At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held at the Jio World Center, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside renowned actors Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth, showcased the immense power and potential of the Indian film industry. Modi officially opened the four-day event, themed ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,’ by unveiling commemorative postage stamps that pay tribute to five legends of Indian cinema: filmmaker Guru Dutt, actress P. Bhanumathi, director Raj Khosla, filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, and music composer Salil Chowdhury. He underscored India’s expanding cultural influence, referencing the legacy of Raj Kapoor in Russia and the Oscar victory of ‘RRR.’ Modi also reflected on the historical significance of Indian cinema, recalling the release of the first feature film, ‘Raja Harishchandra,’ and its role in promoting India’s cultural heritage on a global scale.
