April 7, 2025: Resham Talwar’s incredible achievement at the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) in Delhi has marked a milestone in the Indian voice acting and animation scene. As a visually challenged artist, Resham defied the odds and took the top spot in the Voice Acting category, proving that talent transcends any limitations. Her victory is a testament to the fact that passion and dedication can break barriers and create new opportunities in even the most competitive fields.
A seasoned professional in radio jockeying, voice-over work, and audio editing, Resham’s skills have always been recognized in the industry. But WAM! presented a bigger platform, pushing her into the limelight. Her win didn’t just bring personal triumph but also highlighted how India’s voice acting scene is evolving, creating new avenues for budding talent. This landmark achievement stands as a beacon for many aspiring artists, showing that no dream is too big to reach.
The WAM! competition, which is part of the broader WAVES 2025 initiative, is not just about showcasing talent—it’s a platform that nurtures and celebrates India’s creative industry. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), WAM! has already become a key event in India’s entertainment calendar. It focuses on anime and manga, two genres gaining immense popularity in the country, giving both amateur and professional creators a chance to thrive.
Resham Talwar Leads the Charge for India’s Growing Anime and Manga Talent
The competition, which spans state-level contests across 11 cities, culminates in a grand national finale. This year’s event, which will take place during the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, promises to be a game-changer. WAVES is set to bring together multiple creative sectors—films, OTT platforms, gaming, comics, and animation—under one roof, making it a premier event for India’s creative ecosystem.
For India, the rise of anime and manga has been nothing short of phenomenal. The country now boasts over 180 million anime fans, with the market growing rapidly. Shows like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball” have amassed massive followings, and the anime market itself is projected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2023 to over $5 billion by 2032. However, despite this boom, there is a severe shortage of skilled professionals in the anime and manga fields, a gap that initiatives like WAM! aim to fill.
Resham’s story is a perfect example of how these platforms can transform lives. She is not alone in her success; many others have followed suit. Young artists like Angel Yadav, a student from Varanasi, have also found success through WAM!, securing jobs and recognition from leading animation studios. Another rising star, Randeep Singh, a professional manga artist, has already landed paid projects, demonstrating the tremendous potential WAM! has to unlock careers in the industry.
WAM! is gaining support from some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment sectors. Industry leaders like Srikkanth Konatham from BOB Pictures and Navin Miranda from ToonSutra are offering distribution deals and internship opportunities to winners. This means WAM! participants don’t just compete; they get tangible chances to advance in the global creative industry.
The WAM! initiative is not just about finding the next big star—it’s about democratizing creativity. It’s a platform where anyone, regardless of their background or challenges, can make their mark. Whether it’s a voice actor like Resham or an up-and-coming manga artist, WAM! provides them with the tools and recognition they need to succeed.
As WAVES 2025 draws closer, the world will be watching as India’s talented creators step into the spotlight. Resham’s victory at WAM! is just one of many inspiring stories that demonstrate the power of creativity and determination in reshaping the future of India’s entertainment landscape.
