Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: India is on the brink of becoming a global powerhouse in media and entertainment, according to Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, who delivered the keynote address at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, inaugurated today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
Ambani cited India’s massive population, youthful demographics, and rapid technological adoption as key drivers of the sector’s exponential growth.
“1.4 billion creators and consumers at the average age of 29—this is not just a statistic; it’s a profile of a demographic, economic and creative superpower,” said Ambani.
“India is not following the technological revolution in media and entertainment; India is actually leading it.”
India’s M&E Market Set to Cross $100 Billion
Ambani projected that India’s media and entertainment (M&E) industry, currently valued at $28 billion, could quintuple to over $100 billion within a decade. He identified this transformation as a golden opportunity for employment, entrepreneurship, and IP creation.
Jio’s Role in the Digital Revolution
Highlighting the role of Jio in democratising digital access, Ambani said the proliferation of 1.2 billion mobile phones had effectively created 1.2 billion entertainment screens. He lauded JioCinema for breaking viewership records and transforming interactive, multi-language sports streaming.
Ambani also spoke about the Jio–Disney partnership, stating the creation of Jio Hotstar aimed to surpass global entertainment benchmarks.
“Jio Hotstar is committed to making India a proud leader in the global entertainment industry,” he said.
Four Action Points for the Industry
Ambani presented a roadmap for the sector’s advancement:
- Embrace the $100B Opportunity: Seize the moment to scale up content production and consumption.
- Build Content Clusters: Invest in regional hubs with cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Train Youth in AVGC & AI: Develop skilled talent in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and XR technologies.
- Foster Innovation-Friendly Regulation: Create a regulatory ecosystem that incentivises IP and digital creativity.
Celebrating Indian Creativity on the Global Stage
Ambani referenced cinematic legends like Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray, as well as modern successes like Aamir Khan’s “Dangal”, to showcase India’s global storytelling potential. He urged the industry to nurture regional voices to go global.
WAVES 2025 Highlights
- Over 10,000 delegates from 90+ countries
- 1,000 creators, 350+ startups, 300+ companies
- Hosting Global Media Dialogue with 25 ministerial delegations
- WAVES Bazaar: E-marketplace with 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects