In a significant move to bolster India’s position in the global entertainment landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently convened a virtual meeting with prominent figures from the entertainment and technology sectors. The discussion centered on the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), an initiative designed to showcase India’s creative prowess and establish the nation as a global hub for content creation.
A Gathering of Industry Titans
The meeting featured an impressive lineup of participants, including:
- Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries
- Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
- Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra
- Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix
- Ekta Kapoor, renowned television and film producer
These leaders, among others, form the Advisory Board for the WAVES Summit, bringing together a wealth of experience and insight to guide the event’s objectives.
Prime Minister’s Vision
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to express his enthusiasm, stating, “Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity, and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their support but also shared valuable inputs on how to further enhance our efforts to make India a global entertainment hub.”
He emphasized the expanding influence of India’s entertainment sector, noting its significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth and cultural prominence on the world stage. The Prime Minister’s initiative has garnered strong support from leading Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, who believe that WAVES has the potential to position India at the forefront of global content creation.
The Inception of WAVES
The WAVES Summit was first introduced by Prime Minister Modi in December 2024 during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program. He urged young creators in the entertainment sector to participate in the event, highlighting its importance in reflecting India’s growing global presence in the creative industry.
“In the years ahead, as India works towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy, the creator economy is bringing new energy and momentum. I encourage all of India’s entertainment professionals—whether young or established, from Bollywood or regional cinema, TV industry professionals, or those in animation, gaming, or entertainment technology—to join the WAVES Summit,” said Prime Minister Modi.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
WAVES is more than just a summit; it represents a concerted effort to foster innovation and collaboration within the entertainment industry. A major highlight of the event is the inaugural International Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC), launched on September 8, 2024. This competition provides a global platform for creators specializing in animation, VFX, AR-VR, and virtual production, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in the creative sector.
Looking Ahead
The WAVES Summit is poised to be a landmark event, bringing together top media CEOs, entertainment icons, and creative minds from around the globe. Scheduled to take place from May 1 to 4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the summit aims to unify entertainment, creativity, and culture like never before. By spotlighting advancements in animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and both regional and mainstream cinema, WAVES seeks to foster partnerships and pave the way for India’s creative economy to gain international prominence.
As India lays the foundation for becoming the creative powerhouse of the world, the WAVES Summit stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.