WAVES 2025 Launches in Mumbai, Highlighting India’s Creative Economy
WAVES 2025: A Landmark Summit for the Audiovisual and Entertainment Industry in Mumbai
The highly anticipated WAVES 2025 (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) commenced today at the impressive Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai. This marks a significant moment as India hosts this prestigious global summit for the very first time. Mumbai, often regarded as the heart of Bollywood, provides a fitting venue given that India holds the title of the world’s leading film producer, with its bustling population of 22 million serving as a vibrant backdrop for this prestigious event.
An Unforgettable Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with performances from renowned Bollywood actors, showcasing vibrant music and dance that captivated the audience. The summit features an extensive agenda, including 42 plenary sessions, 39 themed panels, and 32 masterclasses, spanning crucial topics like AVGC-XR technologies, infotainment, digital media, and the film industry. With over 10,000 attendees, including 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups, the summit stands out as a confluence of talent and innovation. Notable guests included Maharashtra Governor Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.
During the ceremony, India’s Minister of Railways, Communications, and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the dynamic media landscape in India, featuring approximately 800 radio stations, more than 1,000 TV channels, and around 20,000 online news platforms, all fueled by around 40 million content creators. He announced the establishment of the country’s first Creative Technology Institute in Mumbai, backed by a budget of ₹400 billion (around $4.8 billion) and global tech giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple. This institute aims to nurture future creative professionals through training in animation, video games, visual effects, and extended reality.
Vision for the Future
Mukesh Ambani, chair of Reliance Industries, highlighted the summit as a strategic opportunity for India’s media market, which is projected to grow from $28 billion to $100 billion in the next decade. He emphasized the role of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies in redefining storytelling, stating that India’s cultural industry is both an economic powerhouse and a form of soft power.
However, the festivities were tempered by a somber remembrance of the victims of the April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 lives were lost. The tragedy resonated in Mumbai, a city still haunted by the 2008 attacks.
Prime Minister Modi’s Inspiring Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address emphasizing the role of India’s creative economy, or "orange economy," in national development. He framed India not merely as a consumer of stories but as a pivotal global storyteller. Addressing an audience of filmmakers and business leaders from over 100 countries, he proclaimed, "India is just beginning to rise."
Modi underscored India’s economic advancements, noting its leadership in global fintech and mobile manufacturing. He introduced the WAVES Awards, potentially poised to become one of the most prestigious honors in the creative industry. His inspiring words motivated creators worldwide to "dream big and share your stories," urging investors to prioritize people over platforms.
Modi paid tribute to India’s rich cinematic heritage, recalling the release of its first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913, alongside legendary filmmakers’ contributions.
In one of the speech’s most poignant moments, he emphasized the emotional roots of creativity, likening a child’s first musical experience to artists’ roles in shaping dreams for generations. He reinforced the need for "creative responsibility," urging protection for young minds from inhumane ideologies, and concluded with a call to "Create in India, Create for the World."
International Representation
Given its global significance, Hungary is represented at WAVES 2025 by Alpár Kató, owner of Daily News Hungary, who is involved in professional discussions with key stakeholders in Indian media and tourism.
As WAVES 2025 progresses, it promises to create a lasting impact on the future of the audiovisual and entertainment industry, setting the stage for collaboration and innovation on a global scale.
