India is gearing up for a momentous showcase of its creative and cultural prowess at the inaugural edition of WAVES — the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit — taking place from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Organised under the aegis of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, this global event aims to reposition India as a storytelling superpower and an innovation hub in the ever-evolving Media & Entertainment (M&E) landscape.

According to a press release issued by TV9 Network, India’s leading news broadcaster, the channel has been granted a coveted 90-minute primetime slot on the summit’s opening day to present a specially curated showcase titled News9 Global Summit, WAVES Edition. The showcase is designed to capture the essence of India’s growing cultural footprint and its powerful blend of tradition and technology in content creation. Anchored by TV9’s Managing Director and CEO Barun Das, who also hosts the acclaimed show Duologue With Barun Das, this segment will highlight India’s soft power through rich conversations, celebrity insights, and impactful themes.

At the centre of this 90-minute segment is a vibrant celebration of creativity and resilience. Audiences can look forward to a gripping panel discussion featuring iconic filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as he delves into the complexities of storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence. Complementing this is a heartening conversation around perseverance and reinvention with international names such as Italian supermodel and cancer survivor Bianca Balti, Israeli actress Rona-Lee Shimon, and German football legend Ariane Hingst. Indian cinema’s very own Allu Arjun will also take the stage for a candid discussion about breaking language barriers and India’s growing reach on the global screen.

Speaking about the platform, Barun Das expressed the sentiment behind TV9’s participation: “Our presence at WAVES is not just symbolic—it’s a statement. We believe India’s cultural strength is unmatched, and through this showcase, we want to reflect the soul of our storytelling on the world stage.” He added that this partnership with the Government of India highlights a shared commitment to push India’s creative leadership to the forefront.

Set against the backdrop of the Government’s broader ‘Create in India’ initiative, WAVES promises to be a turning point in positioning the country as the ultimate destination for global collaborations, content innovation, and cinematic excellence. The summit will see participation from creators, investors, and cultural leaders across the world, all converging to explore the future of entertainment.

With its thoughtfully crafted showcase, TV9 Network aims to not only entertain but also lead critical global conversations in the M&E space. As India’s voice grows stronger in the cultural sphere, events like WAVES and platforms like TV9’s News9 Global Summit are shaping the narrative that the next chapter in global entertainment will be written — and created — in India.