Jeena Yahan, Marna Yahan: Exploring the Cinematic Heartbeat of Nation-Building

Address by Mr. Gautam Adani

Chairman, Adani Group

Whistling Woods International, Mumbai

Namaskar.

It’s an honor to be here today, speaking to such creative minds. This year is special as we celebrate the legacies of two legendary filmmakers: Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor. They showed us that cinema is not just entertainment; it’s an art form that connects with the heart of our nation.

Raj Kapoor had a gift for touching souls. In his film *Anari*, he sang:

किसी की मुस्कुराहटों पे हो निसार,
किसी का दर्द मिल सके तो ले उधार।

This isn’t just a song; it’s a philosophy. It captures the essence of India, expressing our emotions through art. What’s fascinating is how Kapoor, as a common man, resonated with audiences far beyond our borders, especially in the Soviet Union after World War II. His ability to build cultural bridges was a form of soft power that enriched relationships between nations.

When invited to speak, I thought about my journey as a builder. Every project I’ve worked on was rooted in stories. Before constructing anything physical, you need a vision — a narrative that inspires.

Whistling Woods was born from a simple yet powerful moment. Subhash ji shared a story of being recognized abroad as “the land of Gandhi” thanks to a film, not politics. It made him ponder why we needed others to tell our stories. This realization fueled his dream for an institute where India could voice its narratives.

Every conversation with Subhash ji reveals new insights. He often encourages reflection. He once said, “To tell your story is not pride; it’s preservation. Silence is surrender.” This resonated deeply with me. In business, like in films, storytelling matters. I’ve seen how narratives can shape perceptions and outcomes. In January 2023, a short seller unleashed a damaging narrative about my company, resulting in the loss of over $100 billion in market value. It wasn’t about facts; it was about how a story can influence reality.

Today, we live in an era where narratives sway markets quickly. Silence opens the door for others to define you. If we don’t share our story, someone else will. That’s why it’s important to own our narratives authentically.

Consider Hollywood. Films like *Top Gun* aren’t just entertainment; they project national pride and power. America understands the value of storytelling as a strategic tool. Films narrate its strength and identity. India must embrace this, too. For too long, we’ve let others define our story, often through a lens of bias.

Our creativity is boundless, yet we’ve hesitated. We possess an incredible heritage, rich narratives waiting to be shared. As we move into an AI-driven world, the challenge is even greater. But AI also offers unprecedented opportunities in storytelling. The costs of producing films could drop dramatically, transforming how we create and share our stories.

Here’s what to expect in the coming decade:

• Instant Global Releases: Think about waking up with a simple idea and releasing a full film by night, instantly translated for audiences everywhere.
• AI-Powered Music: Composing soundtracks could become instantaneous, eliminating long waits for orchestras.
• Real-Time Storytelling: Scripts might adapt based on audience reactions, making stories dynamic and alive.
• Hyper-Personalized Experiences: Viewers may experience stories tailored to their identities, enhancing engagement.
• Collaboration with AI: Creators could work alongside AI tools, focusing more on their vision and less on technical details.
• Digital Actors: As AI evolves, digital replicas of actors could reshape the industry, leading to entirely new markets.
• Movies as Commerce: Items from films could become instant purchases, transforming how we monetize storytelling.

This new age of creativity is exciting, with each of you playing a pivotal role. You are the future, armed with imagination and tools that were previously unimaginable.

With this great power comes responsibility. As narratives shape perceptions, we must safeguard the truth. This is your calling. You are entrusted with both our rich heritage and the promise of tomorrow.

Let us vow to tell our stories authentically. Let Bharat’s greatness be communicated through our own voices. This is the moment for your generation to reclaim our narrative.

Satyamev Jayate. May Truth Alone Prevail.

Jai Hind.

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