Mukesh Modi Moderates Waves OTT Cultural Dialogue at Indian Consulate in New York with Navneet Sehgal and Simran Ahuja

 

New York — The Indian Consulate in New York hosted a thought-provoking cultural exchange on June 6, centered around the rapidly growing Waves OTT platform. The event, moderated by acclaimed filmmaker and cultural voice Mukesh Modi, featured insightful conversations with Mr. Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati and the driving force behind Waves OTT, and international emcee and former Miss India, Ms. Simran Ahuja. Ms. Khushboo began the program by introducing Indian Consul General, Hon. Mr. Binaya Pradhan, who warmly welcomed attendees and presented Waves OTT as a platform committed to amplifying India's rich cultural and regional diversity on the global digital stage. Mr. Sunil Hali from The Indian Eye set the tone with an opening address highlighting the gaps in global representation of Indian media and cinema, and emphasized the need for more mainstream visibility for Indian content.

 

 

As moderator, Mukesh Modi posed engaging questions, asking Mr. Sehgal, “What strategies are in place to ensure regional and culturally rich content finds a space on Waves OTT, and how is the platform adapting to the preferences of younger, digitally native audiences?” Mr. Sehgal responded with enthusiasm, explaining how Waves OTT combines accessibility with innovation. “Users can watch TV, access news, listen to Indian radio, and even broadcast their own content—all for free. With over 35 Indian channels available, we've already reached 3 million subscribers in under a month, and we're aiming for 500 million in the next five years,” he shared.

 

 

Turning to Ms. Simran Ahuja, Modi asked whether talent can be taught. She reflected, “Talent can be refined and nurtured, but it must come from within. What can be taught is how to hone it and present it with confidence.” The audience, which included filmmakers and creatives, actively participated with questions about how Waves OTT can support emerging artists. Mr. Sehgal encouraged them to contribute their work and take advantage of Waves’ open platform for content creators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A key moment in the evening was the launch of “The Practice of Immortality” by ShivYog Master Dr. Ishan Shivanand Ji, presented in the presence of Consul General Mr. Binaya Pradhan and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ms. Ragini Srivastava. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mukesh Modi, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guests, panelists, and the Indian Consulate. He remarked, “This evening was a celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration. Waves OTT is not just a platform—it’s a movement to bring Indian stories to the world.” Following the event, a warm and delicious lunch was graciously served by the Indian Consulate, offering attendees a taste of authentic Indian hospitality and cuisine.