PM Modi Launches WAVES 2025: India's First Global Entertainment Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first-ever global entertainment summit, WAVES 2025 (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit), at the Jio World Convention in Mumbai on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

During his inaugural address, PM Modi emphasized that this event represents the rise of the orange economy in India, highlighting "content, creativity, and culture" as the three pillars of this economic sector. He expressed confidence that Indian songs would soon gain global popularity comparable to Indian cuisine.

The four-day summit, running from May 1 to May 4, features over 70 sessions and 32 masterclasses bringing together professionals from broadcasting, film, animation, gaming, music, and digital industries. The event has attracted a star-studded lineup including industry titans and celebrities such as Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Allu Arjun, and SS Rajamouli.

In his speech, the Prime Minister noted the growing international audience for Indian films, stating that "Foreign audiences are not just watching Indian films but are trying to understand them." He also announced that WAVES awards will be launched in the future, which are intended to become highly respected and acclaimed in the entertainment industry.

Despite occurring just nine days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the government decided to proceed with the summit. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth addressed this decision during the event, expressing his confidence in PM Modi's leadership despite suggestions that the entertainment-focused event might be postponed.

WAVES 2025 represents a significant step in positioning India as a global hub for entertainment and creative industries, with the summit serving as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth in the audio-visual sector.