The WAVES Summit 2025 hosted at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre has emerged as a Landmark event that was a powerhouse of ideas where the future of cinema, culture and technology synchronised. With some of Bollywood’s biggest personalities – Aitabh Bachchan, Sharukh Khan, Amir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan taking the stage, the event became a platform for exploring how Indian Cinema is breaking boundaries and magnifying its Global Mark. Undoubtedly, the next wave of entertainment is here and it’s ready to change the game.
Here’s what happened at the game changer event.
Nita Ambani – The World is calling on India
Nita Ambani’s keynote speech was a reflection of her vision and passion for promoting India’s rich cultural heritage worldwide. She said, “Let our Amar Chitra Kathas be the next Harry Potters. Let our epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata light up the silver screens of the world.” Highlighting India’s unique ability to co-exist, she expressed that the ancient does not compete with modern, they exist in perfect harmony. Her understanding of the culture and global platform and the determination to break barriers is what moved the audience.
Aamir Khan – Indian-Chinese Film Partnerships?
Well we are never sure of Made in China products but Aamir Khan seems to be certain of Made in India films to be a massive hit in Chinese screens. At WAVES, Aamir Khan has highlighted striking cultural similarities between the Indian and Chinese audiences. He says, “The cultural flavour in China, The emotions of the people in China, they’re very similar to the emotions of Indians.”
He reflects on a personal story while viewing his film Dangal in Chinese screens and was astonished to see the striking similarity between the reaction of Indian and Chinese audiences. Khan in agreement with the panelists, says it’s a Win-Win if we collaborate with China and creates a possibility of an Indo-China culture fest.
Speaking about the future of film-making, actor Aamir Khan said, “AI technology has enabled films to be shot without the actor in the scene! AI and technology are capable of adding the actor later in the scene.”
Are we really in the era of cross-border cinematic ventures as the next big move?
Saif Ali Khan – Streaming the New India
In a fireside chat with Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos, Saif Ali Khan explored the impact of storytelling on India’s rise as a global creative force. Saif highlights that Indian narratives have immense potential to resonate with global audiences and with streaming platforms in the picture, it is liberating for actors in India and worldwide as it gives an opportunity for bringing longer stories to life and giving depth to characters that cinema is restrained to.
This discussion raised a concern towards the coexistence of cinema and streaming to which Ted responded by saying that India is a fan-centric market which makes this coexistence possible. In the fandom of Korean Drama, are the Indian Sagas the next big thing?
Kareena Kapoor Khan – I don’t need Hollywood
Bebo attended the Summit as a part of a special session moderated by Karan Johar. The two powerful talk show personas spoke about the international success of Indian films, music and dance and she urged the audience to watch Indian films with subtitles saying that even if someone doesn’t understand the language, they can enjoy the essence of Indian Cinema. When asked about her Hollywood dreams, Bebo clarifies, “ I don’t need to work in Hollywood to get noticed.”
Recalling her interaction with filmmaker Steven Spielberg, she proudly mentions that he recognised her for her work in ‘3 Idiots’ and applauded her as well as the film. This incident shines light on the fast-paced emergence of India as a superpower in the global entertainment industry.
Final Words
As the curtains fall for this exciting WAVES 2025 Summit, India marks its place at the global table. The Summit did not just reflect on where the industry stands, it mapped out where it’s headed. With creativity, collaboration, and cultural confidence at the forefront, the Indian entertainment industry is set to lead the next era of global storytelling—one rooted in its own voice, but speaking to the world.
Watch India create the next Wave.
Stay tuned to vibewaale for more updates and insights.
