May 03, 2025: Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan praised the transformative impact of streaming platforms in India, calling them a “most liberating” force for actors during a panel discussion with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.
Speaking at the high-profile summit in Mumbai, Saif highlighted how streaming services like Netflix have significantly expanded global exposure for Indian actors. Reflecting on his own experience, he said,
“The fact that it goes out around the world and to so many people. I get phone calls from people who wouldn’t normally call me for a cinematic release, but on Netflix, everybody rings up—from Europe and America. It’s a very, very exciting space.”
The Sacred Games actor emphasized that streaming platforms have redefined the boundaries of traditional acting roles, allowing for more creative freedom and depth.
“Earlier, we had to fit into specific boxes with a formula, a look, and a style. Today, we can explore characters in new ways and tell deeper stories through long-form storytelling,” Saif added.
Sarandos echoed similar views, stating that streaming and theatrical releases are not rivals but complementary forces.
“Cinemas are not outdated. Streaming and theatres can coexist, and both can thrive in today’s expanding market,” said the Netflix executive.
Saif also spoke about the pride of sharing Indian culture through storytelling, mentioning films like Omkara and Parineeta as examples of culturally rich projects that resonate globally.
Saif Ali Khan gained international acclaim through his role in Sacred Games, Netflix’s first original Hindi series.
WAVES 2025, India’s premier international summit focused on the audio-visual and entertainment industries, is hosting over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups. The four-day event, which began on May 1, covers a wide range of sectors, including film, OTT, AVGC-XR, AI, comics, and broadcasting.