India’s media and entertainment industry is all set to hit it big time, with revenues expected to soar to over USD 100 billion in the next ten years. Who said it, you ask? Well, none other than the billionaire himself, Mukesh Ambani, at the government-promoted WAVES event in Mumbai.
Ambani, the big boss of Reliance Industries, which has a big chunk of the media and entertainment sector under its belt, painted a picture of India becoming the ultimate entertainment destination globally. And with India being one of the most crowded countries and on the path to becoming the third largest economy in the world, the entertainment sector is poised to take the lead, according to Ambani.
The man behind Network18, a major media conglomerate in India, as well as various digital platforms, entertainment channels, and streaming services, emphasized the power of storytelling combined with digital technologies. He believes that this fusion presents a massive opportunity both strategically and economically.
With the current value of India’s media and entertainment industry standing at USD 28 billion, Ambani predicts a whopping increase to USD 100 billion in the near future. This growth, he says, will not only spur entrepreneurship but also create millions of jobs across different sectors.
But what’s the secret weapon in India’s arsenal? It’s the top-notch digital infrastructure based on 5G, which Ambani claims will soon be upgraded to 6G. Jio’s collaboration with Disney for the Hotstar platform is just the beginning of a new era in digital storytelling, he added.
Ambani stressed the importance of investing in content clusters, training young talents in animation and visual effects, and establishing a regulatory environment that fosters creativity and inclusivity. He also highlighted the need for partnerships with innovative minds from around the globe.
In Ambani’s opinion, India’s entertainment and cultural industry go beyond just soft power – it’s real power. With a rich heritage of stories spanning thousands of years, India has a treasure trove of tales that resonate with universal human values. These stories, from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to folklore in various languages, have the potential to connect with people worldwide.
The fusion of storytelling and digital technologies unique to India has the capability to amplify the impact of entertainment experiences like never before. With tools like AI and immersive technologies, India’s young creators are poised to dominate the global entertainment scene with their blockbuster creations.
In a world filled with uncertainties, Ambani believes that stories have the power to inspire, unite, and offer hope for a better future. He also acknowledged the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.
The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the WAVES event, according to Ambani, sends a strong message of hope and unity in the face of adversity. He assured the PM of the support of 1.45 billion Indians in the fight against forces that threaten peace and humanity.
The WAVES 2025 conference, attended by representatives from 90 countries and 10,000 delegates, embodies the spirit of a new India – bold, fast, and determined to surpass global standards.
In conclusion, Ambani’s vision for India’s entertainment industry is ambitious and promising. With the right mix of storytelling, technology, and creativity, India is on the path to becoming a global entertainment powerhouse. So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting ride into the world of Indian entertainment!
