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WAVES 2025 at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre: RIL CMD Mukesh Ambani says India’s entertainment and cultural industry is “the real power” and “not just a soft power”.
Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani.
Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Thursday said India’s media and entertainment industry can grow over three-fold to $100 billion in the next decade, creating millions of jobs and a ripple effect across sectors.
During his keynote address at the World Audiovisual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre, Ambani also said India’s entertainment and cultural industry is “the real power” and “not just a soft power”.
Mukesh Ambani’s Full Speech At WAVES 2025
“Most Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji,
Honourable Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji,
Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji
Honourable Ministers and dignitaries from across the world,
Leaders and creators from the global entertainment community,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Namaste.
It fills my heart with immense joy, pride, and gratitude to welcome all of
you to this truly special occasion — a grand celebration of creativity and
the power of ideas that move the world.
Respected Prime Minister Modi
We are truly blessed and deeply honoured by your presence today.
We know your extraordinary responsibilities — particularly after the recent
barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam.
Therefore, your coming here sends a strong message.
A message of hope, unity, and unshakable resolve.
All of us gathered here offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of
the victims.
Modi ji, you have the full support of 145 crore Indians in this fight against the enemies of peace, justice and humanity.
Their defeat is certain.
India’s victory is also certain.
Esteemed Friends,
I’d like to share four thoughts today.
First.
Prime Minister Modi ji gave his green signal for this summit just a few
months ago.
His mandate to Team India was simple:
WAVES to be a global hub of innovation, culture, and collaboration
and thereby amplifying India’s voice on the world stage.”
His vision is now a reality.
We have representatives from 90 countries.
And 10,000 delegates here today.
This is the josh of Naya Bharat ─ the spirit of New India.
Bold in its dreams.
Fast in its execution.
And determined to surpass global standards.
Let’s give a big hand to the leadership of Shri Ashwini Vaishnav ji and
his fabulous team who have put this summit together.
Second.
India’s entertainment and cultural industry is not just soft power — it is
real power.
In an increasingly turbulent and uncertain world, our stories give the hope
of a better future with their power to unite, inspire, and enrich
In our civilizational heritage of over 5,000 years, we have vast treasure
troves of timeless tales — from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to
folklore and classics in dozens of languages.
They touch people’s hearts around the world because they celebrate
universal human values ─ brotherhood, compassion, courage, love,
beauty, and care for nature.
No nation can match India’s storytelling power.
Therefore, with great confidence and creativity, let us take our stories
globally to heal a divided world.
Third.
Our ancient nation is currently experiencing unprecedented rejuvenation
with the power of modern technologies.
Under Modi ji’s visionary leadership, India has become a front-ranking
digital nation.
The fusion of storytelling and digital technologies is again unique to
India.
It has multiplied the impact and reach of entertainment and cultural e
experiences beyond imagination.
The tools of AI and immersive technologies can make our stories more
captivating than ever before — and take them instantly to audiences
across languages, countries, and cultures.
By mastering these tools, I am confident that India’s super-talented young
creators will rule the global entertainment industry with blockbusters.
Fourth.
This is not just a cultural or creative opportunity — it is a strategic and
economic opportunity as well.
India’s media and entertainment industry is today valued at $28 billion.
It can grow to over $100 billion in the next decade.
This growth will drive entrepreneurship, generate millions of jobs, and
create a ripple effect across sectors.
Prime Minister Modi ji,
Your inspiration is our strength.
Today we solemnly assure you that we will make WAVES the world’s
foremost entertainment platform — one with an Indian soul and a global
voice.
By forging deep partnerships with the best minds and studios from every
corner of the world, we will grow this summit year after year.
WAVES will become the gathering place of dreamers, makers, and
changemakers.
This is just the beginning.
The best is yet to come.
Let the stories flow. Let the waves rise.
Thank you. Jai Hind.”
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