Mumbai Braces for Entertainment Extravaganza as WAVES 2025 Day 1 Promises Star-Studded Lineup

The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) has officially commenced today at the Jio World Convention Centre, and the energy is palpable as the biggest names in the Indian entertainment industry are set to grace the stage on its very first day. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this landmark four-day event aims to foster discussions, collaborations, and innovations within the media and entertainment (M&E) sector, positioning India as a global hub for content creation.

The opening day of WAVES 2025 is nothing short of spectacular, with a schedule packed with insightful panel discussions and appearances by iconic figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit this morning, setting the stage for a series of high-profile interactions.

Day 1 Highlights: A Galaxy of Stars and Engaging Discussions

The day’s proceedings kicked off with a mesmerizing musical invocation by the Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani, accompanied by a 30-member orchestra. This was followed by “Sutradhar Reinvented,” a visually rich tribute to India’s storytelling heritage, narrated by the talented actor Sharad Kelkar.

The afternoon sessions promise a constellation of stars:

• Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul (12:30 PM IST): This opening panel discussion features an unparalleled lineup of veteran actors including Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, the legendary Rajinikanth, the esteemed Mohanlal, and the megastar Chiranjeevi. The session will be moderated by none other than action superstar Akshay Kumar, as these icons delve into the narratives that have shaped the Indian identity and their enduring impact on audiences across generations.
• The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends (2:30 PM IST): This session will explore the filmmakers and actors who have transcended regional boundaries to captivate global audiences. The panel boasts the visionary director SS Rajamouli, the musical genius AR Rahman, the evergreen Anil Kapoor, the versatile Alia Bhatt, and the dynamic Vicky Kaushal. Guiding this conversation will be the renowned filmmaker Karan Johar.
• The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler (4:00 PM IST): In what is anticipated to be a captivating dialogue, Bollywood powerhouses Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone will share their inspiring journeys in the film industry, from their initial struggles to their current reigning status. This insightful session will also be moderated by Karan Johar.
• Talent Beyond Borders (5:00 PM IST): This panel will explore the burgeoning global presence of Indian talent, featuring the stylish star Allu Arjun and Barun Das, with Aditya Raj Kaul and Kabir Naqvi as moderators.

Beyond these highly anticipated sessions, Day 1 also includes discussions on the future of advertising, the impact of AI on storytelling, and the power of international collaborations in the entertainment sector, featuring speakers like Lisa Nandy (UK Culture Secretary) and industry leaders Mark Read and Shekhar Kapur.

The evening will culminate in a spectacular cultural showcase, “Anadi: The Eternal Spirit of Bharat,” featuring 600 performers presenting a breathtaking tribute to India’s diverse folk, tribal, and martial traditions. Earlier in the evening, a classical ensemble featuring musical legends like Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Yella Venkateswara Rao, and Ronu Majumdar, along with performances by Shreya Ghoshal and KING x Alan Walker, will enchant the audience. Veteran actor Anupam Kher will also present a special cinematic performance.

WAVES 2025 is set to be a landmark event, and the star-studded lineup on Day 1 is a testament to its significance in the global entertainment landscape. The summit continues until May 4th, with more discussions, exhibitions, and networking events planned, promising to be a pivotal moment for the Indian M&E industry.