India is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (Waves) from 5 – 9 February, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in the capital. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, the event aims to establish India as a global hub for world-class content creation and creative partnerships. Modelled after prominent global events like the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Waves will congregate leaders from the media, entertainment, and creative industries across the globe for this landmark occasion.
Modi’s address further fortified participation from makers in Bollywood, regional cinema, TV, animation, gaming, and entertainment technology. Highlighting the importance of the summit, he emphasised its goal of fostering collaborations between global and Indian creative professionals. The event aims to position India as a key player in the creator economy, aligning with the nation’s vision of achieving a $5 trillion economy. It also reflects the vibrant spirit and immense potential of India’s young creators.
The summit will honour the legends of Indian cinema, celebrating the 100th birth anniversaries of Raj Kapoor, recognised for promoting India's soft power through film, and Mohammed Rafi celebrated for his timeless voice and musical legacy. The contributions of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, for elevating Telugu cinema and representing Indian traditions, and Tapan Sinha, known for his socially conscious films fostering unity and awareness, will also be acknowledged.
Waves 2025 will also spotlight India’s advancements in animation and gaming, entertainment technology, and the evolution of both, regional and mainstream cinema.
