Netflix’s Star-Studded Lineup Unpacks Creator-Audience Dynamic at India’s WAVES Summit

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At the initial World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held in Mumbai, substantial panels were filled with influential figures from the entertainment industry coming together to delve into the changing bond between content producers and viewers in this digital streaming period.

Netflix India’s Vice President of Content, Monika Shergill, discussed how deeply personal stories can resonate globally. “Our audience is constantly communicating with us – they seek stories that mirror their lives, their dreams, and occasionally, provide a captivating getaway,” Shergill observed, using the international acclaim of the period drama “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” as evidence of locally-produced content striking a chord on a global scale.

The CEO of SLB Productions, Prerna Singh, shared that “Heeramandi” began as a planned film but transformed into a series. After investing significantly, they incorporated grand cinematic elements, the majestic Shahi Mahal, and a forgotten tale of freedom worthy of historical recognition.

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Sameer Nair, Managing Director of Applause Entertainment and the producer of Netflix’s “Black Warrant” featuring Zahan Kapoor, shared an insightful perspective: “Everyone has a knack for storytelling. However, what every storyteller truly needs is an audience willing to listen to their stories. The larger your audience, the more successful you become as a storyteller.

At the glittering gathering, Shefali Shah (award-winning actress from “Delhi Crime”) shared that her work is propelled by both apprehension and truthfulness: “If it doesn’t resonate with me, I understand it won’t touch anyone watching on the other side of the screen.

Aditi Rao Hydari reminisced about the global acclaim her “Heeramandi” character received, sharing stories of being identified as “Bibbojaan” during her travels in Cannes, Italy, and London. She commented, “The strength of a story skillfully told lies in its ability to journey, resonate, and linger with people.” This is the essence of the actor’s words.

Emerging talent Kapoor spoke about his unique approach to narration: “During the production of ‘Black Warrant,’ we were aware that the story wasn’t the most straightforward or glamorous – it’s set in Tihar Jail during the 1980s, and it’s told from a jailer’s perspective. Yet, from the very first screening, Netflix immediately understood its essence.

In a follow-up session, Tanya Bami, head of Netflix’s series, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, director of original films, and prominent producers such as Guneet Monga Kapoor (acclaimed by the Oscar for Netflix film “The Elephant Whisperers”) and Siddharth Roy Kapur (known for Netflix productions like “Aranyak” and “Yeh Ballet”), discussed redefining narratives tailored to a digital-centric audience.

Bami stated, ‘The secret to compelling narratives lies solely in great storytelling. Success isn’t about following formulas or jumping on trends.’ Kapoor Sheikh chimed in, ‘Every movie has a core emotion – it’s the sentiment that lingers with you once the credits have finished.’

In the digital era where cinema’s past can be easily reached through a simple touch, it’s Michael Lehmann (known for “Dexter: Original Sin”) who emphasizes that what truly counts is seeing authentic human interactions unfold on the screen.

Monga Kapoor strongly advocated for sincerity, especially when it came to documentaries, stating “For me, storytelling is deeply heartfelt – if it stirs my emotions, it can touch the hearts of many. Documentaries are the most genuine embodiment of this truth: real individuals, genuine challenges, no scripts.

Roy Kapur expressed optimism about the global potential of Indian content, while Supriya Yarlagadda, CEO of Annapurna Studios, emphasized the evolution in India’s strong southern industries. She stated, “In the south, we have always aimed for cinema; however, the digital age has presented a new opportunity. The art of long-form storytelling requires a unique skillset, and we are now embracing this change.

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2025-05-04 09:46