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“India has the oldest and most profound culture of storytelling. We learnt everything from storytelling – from the code of conduct to our belief system”: Imtiaz Ali at India Global Forum’s NXT25
MUMBAI, India, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Storytelling, cinema, and digital content took the spotlight at ‘Making WAVES – the Culture Forum’ hosted during the India Global Forum’s NXT25: Leading the Leap Summit at the Jio World Convention Centre on April 8. The forum brought together some of India’s most iconic voices across entertainment and media to explore the evolving narrative of India emerging as a global powerhouse for content and digital innovation.
In a Fireside Chat titled, ‘Making WAVES – India as a Global Content Hub’, renowned Director and Writer Imtiaz Ali, said: “As a storyteller, I do not have to worry about what everybody likes. The way to find out the code is by finding what I would like. Since I have been in the film industry, I have been told that formula (movie success) is not working. Thank God for that, because if the formula worked, none of us would be here making movies. We (India) have the oldest and most profound culture of storytelling. We learnt everything from storytelling. Everything has been learnt from stories, from the code of conduct to our belief system.”
Continuing the conversation, Monika Shergill, Vice President – Content, Netflix India, highlighted: “The beautiful confluence of creativity and technology has allowed the creators not to be limited to where they are. The biggest enabler of this trend is a resurgence of hyperlocal. Indian audiences are among the most experiential, diverse, curious, and fantastic audiences. As streamers, storytellers, and creators, we must take advantage of this opportunity.”
This was followed by a conversation with Ekta Kapoor, Joint MD, Balaji Telefilms LTD, on the Intersection of Art, Success & Global Influence. She said, “There are different metrics of success for everyone. At Balaji and I, as content providers, believe success comes in three or four ways: getting the economics right, creating impact, and earning recognition.” On a lighter note, when asked about the upcoming remake of her hit TV show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kapoor teased the return of actor and politician Smriti Irani, saying: “We are bringing politics into entertainment or a politician.”
Later, in a Fireside Chat on ‘Inspiring Journeys’, noted actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, opened up about the challenges she faced and said: “This industry has no set rules or frameworks; if it has worked for someone, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. Nothing is permanent, not the highs or lows. We cannot get too attached to fame or failure; work is not our identity.”
Talking about her inspiration, Fatima, said: “I enjoy Kangana’s work. She is an incredible actor. She was one of the first ones to come from the outside and do different movies, like Queen & Tanu Weds Manu.”
Co-hosted with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Culture Forum also served as a precursor to the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Speaking on the occasion, Achal Malhotra, CEO, WAVES, National Film Development Corporation Ltd., said: “Most of us have started hearing about WAVES very recently but this was envisioned by our Hon’ Prime Minister way back in 2019. We have done a lot of look and see of the other great shows happening around the world. Therefore, we realised that with technology the way we produce content and the way we are seeing content consumption and also content delivery is changing at a pace we really don’t know what’s going to be the next tool that’s going to come.”
Bringing together CEOs, policymakers, global investors, and industry disruptors, NXT25 explores the biggest trends shaping India’s future on the world stage, spotlighting India’s ambitions for the next 25 years and its emergence as a global powerhouse in investment, technology, sustainability, and innovation.
For session highlights and speaker insights, click here
The summit is supported by the UK Government, Government of Maharashtra, and the Commerce Ministry of India. Bloomberg TV is the official international media partner.
About India Global Forum
India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity. To know more, click here.
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