From Sreeleela to A.R. Rahman: Bollywood celebs praise PM Narendra Modi’s speech at WAVES 2025

Bollywood celebs praise PM Modi speech at WAVES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally opened the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at Mumbai's Jio World Centre on May 1.

By bringing together creators, storytellers, students, and important industry stakeholders from both domestically and internationally, the four-day event seeks to fully realise the enormous potential of India's media and entertainment sector.

With many celebrities from the entertainment and film industries in attendance, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar, and Karan Johar, among many others, the summit got underway with a lot of fanfare.

WAVES is being praised as a historic initiative, with sessions addressing the development of film, the impact of narrative, and the function of digital innovation.

Several well-known figures praised Prime Minister Modi’s keynote address, which focused on India’s soft power and the global influence of its cultural narratives.

Rising star Sreeleela, speaking on the Prime Minister’s remarks, said, “I think it was absolutely wonderful, I loved how they said invest in trade.” She also expressed her appreciation for the event itself, stating, “I think it’s absolutely brilliant and it is very good.”

VIDEO | WAVE SUMMIT 2025: Actress Sreeleela says, I absolutely loved PM Modis speech The WAVE Summit 2025 was absolutely brilliant.#WAVESSUMMIT2025 #WAVES2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/xs9YO5HEY4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2025

Renowned music composer and singer A.R. Rahman also applauded the PM’s inclusive message. “He articulated on all the stuff that young generations want, older generations want. I think it is very helpful and we're all very proud of this initiative,” he remarked.

VIDEO | Here's what music composer AR Rahman said on PM Modi's speech at WAVES Summit, Mumbai:"I think he articulated on all the stuff that the young generation wants, the older generation wants. And, I think it's very helpful, and we're all very proud of this initiative." pic.twitter.com/Nyx8sMlBt6 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2025

Director and producer Atlee, whose recent project Baby John has generated considerable buzz, also shared his enthusiasm. “It's a lot of inspiration and it motivates us and such a wonderful platform WAVES is going to create for the entire new generation of media students, filmmakers, storytellers. This will be an outstanding move and I think we are gonna rock this time,” he said.

Regarding the Prime Minister’s speech, Atlee added, “It was so inspiring and it motivates us and really made today to think something big.”

VIDEO | Here's what film director Atlee (@Atlee_dir) said on PM Modi's speech at WAVES Summit, Mumbai:"It gives us lots of inspiration and it motivates us. WAVES is such a wonderful platform. It is going to create new generation of media students, filmmakers and storytellers pic.twitter.com/2zqLsONSZ0
Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2025

Television personality and poet Shailesh Lodha, known for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, echoed similar sentiments. “The start of first edition of WAVE Summit has been great. Our PM rightly said that world is ready to welcome India's stories, culture and art,” he commented.

VIDEO | Here's what actor Shailesh Lodha said on WAVES Summit, Mumbai:"The start of first edition of WAVE Summit has been great. Our PM rightly said that world is ready to welcome India's stories, culture and art."(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/omVCdLQLu8 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2025

Also Read: From Orange Economy to 1 billion untold stories: Top quotes from PM Modi's address at WAVES 2025

With such widespread support and enthusiasm, WAVES 2025 promises to become a defining platform for the Indian entertainment industry’s future.