A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, led by Secretary Shri Chanchal Kumar, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis on July 17, 2026 to discuss preparations for the second edition of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled for 2027 in Mumbai.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the inaugural WAVES 2025 held at Jio World Convention Centre from May 1 to 4, 2025 was a resounding success. He noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called for taking WAVES to greater heights as a global platform showcasing films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling while fostering international collaboration among artists and creators. Fadnavis emphasized the need for close coordination between the Central Government and Government of Maharashtra to make WAVES 2027 an even bigger success.
Secretary Kumar briefed the Chief Minister on preparations and key initiatives for WAVES 2027. The meeting was attended by senior I&B Ministry officials including CEO of Prasar Bharati Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, Additional Secretary Shri Prabhat, Director General (West Zone) Ms Smita Vats Sharma, and several Joint Secretaries and managing directors. Maharashtra government representatives included Chief Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to CM Shri Shrikar Pardeshi, BMC Commissioner Ms. Ashwini Bhide, and other senior officials.
Prior to the meeting with the Chief Minister, Secretary Kumar chaired a review meeting with ministry officials to assess WAVES 2027 preparations, followed by a site visit to Jio World Convention Centre at Bandra Kurla Complex, which hosted the 2025 edition and is proposed to host the 2027 event.