The World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held from May 1 to 4 at the Jio World Centre in BKC, Mumbai. The prestigious event will kick off with an inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opening day, hosted by the Maharashtra Government under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Prime Minister Modi will be joined by a distinguished group of leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who will all participate in the summit’s high-profile sessions.
At a pre-event press conference, Industry Minister Uday Samant highlighted Mumbai’s reputation as a global creative capital, home to both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He proudly noted that Maharashtra has maintained its position as the leading destination for foreign investment for three consecutive years, further solidifying its dominance in India’s industrial and cultural sectors.
WAVES is set to be more than just an entertainment summit. Minister Samant emphasized that the event is also an opportunity to showcase Maharashtra’s tourism and cultural heritage, aiming to establish the state as a prominent global destination. “We are now competing with countries on the international stage,” he remarked.
The summit will attract an impressive global delegation, including ministers and officials from 33 countries, as well as CEOs from over 120 international companies. The event will feature participation from top figures in Bollywood, Tollywood, and Marathi cinema, among others.
Over the course of the four-day summit, pavilions representing India, Maharashtra, Telangana, and various other organizations will be set up. The agenda will include sector-specific discussions, roundtable conferences, and cultural showcases.
A major highlight of the event will be a spectacular musical performance by AR Rahman, scheduled for May 3 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, promising an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance.
WAVES signifies a crucial milestone in reinforcing Maharashtra’s position as a global hub for culture and entertainment.