PM Modi Releases Commemorative Postage Stamps Of Indian Cinema Legends At Waves

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on Thursday.

During the event, PM Modi released commemorative postage stamps honouring five iconic figures of Indian cinema: Guru Dutt, P Bhanumathi, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, and Salil Chowdhury.

PM Modi Celebrating Cinema’s Global Impact

In his keynote address, PM Modi highlighted the global influence of Indian cinema, referencing milestones such as Raj Kapoor’s legacy in Russia, Satyajit Ray’s acclaim at Cannes, and the Oscar-winning success of RRR.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Indian cinema has successfully carried the spirit of India to the farthest corners of the world.

Moreover, the release of these stamps coincides with the centenary birth anniversaries of several of these cinema legends in 2024, underscoring their enduring contributions to the Indian film industry.

WAVES 2025: A Platform For Creative Excellence

WAVES 2025 serves as India’s first-of-its-kind global summit dedicated to the audio-visual and entertainment sectors.

The four-day event, themed ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’, aims to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.

It brings together over 10,000 delegates, including 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups from more than 90 countries.

Global Media Dialogue And WAVES Bazaar

A significant feature of the summit is the Global Media Dialogue (GMD), hosted by India for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries.

Additionally, the WAVES Bazaar serves as a global e-marketplace, connecting over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects, facilitating global trade and collaboration in creative content.

PM Modi’s Vision For India’s Creative Economy

PM Modi expressed enthusiasm for the creative developments showcased at the Bharat Pavilion during the WAVES Summit.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the WAVES Bazaar initiative, noting its potential to encourage new creators and connect them with emerging markets.

The Prime Minister emphasised that such initiatives strengthen the creative economy and provide fresh opportunities for artists.

The summit aligns with PM Modi’s vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, aiming to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029 and expand India’s footprint in the global entertainment economy.

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