Bollywood’s brightest stars gathered for the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This star-studded event marks a significant milestone in India’s entertainment industry, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah Rukh Khan, the undisputed "King of Bollywood," was among the first to make a grand entrance, greeting organizers and staff members with his signature charm. He was soon joined by a host of other celebrities, including megastar Chiranjeevi, whose presence added an extra layer of excitement to the event. The red carpet also saw Bollywood’s beloved couple, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, making a fashionable appearance together. Aamir Khan, dressed in a traditional black outfit, turned heads as he made his entrance, soon followed by other notable personalities such as the legendary Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone.
WAVES 2025 is not merely a showcase of Bollywood glitz and glamour. This pioneering initiative, organized by the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, aims to connect creators from around the world and leverage India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy for global harmony. The summit’s tagline, "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries," encapsulates its goal of fostering international collaboration and propelling the global creator economy forward.
The event is set to bring together over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, over 300 companies, and more than 350 startups in attendance. It promises a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment world, featuring 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses covering diverse topics across broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media.
For the first time, India will host the Global Media Dialogue (GMD), with ministers from 25 countries gathering to discuss the future of global media. Additionally, WAVES 2025 will feature the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace designed to connect buyers and sellers worldwide, boasting over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects.
During his keynote speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of leveraging India’s cultural assets for global outreach. He stated, "This summit is a testament to India’s growing influence in the global entertainment landscape. We are committed to fostering creativity and innovation that resonates not just within our borders but across the globe."
Rajinikanth, speaking at the event, expressed his confidence in the summit’s success despite recent challenges. He noted, "Many assumed that an event like this might get canceled due to criticism. But I was sure it would go on. Because I trust our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji." He praised Modi’s ability to face challenges "bravely" and "gracefully," adding, "PM Modi will bring peace to Kashmir and glory to our country. I’m extremely happy to be here, and it is my privilege to be part of WAVES’ moment. My heartiest congratulations to the central government."
The summit comes in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, an event that has sparked widespread anger across India. In response, the country suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Despite the somber backdrop, the atmosphere at WAVES 2025 remained hopeful and forward-looking, with many in attendance eager to explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The first day of the summit featured a panel discussion titled "Legends & Legacies: The Stories that Shaped India’s Soul," which brought together icons like Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, moderated by Akshay Kumar. This session highlighted the contributions of these legends to Indian cinema and their lasting impact on culture.
As the days progress, attendees can look forward to an array of engaging discussions and masterclasses aimed at enhancing their understanding of the evolving entertainment landscape. The summit is poised to be a melting pot of ideas, fostering connections that could lead to innovative projects and collaborations.
Shah Rukh Khan is set to feature in Siddharth Anand's upcoming film, "King," alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Suhana Khan, scheduled for a global release in 2026. Aamir Khan will next be seen in "Sitaare Zameen Par," while Alia Bhatt’s upcoming film, "Alpha," directed by Shiv Rawail, is slated for release on December 25, 2025. Additionally, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt will star together in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Love And War," alongside Vicky Kaushal.
WAVES 2025 is set to redefine the landscape of entertainment in India and beyond, bringing together a diverse array of voices and talents to celebrate creativity and innovation. As the summit unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting impact on the global entertainment industry.
