India's Media and Entertainment Sector Expected to Exceed USD 100 Billion by Next Decade, Says Mukesh Ambani

India's media and entertainment sector is poised for significant growth, potentially reaching over USD 100 billion in the next decade, according to billionaire Mukesh Ambani. At the WAVES conference, Ambani highlighted India's potential to become the world's entertainment hub. As India moves towards becoming the third-largest global economy, its media sector could also become the largest worldwide.

Representative image

Media and Entertainment Growth

Currently valued at USD 28 billion, India's media industry is expected to expand significantly. This growth will foster entrepreneurship, create millions of jobs, and have a ripple effect across various sectors. Ambani emphasised the strategic and economic opportunities arising from the fusion of storytelling and digital technologies.

Ambani's company, which controls Network18 and other digital platforms, is at the forefront of this transformation. He noted that India's world-class digital infrastructure, built on 5G technology and soon to be upgraded to 6G, is a key driver of this growth. The partnership between Jio and Disney for Hotstar marks a new era in digital storytelling.

Strategic Opportunities in Storytelling

India's rich cultural heritage offers a wealth of stories that resonate globally. From ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to folklore in various languages, these stories celebrate universal values such as brotherhood and compassion. Ambani believes India's storytelling power is unmatched and can heal a divided world.

The fusion of storytelling with digital technologies has expanded the reach of Indian entertainment beyond imagination. AI and immersive technologies can make stories more captivating and accessible across languages and cultures. By mastering these tools, India's young creators are poised to dominate the global entertainment industry.

India's Digital Transformation

Ambani stated that India has become a leading digital nation, with storytelling and technology uniquely intertwined. This combination has amplified the impact of cultural experiences. In an uncertain world, Indian stories offer hope for a better future by uniting and inspiring people globally.

At the WAVES 2025 conference, representatives from 90 countries and 10,000 delegates gathered to discuss these opportunities. Ambani expressed confidence in India's ability to surpass global standards with bold dreams and swift execution.

Referring to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Ambani acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the conference as a message of hope and unity. He offered condolences to the victims' families and assured Modi of support from 145 crore Indians in fighting against threats to peace and justice.

India's entertainment industry is not just soft power but real power. Investing in content clusters, training talent in animation and visual effects, and fostering collaborations with global artists are crucial steps forward. With creativity and confidence, India can take its stories worldwide, enriching audiences everywhere.