Waves 2025: Strategic alliance of content creators from 75 nations could unlock $6 bn economic potential

India's entertainment industry could unlock $6 billion in new value by 2030 through global collaborations, according to a report unveiled at the WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai. read more
India's entertainment sector could unlock an additional $6 billion in value by 2030 if it builds a global coalition of content creators from 75 countries, according to a landmark report launched at the inaugural WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai.
Titled The Future of the Indian Entertainment Business in Partnership with the World, the report—released by DishTV and C21Media in collaboration with Allied Global Marketing—calls for India to recalibrate its entertainment model for the global stage. It emphasises the need for deeper international partnerships, creator-led ecosystems, and greater adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual production.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The report highlights that while India has over 551 million OTT users, the industry generates just $2.1 billion in revenue—significantly below its market potential. In contrast, countries like South Korea and Spain have successfully globalised their content industries through authentic storytelling and sustained international strategies.
'India has the talent and scale to become a global content hub,' said Jamie Crick of Allied Global Marketing, delivering the summit's opening address. 'With the right international alliances and a shift from sporadic hits to systemic exports, India could realistically reach $15 billion in entertainment value by 2030.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate WAVES 2025 later today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit is a first-of-its-kind four-day event held under the theme 'Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries'. It aims to position India as a global powerhouse in audio-visual entertainment and creative innovation.
The summit is bringing together leading voices from the film, tech, and media sectors. The star-studded guest list includes Indian cinema legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Rajinikanth, and AR Rahman, alongside international tech leaders such as Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, and Instagram Head Adam Mosseri.
Organised by FICCI in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Create in India Challenge, WAVES 2025 is envisioned as a premier platform for collaboration, innovation, and global content exchange.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Economic Times

29 minutes ago

• Economic Times

Desi Boyz take over Oxford as Bollywood beats light up historic halls in viral dance video

Oxford University witnessed an unexpected cultural crossover as alumnus Druv Punjabi and his crew filmed a lively Bollywood dance video to Desi Boyz across its iconic campus. From Lady Margaret Hall to stone pathways, the reel blends Indian energy with British legacy, going viral on Instagram and winning hearts for its joyful celebration of desi identity in elite spaces. (Screenshots: Instagram/ druvphk) It's not every day that the ancient, ivy-covered walls of Oxford University groove to a Bollywood beat. But on June 21, 2025, that's exactly what happened — virtually, at least — when alumnus Druv Punjabi and his crew unleashed a vibrant, high-energy dance video shot across some of Oxford's most iconic spots. The song of choice? None other than the foot-tapping anthem Desi Boyz. Posted on Instagram via @druvphk, the video features a group of young men in modern outfits executing flawless Bollywood choreography in locations like Lady Margaret Hall, gardens, stone corridors, and open courtyards — the kind of places more accustomed to academic robes than dance rehearsals. In a perfect clash of cultures, the video showcases what happens when the traditions of one of the world's oldest universities meet the charisma and colour of Indian cinema. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Druv Punjabi (@druvphk) The video caption itself set the tone: 'Check out this incredible Bollywood dance video filmed at Lady Margaret Hall and other iconic Oxford spots – created by alumnus Druv Punjabi and crew 🕺'. Since its posting, it has racked up over 30,000 views and hundreds of heartwarming reactions celebrating the cultural fusion. Netizens have been quick to cheer on the crew. One user wrote, 'God bless you Desi Boys — lovely to see Indian culture coming through at the University of Oxford ❤️'. Another gushed, 'Oxford gets a taste of Bollywood 🔥', while a third joked, 'Aah Bollywood making it to Oxford halls, seriously vocal for local working guys 😂'. The enthusiasm only amplified with comments like 'The halls of Oxford University echoing with Bollywood mashups 🙌❤️'. What makes the video special isn't just the choreography or the catchy track — it's the powerful symbolism behind the spectacle. Oxford, often seen as a bastion of Western academia, becomes a stage for South Asian pride and joyful cultural expression. In an era where cultural expression is often boxed into binaries of tradition and modernity, this video bursts through the frame with a colourful 'why not both?' The seamless blend of Oxford's regal surroundings with Bollywood's unmistakable energy creates a spectacle that's as moving as it is the 30,000 views and countless shares are impressive, what Druv Punjabi and his crew have pulled off is much more than a trending reel. It's a message: that identity is something to be danced with, celebrated, and fearlessly shared — even against the stone pillars of a 900-year-old institution.

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Vizag city gears up to celebrate Rath Yatra

Visakhapatnam: Symbolising the confluence of Indian culture, Vizag city is preparing to celebrate the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in the style of Puri Rath Yatra on June 27 (Friday) at several locations throughout the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The authorities of the 185-year-old Lord Sri Jagannath Swamy Temple at the old-Town area in Vizag city, along with Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj and a few other organisations—UCA at Ukkunagaram, the township of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Visakhapatnam, will mark Rath Yatra in a grand fashion. The Lord Jagannath Swamy Temple in Vizag, which has stood for 185 years, will celebrate observe the festival of carrying the deities in a unique chariot. Apart from dignitaries, and prominent citizens, more than 12,000 devotees are expected to participate in the Rath Yatra celebration which would begin at Town Kotharoad and conclude at Turner's Choultry. Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj, a leading socio-cultural organisation of Odias in Vizag city, will start the celebrations on June 27 with the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath and his deity siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra will be taken in a colourful procession to Sri Gundicha temple at Lawsons Bay Colony, with further celebrations planned for later. The deities will have sojourn at Sri Gundicha temple for nine days and then, return to the main temple in a procession called Bahuda Yatra on July 4. On the day of Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Jagannath Swami temples throughout the city. Amid the sounds of conchs, and religious chants, the deities will be carried in their chariots to their aunt's house. Vizag city police will give special attention during the car festival to prevent any possibilty of stampede situation. The cops will impose certain traffic restrictions on June 27.

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

'She is an…': Samantha Ruth Prabhu's school report card goes viral, and everyone's talking about this one line

Before she became one of the most loved faces in Indian cinema, Samantha Ruth Prabhu was just a regular schoolgirl, and now, the internet has proof! A throwback of her Class 10 mark sheet recently resurfaced online, and fans couldn't stop smiling. The now-viral document showed that Samantha was not only talented on screen but also academically sharp. She scored impressively across all subjects, revealing a side of her many hadn't seen before. But what truly tugged at people's hearts was a comment from one of her teachers, calling her 'an asset to the school.' That one line set social media buzzing. Fans call her the 'complete package' As soon as the mark sheet made its rounds, fans jumped in to share their admiration. 'Brains and beauty,' many said. The glowing report card and heartfelt remark painted a picture of a sincere, hardworking student who already carried the spark of greatness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo Samantha's sweet reaction makes it better Adding to the charm, Samantha herself joined in on the nostalgia. She reposted the viral image on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, 'Ha ha, this popped up again. Awww.' Simple, sweet, and full of humility, just like her fans know her to be. The post received a flood of reactions, with people sharing their own school memories in the replies. A quiet phase, but rumours are buzzing Samantha has been keeping a relatively low profile in recent times, especially after her breakup. However, media reports have linked her to director Raj Nidimoru, known for their past collaborations. Raj is reportedly going through a separation, though neither has confirmed anything yet. Live Events For now, it's the old school report that has everyone talking, a gentle reminder that even stars once sat in classrooms, aced exams, and were dearly loved by their teachers. Inputs from TOI