In a heartwarming moment that encapsulated passion, talent, and perseverance, Ms. Resham Talwar, a visually challenged voice artist, emerged victorious in the Voice Acting category at the WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga) Contest held in Delhi. Her win not only underscores her own incredible journey through the worlds of radio jockeying, voiceovers, and audio editing, but also reflects how national platforms like WAM! are unearthing hidden talent across India.

Backed by her strong professional experience and mastery over audio storytelling, Talwar beat stiff competition from across the country. Her success sends out a strong message: creative potential knows no boundaries, not even physical ones.

What is WAM!? A Talent Hunt for India’s Anime and Manga Creators

WAM!, or WAVES Anime & Manga Contest, is part of a nationwide initiative jointly led by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI). It's not just another competition—it’s a career launchpad for India’s emerging storytellers, animators, artists, and voice performers.

Contests were held across 11 Indian cities, culminating in a national finale scheduled at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at Jio World Centre, Mumbai, from May 1st to 4th.

WAM! is designed to transform raw talent into industry-ready professionals, offering them mentorship, visibility, and access to major studios. It is part of the broader Create in India Challenge (CIC) campaign, which has already drawn over 77,000 entries from 35 countries.

India’s Growing Anime Craze: Second-Largest Fan Base Globally

India is now home to a whopping 180 million anime fans, making it the second-largest anime community in the world. The domestic anime market is booming, having touched Rs. 14,105 crore (US$ 1.64 billion) in 2023, with projections of reaching Rs. 43,249 crore (US$ 5.03 billion) by 2032.

This boom, however, comes with a significant talent gap, particularly in areas like original content creation, voice acting, animation direction, and audio engineering. WAM! directly targets this gap, offering a structured ecosystem for learning and professional growth.

WAVES 2025: A Vision to Make India a Global Media Powerhouse

The WAVES 2025 summit isn’t just an event—it’s a mission. With its ambitious goal of expanding India’s media and entertainment industry to Rs. 4,29,400 crore (US$ 50 billion) by 2029, the summit promises to put India on the global content creation map.

A key segment of WAVES 2025 is the Create in India Challenge (CIC), where 725 selected creators from the initial 77,000+ entries will present their work at the summit in Mumbai.

This is part of a strategic push by the Indian government and industry stakeholders to leverage India’s cultural diversity and technical talent to produce world-class media content—including anime, manga, AR/VR experiences, video games, and more.

Industry Collaboration and Mentorship

The WAM! initiative is powered by collaborations with leading industry players like:

• BOB Pictures

• ToonSutra

• eTV Bal Bharat

• Vaibhavi Studio

These companies are not just sponsors—they’re mentors, recruiters, and collaborators, helping bridge the gap between creators and consumers. For winners like Ms. Talwar, this translates into career opportunities, professional guidance, and national recognition.

Success Stories Emerging From WAM!

Beyond Resham Talwar, the WAM! platform has brought to light numerous rising stars like:

• Ms. Angel Yadav, a young manga artist from Lucknow

• Mr. Randeep Singh, a background score composer from Chandigarh

These individuals, and many more like them, represent the next generation of Indian creators, ready to contribute to the global anime and manga scene.

The Role of Accessibility and Inclusivity

What makes Resham Talwar’s win even more meaningful is the focus on inclusivity. WAM! doesn't limit itself to just the technically perfect candidates—it seeks those with unique voices, personal stories, and diverse abilities.

By recognising a visually impaired artist at a national level, WAM! has set a benchmark for equal opportunity and representation in the creative industry.

Her win is expected to encourage more differently-abled creators to pursue careers in media, knowing that their stories and skills are valued.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities in Anime for Indian Youth

With the support of government initiatives and corporate investment, India’s anime and manga scene is on the brink of a creative revolution. Schools, colleges, and even ed-tech platforms are now introducing anime-style storytelling, 2D/3D animation courses, and voice modulation programs.

India’s young population is increasingly drawn to anime’s:

• Visual appeal

• Deep storytelling

• Relatable characters

This rising interest will only fuel the demand for homegrown anime content, dubbed and subtitled for both Indian and global audiences.

Conclusion: Creativity Finds a Champion in WAM!

The victory of Resham Talwar at the WAM! Voice Acting Contest isn't just a personal win—it’s a symbol of a larger movement sweeping across India. A movement that values:

• Originality over imitation

• Passion over polish

• Inclusion over exclusivity

As WAVES 2025 prepares to host the grand finale in Mumbai, creators like Talwar stand as living proof that India’s future in the global anime industry is not just bright—it’s unstoppable.

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