Narendra Modi, Shah Rukh Khan, Mukesh Ambani, Rajinikanth Kick Off India’s Inaugural WAVES Summit

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At the debut of WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) in Mumbai, held on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business magnate Mukesh Ambani, and stars Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth were some of the notable figures who initiated the conference.

The gathering represents India’s aim to be at the heart of worldwide storytelling and screen technology advancement. It attracted attendees from 90 different nations and more than 10,000 participants in Mumbai, showcasing Ambani, chair of Reliance Industries (operators of the country’s largest streaming platform, JioHotstar), description of a modern India that aspires to excel beyond global benchmarks.

Despite the recent security concerns stemming from the brutal terrorist attack mentioned by Ambani in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Modi’s attendance emphasized the government’s dedication to making India’s artistic industries a key strategic focus for the nation.

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Despite the recent turmoil following Ambani’s reference to the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Modi’s presence highlighted the government’s determination to elevate India’s creative industries as a major strategic goal.

Here at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, Modi stated that we are building the base for a worldwide network of talent and creativity. He explained that this isn’t just an abbreviation, but a real surge.

Devendra Fadnavis, the current governor of Maharashtra (a state where Mumbai, known as Bollywood’s base, is the capital), underlined the economic significance of the entertainment industry: “I want to make it clear that today, the entertainment economy serves as a new driving force for Maharashtra and India. Information spreads quicker than any commodity in this digital era, and culture is the most valuable export of any nation when it comes to content.

The administration declared bold initiatives for infrastructure development, which encompass a modernized 500-acre Film Studio complex and a fresh 120-acre Media and Entertainment Park emphasizing animation, special effects, and gaming. Fadnavis assured “concrete progress within the coming months.

As a movie buff with a passion for storytelling, I’m thrilled at Mukesh Ambani’s prediction for India’s media and entertainment sector. Currently valued around $28 billion, he believes this industry could surge to an astounding $100 billion within the next ten years! This growth spurt will not only ignite entrepreneurship but also generate countless job opportunities, creating a wave of economic impact that ripples across all sectors.

Shah Rukh Khan, a renowned actor, opened the event by stating it as a “worldwide stage for artists, inventors, change-makers, and visionaries where art and technology intersect.” He explained that WAVES is a dynamic initiative inspired by our esteemed Prime Minister’s leadership, which aims to place India at the cutting edge of the global audio-visual and entertainment market.

As a follower of “RRR” director S.S. Rajamouli, I echo his sentiments. He expresses that storytelling is deeply rooted within us, and while India boasts a culture of rich, vibrant storytelling that rivals few other countries, we are not yet at par with nations like the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and many more on the global stage. I share his confidence in our creative power, but recognize we need a platform to elevate us. WAVES, he hopes, could be that very platform.

In simpler terms, Rajinikanth, a renowned figure in South Indian cinema, voiced trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying he is resilient and capable of overcoming any obstacle. He also pledged his unwavering support and assistance to the project.

At a crucial juncture, the summit is taking place, as burgeoning technologies are transforming the world of entertainment on a global scale. Ambani emphasized this convergence: “The blending of storytelling and digital technologies in India is remarkable. It has intensified the influence and broadened the distribution of entertainment and cultural experiences beyond what was once thought possible. The capabilities of AI and immersive technologies can make our narratives more engaging than ever before.

The following individuals were part of the inauguration: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information and Broadcasting for India; actors Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ranbir Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Bhumi Pednekar, Nagarjuna, and Kartik Aaryan; Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen; and a CEO roundtable moderated by Prime Minister Modi, which had several influential business leaders participating, including Hiroki Totoki, president and CEO of Sony Group Corporation.

The occasion kicked off with a captivating musical act spearheaded by the esteemed composer M.M. Keeravani, renowned for his Academy Award win in “RRR.

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2025-05-01 18:17