Netflix Panel at WAVES 2025: The Power of Influence – Creators & Audiences in the Spotlight.

Mumbai, May 2nd, 2025 – On Day 2 of the WAVES Summit, a powerful panel discussed the evolving relationship between creators and audiences, and how this dynamic is shaping the future of storytelling.

Key Panelists and Topics

The panel featured prominent industry figures including Monika Shergill (Netflix India), Prerna Singh (SLB Productions), Sameer Nair (Applause Entertainment), and actors Shefali Shah (Delhi Crime), Aditi Rao Hydari (Heeramandi), and Zahan Kapoor (Black Warrant).

They explored how digital platforms reshape the balance between creative vision and audience expectations. Topics like cultural representation, authenticity, and innovation in storytelling took center stage.

Monika Shergill on Audience-Centered Content

Monika Shergill highlighted the importance of understanding audience desires. She explained, “At Netflix, we see how personal, rooted stories can become global hits. Heeramandi is a perfect example. When a creator’s passion aligns with audience understanding, a show isn’t just watched—it’s felt and remembered.”

Prerna Singh on Bold Storytelling Choices

Prerna Singh shared insights into Heeramandi’s creation. She said, “Heeramandi started as a film idea, but we quickly realized it needed the scale of a series. The cinematic grandeur and untold freedom story resonated globally, reaching 43 countries.”

Sameer Nair on the Power of Good Storytelling

Sameer Nair emphasized that great storytelling is universal. He noted, “Everyone’s a storyteller, but what creators need are story listeners. The best stories connect emotionally. If a heartbreak doesn’t move you, it’s not good storytelling.”

Shefali Shah on Authentic Roles

Shefali Shah shared her approach to acting in Delhi Crime. “Every role starts from scratch for me. If a story doesn’t feel real, it won’t connect. That’s how I work—I’m drawn to what feels honest and raw.”

Aditi Rao Hydari on Global Reach

Aditi Rao Hydari discussed the global impact of Heeramandi. She said, “Streaming makes storytelling global. A story rooted in one culture can resonate worldwide. After Heeramandi, people recognized me by my character, not my name—that’s the power of a well-told story.”

Zahan Kapoor on Breaking New Ground

Zahan Kapoor spoke about Black Warrant, noting, “The story was set in Tihar Jail and wasn’t glamorous, but Netflix believed in it from the start. Even quiet, difficult stories can leave a mark if they connect with the audience.”

India’s New Wave of Entertainment

The panel underscored that India’s entertainment future is driven by bold creativity, rich cultural narratives, and high-quality storytelling. With platforms like Netflix, creators are empowered to take risks and connect with global audiences.

This discussion signified a transformative moment in Indian entertainment, where diverse stories are resonating with audiences both locally and internationally.

About the author

Neha Nikharge

Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.

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