WAM! Contest Ignites Creativity in Mumbai
Mumbai witnessed a vibrant celebration of creativity as the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in partnership with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), hosted the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) on March 23, 2025. The event, held at Whistling Woods International, attracted around 300 participants competing in Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories. Highlights included a thrilling Voice Acting showdown and an exciting Cosplay contest, showcasing the immense talent within the community.
Winners Shine in Various Categories
The WAM! contest featured multiple categories, each celebrating unique artistic expressions. In the Voice Acting Competition, Chinchakar Ganesh Sanyog emerged as the winner, with Aditi Joshi and Payal Vishal securing the runner-up positions. The Cosplay Contest saw Kaizad Sheshbaradaran take home the top prize for his portrayal of Okarun, while Yash Mokal and Esha Joshi followed as first and second runners-up, respectively, with their impressive costumes as Monkey D. Luffy and Robin.
In the Manga category, the student winner was Jay Kumar Nagori, while Hriday Biswas claimed the title for professionals. The Webtoon category recognized Eesha Chavan as the professional winner. In the Anime category, Chinmay Narote won for students, and Reubun Saldhana was awarded for professionals. Each winner received prizes such as pen tablets, art supplies, and cash rewards, with Anime category winners also gaining the opportunity to have their pilot episodes dubbed in English, Hindi, and Japanese.
Exclusive Previews and Industry Insights
Attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at “TRIO,” Indiaโs first anime currently in development, adding an exciting dimension to the event. The gathering also featured prominent figures from the industry, including Sushil Bhasin, President of MEAI, and Abhishek Dutta from Star India Pvt Ltd. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in promoting the growth of the Media & Entertainment sector in India.
Other notable attendees included Sumeet Pathak, COO of Gulmohar Media, Ankur Javeri, a voice artist and founder of the Association of Voice Artists, and Dakshata Pawar, a renowned Cosplay artist. Their participation highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event and the commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the industry.
Looking Ahead: WAVES Summit 2025
The WAM! contest is part of a broader initiative leading up to the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled for May 1-4, 2025, in Mumbai. This landmark event aims to position India as a global creative powerhouse, fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors, including broadcasting, animation, and digital media. WAVES will serve as a platform for industry professionals, investors, and creators to connect and share ideas, ultimately enhancing India’s influence in the global Media & Entertainment landscape. As the countdown to WAVES begins, the excitement surrounding India’s creative potential continues to grow.
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