NEW DELHI, Dec 30: India will host the prestigious World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time in 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. This event promises to be a significant milestone in showcasing India’s growing creative talents to the global audience.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the summit presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate India’s cultural and creative prowess. He emphasized the key role of young creators in preparing for WAVES, reflecting the country’s dynamic and ever-evolving creative community. He expressed his pride in the enthusiasm of the youth, whose contributions are driving India’s booming creator economy—a critical component of the nation’s economic aspirations as it moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy.
In his address, the Prime Minister also paid a special tribute to several iconic figures of Indian cinema who will celebrate their 100th birth anniversaries in 2024. Among those honored were legendary actor Raj Kapoor, who played a significant role in presenting India’s soft power to the world through his films; the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, whose captivating voice continues to resonate across generations; and actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, whose contributions to Telugu cinema reflected Indian traditions and elevated the industry.
PM Modi noted that these cultural icons not only shaped the golden era of Indian cinema but also played a crucial part in strengthening India’s cultural heritage. Their enduring legacies serve as an inspiration for future generations, continuing to enrich the fabric of India’s cinematic and artistic heritage.
