In a significant event that connected business, cinema, and national identity, Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, along with Dr. Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, visited Whistling Woods International (WWI) for Celebrate Cinema 2025. During the session, which featured notable figures such as Vivek Khanzode, IIM Dean, Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of TISS, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, veteran actor Jackie Shroff, and star Kartik Aaryan, Mr. Adani delivered a keynote that inspired attendees. He remarked, ‘Dreams aren’t what we see in our sleep; real dreams are those that keep us awake,’ motivating students to aspire for greatness with unwavering resolve. Mr.
Adani encouraged WWI students to reclaim Bharat’s voice, song, and stories, wishing that the institute would always resonate with the vibrancy of the youth. Subhash Ghai, Founder and Chairman of WWI, expressed gratitude for Mr. Adani’s impactful insights on the role of storytelling in nation-building and the significance of AI, emphasizing the enduring wisdom that would benefit students in their careers. In appreciation, WWI students presented personalized tokens, including a hand-painted portrait and unique fashion designs reflecting creativity and innovation. The event culminated with the recognition of 66 deserving WWI students who were awarded scholarships for the next academic year. Celebrate Cinema 2025, now in its 13th edition, was a milestone in WWI’s journey of honoring art and creativity.
The festival featured over 50 workshops, panel discussions, and exhibits, showcasing some of India’s most esteemed figures in film, music, and digital storytelling. Highlights included a panel on ‘Celebrating Poetry & Music in Indian Cinema’ with Gulzar Sahab, Subhash Ghai, and Salim Arif, and a tribute to Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt, providing students with insights into the legacies of these cinematic icons. Other discussions, like ‘Maturing of the Creator Economy’ and ‘Filmed Entertainment in the Age of AI,’ prompted deep conversations about the future of storytelling. Interactive sessions with influencers and a vibrant Q&A on music and emotion further enhanced the festival’s energy.
Anjum Rajabali’s session on ‘Young Filmmakers with Convictions: Navigating the Industry Today’ highlighted the importance of storytelling as technology evolves. Celebrate Cinema 2025 concluded successfully, reaffirming WWI’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of storytellers who will shape tomorrow’s cultural narrative.