April 7, 2025: Resham Talwar’s journey into the world of voice acting is nothing short of inspiring. Despite being visually challenged, Resham has always believed in the power of voice to convey emotion, expression, and bring characters to life. Her passion for voice work has taken her from radio jockeying to voice-overs and audio editing, and now, with her victory in the Voice Acting category at the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) in Delhi, she has proven that talent knows no boundaries.
Her win at WAM! not only elevated her career but also showcased how accessibility and determination can break through even the most formidable barriers. This prestigious contest, organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), is quickly becoming a catalyst for change, celebrating creativity and offering a platform to aspiring artists from diverse backgrounds. WAM! has become more than just a competition—it’s a movement that is reshaping India’s creative industries.
WAM! is a key initiative under WAVES 2025, an ambitious summit aimed at positioning India as a global powerhouse in media and entertainment. Scheduled to take place at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th, WAVES 2025 will unite films, OTT platforms, gaming, comics, digital media, and more under one roof. It promises to highlight India’s burgeoning AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
One of the central components of WAVES 2025 is the Create in India Challenges (CIC), which unearths and nurtures creative talent in multiple fields. WAM! falls under this umbrella, focusing on anime and manga, two rapidly growing genres in India. The competition’s aim is to encourage local creators to adapt popular Japanese styles for Indian and global audiences. With state-level contests across 11 cities and a grand national finale, WAM! is providing a platform for artists to not only showcase their skills but also open doors to publishing, distribution, and industry exposure.
India’s growing enthusiasm for anime and manga is reflected in the massive fanbase, with over 180 million anime fans, making India the second-largest market in the world. Shows like “Naruto,” “Dragon Ball,” and “My Hero Academia” have captured the hearts of millions, fueling the demand for skilled talent in the anime and manga sectors. Despite this growth, there remains a significant gap in skilled professionals, which WAM! seeks to bridge.
WAM! Elevates India’s Anime & Manga Talent: Resham Talwar’s Inspiring Win
Resham’s victory at WAM! is just one of many success stories. Angel Yadav, a high school student from Varanasi, wowed judges with her manga art, securing a job offer from Vaibhavi Studio. Similarly, Randeep Singh, a professional manga artist, impressed judges in Bhubaneswar, landing paid projects with the studio. These stories reflect how WAM! is not just about competition; it’s about transforming passions into careers, with industry leaders backing these emerging talents.
The support for WAM! goes beyond just showcasing talent. Renowned figures like Srikkanth Konatham from BOB Pictures and Navin Miranda of ToonSutra are offering opportunities such as distribution deals and internships to winners. This collaboration ensures that WAM! participants not only get noticed but also receive the mentorship and resources to thrive in the global market.
What makes WAM! truly special is its ability to democratize creativity. It’s a platform where anyone—whether a visually challenged voice actor like Resham or a teenage manga artist like Angel—can stand shoulder-to-shoulder and prove their worth. As part of WAVES 2025, WAM! is not just about competition; it’s a revolution. It’s about empowering India’s creative talents and celebrating the country’s rich storytelling heritage, whether through anime, manga, or other art forms.
For Resham and countless others, WAM! marks the beginning of a new chapter. It’s a reminder that talent knows no boundaries, and with platforms like WAM!, the future is brighter than ever. As WAVES 2025 approaches, the world will watch as India’s storytellers take center stage, and for many, the journey is only just beginning.