Mumbai – Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, addressed cinema students at Whistling Woods International, the renowned film institute founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai, emphasizing that cinema is the soul of nation-building while cautioning against misleading narratives in media and markets.
Delivering a speech titled “Jeena Yahan, Marna Yahan: Cinematic Soul of Nation-Building”, Adani highlighted cinema as a form of moving poetry, a bridge between cultures, and a powerful tool of soft power that can outlast governments and policies. He reflected on legendary filmmakers Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor, paying tribute to their transformative works and noting how Raj Kapoor’s popularity in the Soviet Union strengthened international relations during politically challenging times.
Adani shared his personal journey, recounting how he arrived in Mumbai at 16 with empty pockets but dreams in his eyes. By 30, he had built India’s largest business conglomerate, went public by 32, and expanded into ports and power by 34. He urged students to recognize how cinema had shaped his life, stating, “The heroes I admired on screen can be lived in real life.”
Expanding his discussion beyond film, Adani warned about the power of stories in shaping economies and markets. Citing the Hindenburg Research report of January 2023, he explained how misinformation led to a $100 billion drop in market value for Adani Group companies—not due to facts changing, but because perception was manipulated. He stressed that silence allows others to write your destiny and emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully, not as propaganda but as fact.
Looking ahead, Adani predicted that AI would revolutionize filmmaking as profoundly as it has healthcare and energy. He envisioned AI-driven global releases, dynamic scripts that adapt in real time, multilingual music and dialogue generation within minutes, and digital artists whose work could transcend generations. He also imagined an AI-integrated studio where human and machine collaboration makes cinema a seamless business ecosystem, with on-screen content instantly available for purchase.
Adani urged students to reclaim Indian narratives from foreign perspectives, cautioning against depicting Indian stories through outsider lenses, citing Slumdog Millionaire as an example. “Indian saints, freedom fighters, and cultural stories should be told in India’s own voice, with its songs and perspectives,” he emphasized.
The event at Whistling Woods International saw participation from film industry veterans, faculty members, and prominent figures from India’s entertainment and media sectors, who warmly welcomed Adani’s address.
