Legends speak, legacies echo

Mumbai, May 1: The first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) commenced in a grand style at the iconic Jio World Centre, Mumbai, with a power-packed panel discussion titled ëLegends & Legacies: The Stories that Shaped Indiaís Soul.

The session brought together some of Indias most revered cinematic icons in a captivating discussion on storytelling, creativity, and cultural legacy.

The inaugural panel featured acclaimed luminaries ñ Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, and was moderated by superstar Akshay Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, ëdream girl Hema Malini expressed heartfelt admiration for the initiative, saying, Its a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. Iím glad to be part of it. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi ñ his vision and leadership have made WAVES a remarkable platform for creators and innovators.î

Celebrated Malayalam Actor Mohanlal shared insights on the evolving nature of cinema.

He said that the line was very thin between art cinema and entertainment cinema as art films have also entertainment value.

I don't differentiate between art and commercial cinema ñ itís storytelling that moves people, the ace actor flagged.

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt reflection on his cinematic journey, marked by unwavering passion and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Recounting his early aspirations, he said, Acting has been my first love since childhood. I was always driven by the desire to hit the bullís eye. I constantly asked myself ñ what unique element can I bring to become a better actor?

Emphasising his commitment to authenticity, Chiranjeevi expressed a deep desire to stay grounded and relatable.

I have always wanted audiences to see me as the boy next door. Thats why I strive to keep my performances as natural and genuine as possible, he said.

Chiranjeevi also paid tribute to the legends who shaped his craft, acknowledging the profound influence of cinematic icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Mithun Chakraborty on his evolution as an artist.

The discussion was a poignant blend of personal reflections and shared legacies, offering the audience a rare glimpse into the minds and hearts of Indiaís cinematic greats.