WAVES 2025 Opens with Branding Insights and Tributes, Reflecting on Cultural Impact on Business
Introduction
The year 2023 was a banner year for businesses globally. In the realm of branding, 2023 marked another significant milestone as the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 unfolded, setting the stage for future conversations on how culture shapes brand narratives and consumer behavior.
At the heart of this summit was a masterclass delivered by Prem Narayan, Chief Strategy Officer of Ogilvy, titled “Brand Building with Cultural Understanding.” This session highlighted the pivotal role of cultural relevance in shaping brand stories that resonate deeply with consumers. Additionally, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bollywood film star, Bharat Kumar Manoj Kumar, was conducted through a masterclass by Mayank Shekhar. The tribute emphasized his impact as an ace filmmaker and nationalist, offering insights into how culture and values influence not just entertainment but also business strategies.
The Wave 2025: A Day of Cultural Business
WAVES 2025, the first summit under Ogilvy’s brand-building initiative, was a day of inspiration. The event saw a lineup of speakers, including Prem Narayan and Mayank Shekhar, whose masterclasses provided a unique perspective on how culture can be both a fuel and a catalyst for brand growth.
Prem Narayan’s “Culture as a Fuel to Build Brands” session explored the evolution of advertising in India, rooted deeply in cultural traditions. He emphasized that brands must understand their audience’s cultural context to align with their values, leading to lasting loyalty. His insights revealed how advertising not only taps into consumer needs but also resonates on a deeper level through cultural relevance.
Tributes and Legacy: The Manoj Kumar Legacy
The tributes session was a touching journey of memory. Mayank Shekhar, a film critic and podcaster, offered personal touches and fond memories of Manoj Kumar, the Bollywood legend who not only captivated audiences but also became a national icon. Their heartfelt tribute highlighted Manoj Kumar’s contributions as an actor, filmmaker, and strategist, underscoring his impact on both entertainment and business.
Connecting Culture to Business: Modern Strategies
The connection between culture and business is evident in how brands today leverage cultural insights for growth. Prem Narayan’s masterclass demonstrated that understanding cultural nuances can bridge gaps, making businesses more attuned to their audience’s needs. Similarly, Mayank Shekhar’s tribute underscored how cultural values inform storytelling, influencing business strategies through content creation and marketing.
Conclusion: A Day of Cultural Business
WAVES 2025 was a day of insight and inspiration. It revealed that branding is not merely about selling products but also about resonating with people on a deeper level. The event underscored the importance of cultural understanding in both entertainment and business, offering strategies for building brands that are not only effective but deeply beloved.
In 2025, we can expect more gatherings where culture meets business. The legacy of Prem Narayan’s masterclass and Manoj Kumar’s tribute will likely inspire a new generation to explore the ways culture shapes success in the modern world.