How did Chiranjeevi draw inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty?

Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) At the Waves 2025 event, the legendary actor Chiranjeevi unveiled how two monumental figures in Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty, deeply shaped his career.

Reflecting on the vibrant 70s, Chiranjeevi expressed that he found significant inspiration in their distinctive styles and contributions, which helped mold his cinematic journey. Recalling his early days, the star of 'Khaidi' opened up about the self-doubt he felt when stepping into the film industry, especially among established veterans. He fondly remembered how his love for performance ignited during childhood, as he entertained family and friends with dance—an innocent yet impactful expression that hinted at his true path.

Chiranjeevi remarked, “I began drawing inspiration from my contemporaries. Mithun Chakraborty dada was present. In 1977, as a film institute student, I witnessed his performance in Mrigayaa, for which he earned a National Award. His portrayal was so natural and extraordinary. At that time, many artists relied heavily on makeup, but I resolved to steer clear of that. I wanted to appear natural, as if I were the boy next door. That was the image I aimed to create. Thus, I took inspiration from Mithun Chakraborty back then. Additionally, I drew motivation from the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. For dance, I looked up to Kamal, my senior. I transformed myself based on these inspirations.”

Akshay Kumar hosted a groundbreaking panel at the inaugural Waves 2025 Summit, bringing together some of the most respected icons of Indian cinema—Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi, Mithun Chakraborty, and Hema Malini.

The event, held at Mumbai's Jio World Centre on the first day of the four-day summit, provided an exclusive glimpse into the careers and experiences of these legendary stars.

During the enlightening discussion, Akshay posed a thought-provoking question to Chiranjeevi: “When did you realize early in your career that you were not just an actor but someone who could inspire millions of aspiring artists?”

Chiranjeevi fondly recounted how his passion for performance ignited in childhood, revealing that his earliest performances involved informal dances and entertainment for friends and family. With encouragement from those around him, he gradually recognized his talent, particularly in dance.

“From the very start, my passion for acting blossomed in childhood. Initially, I danced and entertained friends and family. I was quite young, but their support made me believe I had some talent, particularly in dancing. Over time, my interest in acting developed, and I aspired to pursue it as my career. That’s how I ventured to Chennai, then Madras,” Chiranjeevi stated.

WAVES 2025 is poised to convene influential global leaders from the entertainment sector. During its launch on May 1, Alia Bhatt, alongside her husband Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, and numerous other prominent film personalities gathered at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre.