The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was lauded as a transformative platform for the entertainment industry by cinematic icons Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Karan Johar during its opening day at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for conceptualizing WAVES, emphasizing its potential to strengthen the industry through government synergy and support. Highlighting India’s appeal as a global film-shooting destination, he advocated for international collaborations to elevate the country’s entertainment sector. “India could be the next destination for international filmmakers to ‘Shoot in India,’” Khan said, underscoring the need for agreements with global film bodies.

Khan also called for making cinema more accessible in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by reviving affordable single-screen theaters, enabling films to reach wider audiences. In a dynamic session titled “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler,” moderated by Karan Johar, Khan reflected on his industry journey, dismissing the ‘outsider-insider’ divide. He urged aspiring filmmakers to treat the industry as a profession where hard work and perseverance are paramount, advising newcomers to prioritize skills over image management in the social media era.

Deepika Padukone echoed Khan’s sentiments, describing WAVES as a timely initiative that unites diverse media platforms. “WAVES brings together films, OTT, animation, AI, and immersive technologies, which have so far operated in silos,” she said, highlighting its potential to foster convergence across the entertainment sector. Padukone also encouraged newcomers to focus on their unique strengths to stand out in the industry.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, in his concluding remarks, celebrated India’s growing soft power, predicting that WAVES would propel the nation’s cultural influence to new heights in the coming years.