Modi, SRK, Rajinikanth Spotlight Indian Film At WAVES 2025

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India-West News Desk

MUMBAI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth, illuminated the power and potential of the Indian film industry at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which has opened at the Jio World Center, here.

Modi inaugurated the four-day summit, themed “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” by releasing commemorative postage stamps honoring five Indian cinema legends: filmmaker Guru Dutt, actress P. Bhanumathi, director Raj Khosla, filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, and music composer Salil Chowdhury. Modi emphasized India’s growing cultural influence, citing examples from Raj Kapoor’s legacy in Russia to the ‘RRR’ Oscar win. He highlighted the rich history of Indian cinema, recalling the release of India’s first feature film,’ Raja Harishchandra,’ and its impact on taking India’s cultural essence worldwide.

Shah Rukh Khan, during a session titled “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler,” addressed the “insider-outsider” debate, stating that what matters is how one holds their ground, regardless of background. He also shared a light-hearted moment with Deepika Padukone, revealing his shy side and how he “hides behind” her at parties. Khan praised Padukone’s role as a mother, predicting she would excel in it.   

Rajinikanth, in his address, praised Modi’s leadership and efforts to bring peace to Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He expressed confidence in Modi’s ability to face challenges and bring glory to the country.   

WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind international summit for the audio-visual and entertainment sectors, aims to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation. The summit features participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. It includes 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning various sectors, including films, OTT, gaming, AI, and broadcasting.  (with inputs from ANI)