Bollywood Royalty Unites as India Hosts First Global Entertainment Summit in Mumbai

Mumbai has taken center stage on the global map as Bollywood superstars and leading entertainment industry figures from around the world convene for India’s first-ever global entertainment summit, the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025). Kicking off at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre on May 1, the four-day event is set to host an unprecedented gathering of about 100,000 participants from 100 countries, signaling a new era for Indian media and entertainment.

The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting an ambitious tone for the days ahead. The opening featured an impressive roster of Bollywood’s elite, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and rising talents like Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Their presence, alongside celebrated filmmakers and composers such as SS Rajamouli and A.R. Rahman, underscored the summit's significance as the largest event of its kind in Asia.

Key sessions include panel discussions on India’s cinematic legacy and the future of global entertainment, with top industry names moderating and participating. Notable is the participation of global media leaders, with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani delivering keynote addresses that focus on India’s potential as a powerhouse in content creation, technology, and cultural exports.

The summit aims to chart a path toward unlocking a $50 billion market for India’s media and entertainment industry by 2029, positioning the country as a global leader in shaping entertainment trends. The event also features the Global Media Dialogue with ministerial representatives from 25 countries, further cementing Mumbai’s role as a new hub for international creative collaboration.

WAVES 2025 is not just a celebration of Indian entertainment excellence; it is a declaration of intent for India to lead in global creativity, technology, and storytelling in the years to come.