India is set to take centre stage at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a global forum supported by the Government of India to showcase the nation’s creative leadership in Media & Entertainment (M&E). Through powerful panels and exclusive segments, WAVES will highlight India’s storytelling strength, soft power, and investment appeal positioning the country as a global hub for content creation, innovation, and collaboration in the evolving entertainment landscape.
India’s ascent as a global creative powerhouse will find a spectacular spotlight at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), set to unfold from May 1 – 4, 2025. A bold initiative co-powered by the Government of India, WAVES aims to position India not just as a participant but as a pivotal force shaping the future of global Media & Entertainment (M&E).
In a significant affirmation of its leadership, TV9 Network, India’s largest news broadcaster and fastest-growing digital network, has secured a prestigious prime-time showcase (90 minutes) during the summit on the inaugural day (May 1). Through a curated line-up of compelling content, exclusive interviews, and power-packed discussions, TV9 will amplify India’s creative strength, soft power, and irresistible investment appeal to a global audience. Christened News9 Global Summit, WAVES Edition, the showcase will power the India M&E story for a global audience.
The star attraction at News9 WAVES edition is Allu Arjun, India’s reigning super star, a power panel of global women M&E achievers drawn from various parts of the world and a must watch chat with evergreen Shekhar Kapur on story telling in the age of AI.
Barun Das, Managing Director and CEO of TV9 Network, said, “TV9 Network’s presence at WAVES is more than a moment it’s a movement. It embodies our unwavering belief in India’s cultural leadership and our commitment to creating content that resonates across the globe. Through our showcase, we aim to reaffirm India’s place as the world’s creative nerve centre rising to lead the world stage.”
The 90-minute TV9 window will be hosted by Barun Das, host of popular and award winning ‘Duologue With Barun Das’. The overarching theme for the window is “Transcending Boundaries.”
Unmissable News9 Global Summit, WAVES Edition, showcase features the following compelling thematic acts.
• Act 1: ‘Storytelling in the Age of AI’: A provocative exploration led by acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, examining the creative tension between human emotion and artificial intelligence in storytelling.
• Act 2: ‘Against All Odds: Scripting a New Narrative’: A celebration of courage and reinvention featuring global icons like Bianca Balti (Italian supermodel and cancer survivor), Rona-Lee Shimon (renowned Israeli actress), and Ariane Hingst (FIFA-winning German footballer).
• Act 3: ‘Talent Beyond Borders’: A dynamic conversation with Indian superstar Allu Arjun on the global surge of Indian cinema and his role in transcending linguistic and geographical boundaries.
Aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Create in India’ vision, WAVES will catalyse India’s emergence as a one-stop global hub for storytelling, production, and cultural exports. The summit marks a new era where India’s narrative prowess and innovation capabilities set the tone for the entertainment world.
Through its strategic curation and visionary participation, TV9 Network not only celebrates India’s storytelling brilliance but also solidifies its role as a premium thought leader and catalyst for global discourse in Media & Entertainment.
As India steps boldly into the global spotlight at WAVES, one message resonates loud and clear, the future of entertainment is being scripted in India.
