Mumbai, August 21, 2025 – The vibrant city of Mumbai played host to the second edition of the Global Music Leaders Reception on August 21, 2025. Spearheaded by Priyanka Khimani, a distinguished legal luminary in the entertainment sector and the visionary founder of Women of Music India (WoMI), the exclusive, invitation-only event convened a powerful assembly of international artists, industry executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Powered by the tech company Nothing, the reception at Soho House Mumbai served as a crucial platform for dialogue on the evolving landscape of music and culture, underscoring India’s escalating influence on the global stage.
Priyanka Khimani: A Champion for Artists and Women in Music
Priyanka Khimani, widely recognized as one of the most influential legal voices in entertainment, has carved a formidable niche for herself through her firm, Khimani & Associates. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to protecting the rights of artists, having represented a vast array of India’s biggest stars, from Bollywood actors and directors to popular music artists and entrepreneurs. Khimani’s background, which includes early screenwriting and overcoming modest beginnings, fuels her passion for mentorship and advocacy. She is a vocal proponent for gender equality within the music industry, a mission powerfully embodied by her establishment of Women of Music India (WoMI). WoMI is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and creating opportunities for women across all facets of the Indian music ecosystem, from artists and managers to technical roles and business leaders. The organization actively works to increase accessibility, foster inclusivity, and provide vital resources like scholarships and networking events, aiming to ensure women are at the forefront of industry change.
A Global Confluence of Industry Luminaries
The Global Music Leaders Reception has rapidly cemented its status as a highly anticipated fixture in the music industry calendar since its inception in 2024. This year’s gathering in Mumbai continued this trajectory, drawing an impressive roster of attendees. The event welcomed celebrated artists such as Jasleen Royal and Raftaar, alongside influential figures like Natania Lalwani and Andrew Gold from Roc Nation. Senior executives from Universal Music and numerous global decision-makers also joined the discussions, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. The core objective was clear: to build bridges, fostering connections between India and the international community, and between the realms of business and creative artistry. Khimani herself articulated this vision, stating, “India is no longer just participating in the global conversation but we are also helping shape it. Through Women of Music India, I want to ensure that women, especially, are at the forefront of that change. This evening is where those conversations begin, and where lasting partnerships are born.”
Fostering Dialogue and Shaping Tomorrow’s Music Landscape
The evening’s agenda was centered on substantive discussions about the future of music and culture. Attendees engaged in conversations exploring emerging trends, technological advancements, and innovative business models that are shaping how music is created, distributed, and consumed globally. The reception provided a unique environment for entrepreneurs to connect with established industry leaders, fostering an exchange of ideas that could drive future collaborations and market growth. The event also highlighted India’s unique contribution to the global music narrative, emphasizing its growing economic power and cultural dynamism.
Showcasing India’s Vibrant Musical Talent
Beyond the crucial industry discussions, the reception celebrated the very essence of music through a curated showcase of emerging talent. The audience was treated to soulful performances by artists including Mansa Jimmy, Mali, Twinkle Agarwal, and Akanksha Sethi. These performances not only added an artistic flair to the proceedings but also served as a vibrant testament to the depth and diversity of India’s musical talent pool, reinforcing the event’s dual focus on industry advancement and artistic celebration.
The ‘Nothing’ Partnership: Innovation Meets Artistry
The tech company Nothing served as the evening’s cultural collaborator, a partnership that perfectly aligned with the event’s forward-thinking ethos. Known for its distinctive design-centric approach to technology and its commitment to user experience, Nothing’s involvement underscored the intersection of innovation, artistry, and culture. This collaboration signaled a shared appreciation for creative expression and the seamless integration of technology with artistic endeavors, resonating with the event’s broader goals of fostering new ideas and connections.
WoMI’s Enduring Impact Beyond the Reception
The Global Music Leaders Reception is but one facet of Women of Music India’s extensive efforts. WoMI continues to champion women’s advancement through initiatives such as scholarships for technical roles in music, online communities for networking, and collaborative events with major music labels like Universal Music India and Sony Music India. These ongoing efforts underscore WoMI’s deep commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering future for women in the Indian music industry and beyond.
The success of the second Global Music Leaders Reception reinforces Priyanka Khimani and WoMI’s position as pivotal forces in shaping the future of the music industry. By creating a space for critical dialogue, showcasing burgeoning talent, and championing female leadership, the event not only celebrated India’s cultural significance but also laid the groundwork for innovative partnerships and a more inclusive global music business. The news from this event highlights a dynamic period of growth and opportunity for Indian artists and entrepreneurs on the world stage.
