India's media and entertainment industry has the potential to expand from $28bn to $100bn, unlocking massive job creation and elevating India’s cultural influence on the global stage, said Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and MD of Reliance Industries, at the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai.
Ambani highlighted India’s unique position at the intersection of storytelling and digital innovation. “India's entertainment and cultural industry is not just soft power—it’s real power,” he said, emphasising the global potential of stories rooted in Indian epics like the Ramayan and Mahabharat.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating WAVES, saying, “PM Modi gave his green signal for this summit months ago with a clear mandate—WAVES must become a global hub for creators and amplify India’s voice to the world.”
Ambani added that with tools like AI, Indian creators are poised to rule the global content landscape.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is hosting WAVES 2025 from May 1 to May 4 in Mumbai, bringing together entertainment leaders, investors, and policymakers. The summit focuses on content innovation, digital broadcasting, gaming and the global positioning of Indian talent.
The event was inaugurated by PM Modi and attended by several ministers including Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and delegations from 30 countries. It also features celebrated Indian figures including Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, S.S. Rajamouli, A.R. Rahman, and Karan Johar.
“WAVES is a grand celebration of creativity and the power of ideas that move the world,” Ambani added.
