The inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 kicked off spectacularly at Mumbai’s iconic Jio World Centre, setting the tone with a riveting panel discussion titled Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul. The event brought together towering figures of Indian cinema—Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi—in a rare and insightful conversation, moderated by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar.
The session offered an intimate look at the personal journeys, creative philosophies, and cultural impact of these legends, capturing the audience with its depth and warmth.
A Tribute to Vision and Creativity
Veteran actress and dream girl Hema Malini lauded the initiative, calling WAVES a beautiful effort by the Government of India. She credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for making such a creative platform possible, saying, “I’m proud to be a part of this. WAVES is a testament to India’s cultural richness and creative future.
Blurring the Lines of Cinema
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal reflected on the shifting definitions within Indian cinema, emphasising that the boundaries between art and commercial films are fading. Storytelling is what matters, he said. Even art cinema has entertainment value. It’s the emotion and connection that move people, not the category.
Chiranjeevi on Passion, Purpose, and Staying Grounded
Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi shared candid memories from his early days, speaking about his enduring love for acting. Since childhood, I’ve been driven by the desire to get it right—to find that unique spark, he said. He also spoke about striving to remain relatable, adding, I’ve always wanted the audience to see me as the boy next door. Authenticity is everything.
Chiranjeevi paid homage to those who inspired him, mentioning cinematic greats like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, and Kamal Haasan as pivotal influences on his journey as an actor.
A Celebratory Start to WAVES
The discussion, rich with personal anecdotes and reflections, offered a powerful opening to WAVES 2025, setting a celebratory and thoughtful tone for the days ahead. It was not just a panel but a homage to Indian storytelling, legacy, and the enduring spirit of cinema.
