At the FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave (MEBC) 2025 - South Connect, actor Kamal Haasan was made the chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, South. The conclave was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday.

According to a press release from FICCI, Kamal Haasan, while sharing his insights into the evolving media landscape, said, “Indian cinema can become true ambassador for Indian culture. We need a long-term vision for Indian cinema, for which the government, both the state and the centre, will have to come up with regulations to not contain emerging technologies, but include emerging technologies without it impeding the existing market. Also, a request since the Deputy CM is here that we need to relook and reform the state entertainment tax on cinema.”

Mr Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO - Entertainment, JioHotstar said, “The South's media landscape has evolved from regional to national and now global, exemplified by icons like Mr Kamal Haasan, whose films have broken boundaries for decades. The post-pandemic revival of the box office, driven by films like RRR and KGF-2, and Tamil cinema’s storytelling, continue to shape India’s entertainment sector. As digital media grows rapidly, I believe India is an “AND” market, where both TV and digital coexist, unlocking immense potential. With upcoming forums like WAVES and continued innovation, India’s media industry is poised to take the global stage.”

The conclave is held over two days and contains knowledge sessions, masterclasses, workshops, and exhibitions.