Firstpost At Waves: Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Hema Malini speak to Akshay Kumar about the summit and cinema changing

Akshay Kumar hosted a panel at Waves Summit 2025 that comprised legends like Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Hema Malini. They spoke about the initiative by PM Narendra Modi and how cinema is changing.

Before asking the questions to his guests, Akshay Kumar said, ‘I requested them to allow me to talk to them as a student. Thank you very much everyone. I’m going to ask them questions and learn from them.’

Hema ji, what do you have to say about this unique initiative by the Indian government?

Hema: I am feeling wonderful. It is a beautiful initiative by the Prime Minister narendra Modi. He always wanted this to happen. It is going to be very beneficial for the entertainment industry, films and art and culture. I’m glad to be a part of it.

Chiranjeevi: You are the actor who brought dance discipline and heroism to Telugu cinema. When did you realize that you are not only an actor, but an inspiration?

I was passionate towards acting right from my childhood. I used to dance and entertain my friends and family members. That time I was too young. Some talent was there with me. Slowly, and gradually, my inclination towards acting developed. I decided to take acting as my career. I should be able to hit the bull’s-eye. I can showcase my abilities to become a star. I started sourcing inspiration from my contemporary people. I drew inspiration from the great Amitabh Bachchan.

Mohanlal, you and I have a common friend Priyadarshan. Your craft is worshiped all over India and all over the world. Malayalam cinema is considered to be Indian Cinema’s intellectual soul. What’s your take on this?

Thank you so much for saying that. We are blessed with great actors and great directors. It’s a thin line between art house and commercial cinema. It’s closely knitted. I had the opportunity to work with great directors. Even art films have entertainment values. Even entertainment has art in it.