(L-R) Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Hema Malini, Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone at the Waves Summit 2025
| Photo Credit: X/ @mohanlal, @masalauae
A constellation of Indian film celebrities attended the inaugural ceremony of the WAVES summit 2025 in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai on Thursday (May 1). Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the four-day event is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
Also Read: Waves Summit 2025 LIVE updates
Top stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Ranbir Kapoor, Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker SS Rajamouli and others were in attendance for the opening address.
Mohanlal introduced an audio-visual presentation on WAVES while Rajinikanth became the first celebrity on the platform to speak about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘fighter’, asserting his confidence in the leader.
“Many said, (the) government will postpone this event as it is about entertainment,” Rajinikanth said. “But I was sure that this event will happen.” “My hearty congratulations to the government and to the media industry. Extending my support always. Thank you for the opportunity,” Rajinikanth added.
Speaking on stage at the WAVES summit, Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan said, “The global audiovisual and entertainment economy sees our stories not only as art, but as assets of global and national value. Inspired by the grand vision of PM Narendra Modi, WAVES is more than a summit. It is a global platform and a catalyst for creators, innovators, disruptors and dreamers.”
SS Rajamouli, speaking of the significance of WAVES, said, “India has been a land of storytellers for millions of years. We have so many art forms to tell our stories. Our stories are infinite. Story telling is in our DNA. Yet, on the international stage, we aren’t at par with US, with Japan, with Korea. I sincerely hope that WAVES becomes that platform. We will combine our efforts together. Thank you. Jai Hind.
Ranbir Kapoor said, “From films and music and cutting edge technologies, this is where it all converges. I am thankful to the PM for being given the opportunity to be on the board.”
Kartik Aryan said, “This is the first time I am speaking in front of you, Sir PM Modi. My heart is pounding. Let me call the superstar of the country, Thalaiva Rajnikanth.”
Oscar winner composer MM Keeravani also performed the stirring inaugural song, accompanied by a 30-member orchestra.
Anil Kapoor, an advisory member on WAVES board, said, “A story which began thousands of years ago. This experience will take us through emotions. It is by Sharad Kelkar, and showcases diversity, unity and respect for culture. This is ‘Sankalp’, our resolve.” He was speaking about an opening-day performance by actor-narrator Sharad Kelkar.
Nagarjuna said, “During the 55th IFFI, we commemorated four stalwarts including Raj Kapoor ji and my father. Today, the government will release a commemorative stamp for Salil Chowdhury, Raj Khosla, P Bhanumati, Guru Dutt. The legacy of incredible cinema is being honoured.”
Actors Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and many others are also attending the WAVES summit
(With inputs from Vinaya Deshpande).
Published – May 01, 2025 12:58 pm IST
