Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a call to India’s entertainment and creative industries to come together and showcase the nation’s creative prowess on the global stage. In the 117th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ the Prime Minister announced that India will host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5-9, 2025, marking a milestone moment for the country’s burgeoning media and entertainment sector.
WAVES Summit
Drawing comparisons with global economic forums like Davos, Prime Minister Modi described WAVES as a golden opportunity for India to highlight its creative talent and cement its position as a global hub for content creation. “Giants from the global media and entertainment industry, alongside creative minds from across the world, will converge in India. This summit is a crucial step towards making India a global hub of content creation,” he said.
The Prime Minister underscored the pivotal role of young creators in this vision, crediting their vibrant contributions as a driving force in India’s journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy. He invited stakeholders from Bollywood, regional cinema, television, animation, gaming, and entertainment technology to actively participate in the summit.
He said, “Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology, I encourage you to be a part of the WAVE Summit”, Prime Minister said while urging all stakeholders in the entertainment and creative industries to actively participate in the WAVES.
The summit will spotlight advancements in animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and regional and mainstream cinema, fostering collaborations and setting the stage for India’s creative economy to shine globally.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Prime Minister commemorated the 100th birth anniversaries of Indian cinema stalwarts Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Tapan Sinha, acknowledging their timeless contributions to the golden era of Indian cinema.
He celebrated Raj Kapoor’s role in elevating India’s cultural diplomacy through his iconic films, Mohammed Rafi’s soulful voice that transcended generations, ANR’s efforts in redefining Telugu cinema while reflecting Indian traditions, and Tapan Sinha’s socially conscious filmmaking that inspired unity and awareness.
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) earlier this year paid homage to these cinematic icons through tributes, screenings, and interactive sessions, offering a deeper appreciation of their extraordinary legacy.
