WAVES 2025 kicks off in Mumbai with star-studded panel on Indian cinema’s soul
AMN / WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that WAVES highlighted India’s creative strengths on a global platform. He said today India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts. Mr Modi said this after inaugurating the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, today. He noted that the global animation market has vast potential, which currently stands at over 430 billion dollars and is projected to double in the next decade. The prime minister highlighted that this presents a significant opportunity for India’s animation and graphics industry. Mr Modi urged stakeholders to leverage this expansion for greater international reach.
The Prime Minister said WAVES is not merely an acronym but a wave representing culture, creativity, and universal connectivity. Emphasising the immense potential of India’s creative economy, he stated that in the coming years, its contribution to the country’s GDP is set to increase significantly. The Prime Minister said WAVES is attracting global attention as artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers from over 100 countries have gathered under one roof. He lauded the WAVES Bazar initiative, saying that it will encourage innovators and creators.
The Prime Minister underscored the deep cultural roots of India, stating that every street has a story, every mountain carries a song, and every river hums a tune. Underscoring the importance of creative responsibility in a technology-driven 21st century, Mr Modi emphasised that as technology increasingly influences human lives, extra efforts are needed to preserve emotional sensitivity and cultural richness.
The prime minister extended an invitation to the global creative community, assuring them that engaging with India’s stories will reveal narratives deeply resonant with their own cultures. He emphasised that India’s rich storytelling tradition carries themes and emotions that transcend borders, creating a natural and meaningful connection.
Prime Minister Modi said that Indian films are now reaching every corner of the world, and today Indian films are released in more than 100 countries. He said the OTT sector in the country has witnessed tremendous growth. Mr Modi added that this is the right time to create in India and create for the world. The Prime Minister appealed to the investors to invest in the people and not just in platforms. He asked the youth of the country to tell India’s billions of stories to the world.
WAVES 2025 kicks off in Mumbai with star-studded panel on Indian cinema’s soul
Manish Poswal
The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) opened with grandeur at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, launching with a captivating panel discussion titled “Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul.” Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the event brought together cinematic icons Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, moderated by superstar Akshay Kumar, to explore the essence of storytelling, creativity, and India’s cultural legacy.
Hema Malini, the iconic “Dream Girl,” lauded the initiative, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for making WAVES a reality. “It’s a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. I’m glad to be part of it,” she said, highlighting the platform’s significance for creators and innovators.
Mohanlal, the celebrated Malayalam actor, reflected on the evolving landscape of cinema, dismissing the divide between art and commercial films. “I don’t differentiate between art and commercial cinema – it’s storytelling that moves people,” he remarked, emphasizing the universal power of narratives that resonate with audiences.
Veteran actor Chiranjeevi shared an emotional account of his lifelong passion for acting, which began in childhood. “Acting has been my first love. I was always driven to hit the bull’s eye, constantly asking myself what unique element I could bring to become a better actor,” he said. Committed to authenticity, he added, “I’ve always wanted audiences to see me as the boy next door, keeping my performances natural and genuine.” Chiranjeevi also paid homage to cinematic legends like Mithun Chakraborty, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, whose influence shaped his illustrious career.
The session offered a rare and poignant glimpse into the personal journeys and shared legacies of these luminaries, captivating the audience with their insights and anecdotes. WAVES 2025, with its focus on celebrating and advancing India’s audio-visual and entertainment industry, has set the stage for a dynamic summit, promising more thought-provoking discussions and creative exchanges in the days ahead. DD
