Adani Urges India To Own Its Narrative At Whistling Woods International, Mumbai

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani called on India to actively reclaim its global narrative during a keynote address at Whistling Woods International, Mumbai.

Speaking to cinema students and industry professionals, Adani emphasised, “If we do not narrate who we are, others will rewrite who we were,” pointing out that films such as Gandhi and Slumdog Millionaire have often portrayed India through foreign lenses.

He warned that silence is not humility but surrender, highlighting the need for India to present its stories with authenticity rather than allow external voices to define its identity.

Adani described cinema as the soul of nation-building, a medium that transcends borders, shapes public perception, and projects national pride.

He cited Hollywood blockbusters such as Top Gun, Independence Day, Apollo 13, and Black Hawk Down as examples of films that combine storytelling with national image projection. According to him, while soldiers may conquer land, storytellers conquer minds.

Learning from Market Challenges

Reflecting on the 2023 Hindenburg report, which temporarily wiped over USD 100 billion off the Adani Group’s market value, he explained how false narratives can cause significant damage.

“In a matter of days, over USD 100 billion of our market value was erased, not because fundamentals changed, but because a totally false story was weaponised,” he said.

Adani urged people to actively communicate the truth in today’s world, where stories move markets, influence geopolitics, and shape public perception.

Looking forward, Adani highlighted the transformative potential of AI in filmmaking.

He predicted instant global releases, hyper-personalised films, AI-human creative studios, dynamic storytelling in real-time, and interactive content linked to e-commerce.

He called on young creators to leverage AI tools to tell India’s stories with purpose, blending tradition with modern technology and creative innovation.

Concluding his address, Adani inspired students to reclaim India’s cultural voice, stating, “May your generation give Bharat her voice, her song, and her stories back.”

He encouraged responsible storytelling to preserve India’s identity, inspire the world, and ensure that future narratives reflect authentic Indian perspectives rather than foreign interpretations.

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