Mumbai is buzzing with energy and excitement as the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) opens its doors today at the Jio World Convention Centre. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this four-day global summit is designed to spotlight India’s creative might and establish the country as a premier destination for media, entertainment, and content creation.
Day 1 of the summit promises a dynamic blend of tradition, innovation, and stardom. Some of the biggest icons in Indian cinema—Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, and more—are scheduled to take the stage for high-powered panels and performances, setting an ambitious tone for the days to come.
The summit began at 10:00 AM with a grand cultural performance led by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani, who conducted a live 30-member orchestra. This was followed by a visually rich narrative segment titled “Sutradhar Reinvented,” which explored India’s storytelling heritage through the ages. Actor Sharad Kelkar served as the narrator, guiding audiences through a curated sensory journey showcasing India’s evolution in cinema and media.
At 10:30 AM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the summit. In his address, he emphasized the role of India’s creative economy in shaping the nation’s global identity and its potential to become a hub for innovation in storytelling, digital media, gaming, and animation.
One of the most anticipated sessions of the day, this panel featured some of the towering figures of Indian cinema: Rajinikanth, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi. The discussion focused on the cultural impact of Indian cinema over the decades, exploring how stories from different regions and languages have come together to shape the national narrative.
Moderated by Akshay Kumar, the panel explored not just nostalgic journeys through Indian film history, but also delved into how these legends view the future of storytelling in the era of OTT and AI.
This high-profile session brought together the powerhouses of contemporary Indian cinema: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Allu Arjun, with acclaimed filmmaker and producer Karan Johar as moderator. The conversation centered around how Indian cinema is now transcending linguistic and geographical boundaries, reaching global audiences through streaming platforms and international collaborations.
The panelists shared personal experiences of working with international artists, balancing mainstream success with artistic exploration, and embracing India’s cultural richness while appealing to a global audience. Shah Rukh Khan, in particular, spoke about the responsibility of representing India’s creative potential on the world stage, while Deepika Padukone highlighted the role of women in shaping new cinematic narratives.
Day 1 of WAVES 2025 has set a high standard for the rest of the summit, which will continue to explore the intersections of technology, storytelling, and global collaboration in media. Over the next three days, attendees can expect sessions on animation, gaming, virtual production, intellectual property in entertainment, and India’s growing role in co-productions and international film festivals.
With participation from major global studios, tech innovators, streaming platforms, and cultural ambassadors, WAVES 2025 is more than just an industry summit—it’s a celebration of India’s creative voice and its journey toward becoming a global content leader.
