan delivered mesmerizing performances, showcasing India’s musical heritage.
Industry Leaders and Global Perspectives
Mukesh Ambani, speaking at the summit, described India’s entertainment and cultural industries as “real power,” not just soft power. He predicted the sector’s growth to over $100 billion in a decade, driving a ripple effect across industries. Nita Ambani, JioStar chairperson, delivered a keynote address on Day 2, reinforcing the summit’s global significance.
International voices also resonated. Israeli actor Aki Avni called WAVES a “victory” for India’s entertainment industry, while Maharashtra CM’s wife, Amruta Fadnavis, praised its potential to create diplomatic and cultural bonds worldwide. Boney Kapoor lauded government support, noting the platform’s role in addressing global issues like the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which Rajinikanth condemned as “barbaric and merciless.” Rajinikanth expressed confidence in PM Modi’s leadership to bring peace to Jammu and Kashmir.
Innovation and Technology at WAVES
WAVES 2025 wasn’t just about cinema; it embraced technology and innovation. Masterclasses on VFX and workshops on digital sculpting highlighted the summit’s focus on cutting-edge techniques. The WAVES Bazaar served as a media marketplace, while WAVEX startup pitching sessions fostered entrepreneurship. The “Create in India Challenge” finale celebrated emerging talent, and exhibitions showcased media and entertainment innovations.
Deepika Padukone praised the summit’s integration of AI and technology, calling it a pioneering initiative. Shah Rukh Khan emphasized the need for simpler, cheaper theaters to boost cinema accessibility, citing the China model. Akshay Kumar launched the “FAU-G: Domination” game, describing it as “India’s answer” built with Make in India pride.
Voices of Praise and Inspiration
The summit drew widespread acclaim. Manushi Chhillar called it a remarkable platform, while Nimrit Kaur described PM Modi as a “visionary” for uniting creative forces nationwide. Jackie Shroff praised Modi’s heartfelt speech, and Sreeleela dubbed the summit “absolutely brilliant.” Himesh Reshammiya and Atlee lauded its potential to inspire a new generation of storytellers.
Alia Bhatt, sharing her Maharashtra Day-inspired look, encapsulated the summit’s spirit: “From cinema to gaming, from craft to tech… our stories, our talent, our vision, ready to lead.” The Meet Brothers launched their song “High in the Sky” from the #WavesOfIndia album, adding to the event’s creative energy.
Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead
WAVES 2025 also addressed pressing issues. The summit acknowledged the tragic loss of a social media influencer who died by suicide after losing followers, highlighting the pressures of digital fame. Shah Rukh Khan cautioned against the younger generation’s dependency on social media, urging them to “see themselves” rather than seek validation online.
As the summit concluded on May 4, 2025, it left an indelible mark. With its blend of star power, innovation, and policy support, WAVES 2025 positioned India as a global creative hub. As PM Modi noted, “India’s time has just started.” The summit’s legacy, from the upcoming WAVES Awards to the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, promises to propel the nation’s creative economy to new heights, making it a beacon for creators, innovators, and dreamers worldwide.
FAQs
1.What is the WAVES Summit 2025?
The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 is a first-of-its-kind event hosted by the Government of India from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. It aims to spotlight India’s media and entertainment industry, fostering global collaboration and positioning India as a leader in the creative economy. The summit featured over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, and 300 companies from more than 90 countries, with activities like panel discussions, masterclasses, exhibitions, and cultural performances.
2.What is the significance of the creative economy highlighted at WAVES 2025?
The creative economy, or orange economy, encompasses sectors like media, entertainment, advertising, animation, gaming, and extended reality (AVGC-XR). It contributes $30 billion to India’s GDP, employs 8% of the workforce, and generates over $11 billion in exports annually. WAVES 2025 emphasized its potential to drive economic growth, with initiatives like the $1 billion Creative Economy Fund and the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) to address challenges such as misinformation, copyright issues, and limited rural digital access.
3.Who were some of the key figures at WAVES 2025?
The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and featured industry leaders like Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, and celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, SS Rajamouli, Alia Bhatt, and Allu Arjun. International figures like Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Israeli actor Aki Avni also participated, alongside cultural performers like Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, and MM Keeravani.
4.What were the major initiatives announced at WAVES 2025?
Key initiatives included the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) as a National Centre of Excellence, the $1 billion Creative Economy Fund, and the All India Initiative on Creative Economy (AIICE). PM Modi also announced the upcoming WAVES Awards to honor global creativity. The summit hosted the “Create in India Challenge” finale and WAVEX startup pitching sessions to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
5.How does WAVES 2025 aim to impact India’s global entertainment presence?
WAVES 2025 aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029, positioning India as a global entertainment hub. It highlighted India’s storytelling heritage and technological advancements, with sessions on AI, VFX, and streaming platforms. Industry leaders like Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun emphasized the need for Indian cinema to make a global box office impact, supported by simpler theater access and platforms like WAVES to showcase India’s “one billion untold stories” to the world.
