MUMBAI: The World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is set to take place from May 1 to 4 at the Jio World Centre in BKC, Mumbai. The landmark event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opening day and is being hosted by the Maharashtra Government under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Joining the Prime Minister at the high-profile summit will be several top leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

At a pre-event press conference, Industry Minister Uday Samant emphasized Mumbai’s global status as a creative capital, being the heart of both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He proudly stated that Maharashtra has topped the charts for foreign investment for three consecutive years and continues to dominate India’s industrial and cultural landscape.

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WAVES is designed to be more than just an entertainment summit. Samant noted that it aims to showcase Maharashtra’s tourism and cultural heritage to the world, positioning the state as a global destination. “We are now competing with countries on an international level,” he added.

The summit will bring together an impressive global delegation with ministers and officials from 33 countries and CEOs from over 120 international companies. The event will also see participation from renowned names across Bollywood, Tollywood, and the Marathi film industry.

Over the course of four days, pavilions representing India, Maharashtra, Telangana, and various other organizations will be featured. Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda including sectoral discussions, roundtable conferences, and cultural showcases.

One of the major highlights of the summit will be a grand musical performance by AR Rahman, scheduled for May 3 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, promising to be a memorable evening of musical excellence.

WAVES marks a significant step in reinforcing Maharashtra’s role as a global cultural and entertainment powerhouse.