India’s cultural and creative spirit took centre stage at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Hosted by the Government of India, the summit brought together thought leaders and global icons to celebrate the power of storytelling, technology, resilience, and innovation. The opening day of the summit featured the News9 Global Summit – WAVES Edition, curated by TV9 Network, which captivated audiences with compelling narratives and star-studded dialogues.

According to an official press release issued by TV9 Network, the News9 Global Summit on May 1 set the tone for the rest of the event with a 90-minute experience filled with bold conversations, rich insights, and powerful stories. From cutting-edge discussions on artificial intelligence to emotional accounts of personal triumph, the showcase was lauded by global industry players as a beacon of high-impact content and authentic storytelling.

Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, captured the summit’s vision aptly when he said, “At WAVES, we’re not merely telling stories, we’re shaping the future. This summit stands as a celebration of human courage, creative disruption, and the unwavering belief that voices from every corner of the world deserve to be heard, celebrated, and elevated.”

Among the event’s key highlights was an engaging session titled ‘Talent Beyond Borders’ with celebrated Indian actor Allu Arjun in conversation with Barun Das. Arjun spoke candidly about the growing global appeal of Indian cinema, explaining how emotional truth and original storytelling are helping Indian films connect with audiences across geographies. He emphasised the importance of innovation in filmmaking and shared how personal challenges had shaped his artistic journey and passion for excellence.

In a deeply moving panel titled ‘Against All Odds: Scripting a New Narrative’, Barun Das engaged with international model Bianca Balti, Israeli actress Rona-Lee Shimon of Fauda fame, and German football legend Ariane Hingst. The discussion highlighted their personal journeys through adversity and how resilience and self-belief led them to redefine their professional paths. Their powerful stories struck an emotional chord with audiences and stood as a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit.
Another standout moment came during ‘AI and Human Creativity’, a conversation between Barun Das and visionary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Kapur delved into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and the creative arts, warning against letting technology eclipse the human essence in storytelling. He called for a mindful embrace of AI while ensuring that emotion, spontaneity, and cultural nuance remain central to artistic expression. Adding a touch of humour, he recalled how his cook once handed him an AI-generated script for Mr. India 2, underlining just how ubiquitous and disruptive AI has become.

The News9 Global Summit – WAVES Edition successfully positioned itself as more than just a media event — it was a celebration of voices, ideas, and transformations from around the world. By bringing together luminaries from cinema, sports, fashion, and tech, the summit marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey as a content and creativity hub on the global stage.

As the inaugural edition wraps up, the News9 Global Summit – WAVES Edition sets the bar for future gatherings, inspiring reflection, discussion, and collaboration across industries. Viewers can catch all the highlights from the TV9 showcase on News9, News9 Plus, and all TV9 Network platforms — a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the bold ideas redefining global storytelling.