Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre hosted the highly anticipated WAVES Summit 2025, a one-of-a-kind event that brought together the biggest names in Indian cinema, music, and entertainment. Here are some of the key highlights from the summit that set the stage on fire!
SRK and Deepika Padukone’s electrifying chemistry: ‘From outsider to ruler’
On Day 1, Bollywood’s power duo Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone took to the stage for a candid conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar. The panel, titled ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler’, was packed with emotional stories of their rise to stardom. SRK shared how perseverance, passion, and timing helped him navigate through the challenges of the film industry, while Deepika spoke about how she built her career on hard work and resilience. Their energy and chemistry had the audience hooked from start to finish!
A Musical feast: MM Keeravani, Shreya Ghoshal, and K S Chittra andmore!
No summit would be complete without a dose of music, and WAVES 2025 certainly delivered. The audience was treated to stellar performances from legendary composer MM Keeravani, as well as iconic singers like Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, and KS Chithra. Their performances took everyone on a soulful journey through the rich heritage of Indian music. Later in the evening, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ronu Majumdar, and Brij Narayan graced the stage, further elevating the musical experience.
Allu Arjun: The global Star who wants to take Indian cinema to new heights
Next up was Allu Arjun, the pan-Indian superstar who stole the show with his presence. During the ‘Talent Beyond Borders’ panel, Allu Arjun opened up about his journey, the success of Pushpa 2, and his mission to take Indian cinema to a global audience. When asked about how life has changed post-Pushpa’s massive success, he humbly expressed his gratitude and emphasized that he is still on a long journey to improve and evolve as an actor. The crowd erupted when he pulled off his signature Pushpa move, leaving everyone in awe.
Ekta Kapoor: Queen of content and cultural impact
TV mogul Ekta Kapoor didn’t just show up – she owned her narrative. Speaking on India’s soft power in global entertainment, Ekta spotlighted how Indian serials, OTT platforms, and cinema have reshaped pop culture far beyond our borders. She’s not just producing shows – she’s producing legacy.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan talks creator culture
When YouTube’s top boss hits the stage, you listen. Neal Mohan celebrated India’s rising creator economy, sharing how the country is not just a content consumer, but now a global content leader. “YouTubers in India are becoming global brands,” he said, giving a shout-out to regional creators making waves internationally.
Badshah, Aparshakti & Desree Jenkins: A new beat is rising
Music took centre stage with a diverse lineup of voices. Rapper Badshah, actor-host Aparshakti Khurrana, and UK-based artist Desree Jenkins served serious Gen Z energy in a panel on music evolution. Desree teased new projects, Badshah reflected on genre fluidity, and Aparshakti reminded everyone why vibe and versatility matter.
Film legacy panel: Celebrating Manoj Kumar with Hema Malini and Madhur Bhandarkar
A special session dedicated to the legendary actor Manoj Kumar brought together his co-star Hema Malini and renowned director Madhur Bhandarkar. They shared anecdotes from their careers, discussed the impact of Manoj Kumar’s work on the industry, and reminisced about the iconic films he left behind. This emotional tribute to the actor who defined an era of cinema was one of the most heartfelt moments of the summit.
Sweet cultural gesture: Shraddha Kapoor and Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri
One of the lighter moments of the summit came when SharaddhaKapoor shared a plate of Puran Poli, a traditional Maharashtrian sweet, with Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri. This gesture symbolized the blend of modern tech and traditional culture, emphasizing the summit’s aim to bridge cultural divides and celebrate India’s diverse heritage.
Other Key Moments:
WAVES 2025 has proven to be more than just an event; it has solidified India’s position as a powerhouse in the global entertainment arena. With influential figures from cinema, music, and technology joining forces, the summit has laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will help take Indian talent, storytelling, and creativity to the world stage.
Stay tuned for more updates from the WAVES 2025 summit as the entertainment world continues to make waves in India!
