- Friday, June 06, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Actor Allu Arjun, who gained global fame through the Pushpa franchise, made a powerful appearance at the WAVES 2025 summit held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on Thursday (1). Known for his magnetic screen presence and relentless dedication, Arjun took the opportunity to reflect on the transformative journey of his career, especially after the blockbuster success of Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Addressing the audience, Arjun expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the summit and shared how the Pushpa series catapulted him from regional popularity to national recognition. “I was a regional actor working in Telugu films with some popularity in the South, but now, because of Pushpa and the love from Indian audiences, I’ve become a more familiar face—at least everyone knows me now,” he said with a smile.
Directed by Sukumar and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, Pushpa 2 shattered box office records upon its release in December 2024, building on the massive momentum of the first film, Pushpa: The Rise. Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj not only won him widespread acclaim but also earned him the prestigious National Award for Best Actor.
During the session, Arjun opened up about his unwavering commitment to fitness, calling it a non-negotiable aspect of an Indian actor’s career. “You never know if the day starts with a song or a fight scene. You have to be physically prepared for everything,” he noted. Sharing an anecdote from his early days, Arjun revealed that his journey began at age 19, during a time when fitness was not taken seriously in the South film industry.
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“About 20 years ago, there were many taboos around fitness in the South. One actress even told me, ‘I don’t think South actors can get six-packs.’ I took that as a challenge and did it for my people,” he said proudly.
His commitment has come with its own share of struggles. Recalling a painful moment, Arjun revealed he tore his rotator cuff after completing his tenth film. “I was known for my fitness and agility, so this hit me hard. Doctors in Australia told me I needed six months off. It was a wake-up call. That’s when I realized performance matters more than just physical strength, and I began focusing on improving my acting.”
Arjun also emphasized the importance of evolving as an artist. “Every film should offer something new. We may fall into patterns, but I consciously try to break them. In such a competitive world, you need to present your best. I believe versatility is a by-product of that commitment,” he explained.
From a determined 19-year-old to a global star, Allu Arjun’s journey continues to inspire fans across generations. His reflections at WAVES 2025 offer a compelling look into the discipline, passion, and resilience behind the stardom.
