How an actress's comment pushed Allu Arjun to build six pack abs. 'I took that up as a challenge'
Pushpa's Success and New Ventures
Vision for Indian Cinema on the Global Stage
Actor Allu Arjun , a key figure in South Indian cinema , spoke at the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, sharing insights into his fitness journey and his commitment to pushing boundaries in Indian cinema. During the event, Arjun looked back on his career, including his decision to become one of the first South Indian actors to flaunt six-pack abs on screen—something that was uncommon and culturally unaccepted two decades ago.Recalling the origins of that transformation, Arjun shared that it was not just a professional goal but a personal challenge. He said the idea was sparked during a conversation with a female co-star who expressed doubt that South Indian actors could achieve such a physique. "Someone motivated me to do that by saying, I don't think any South actors can come up with six packs. One of the actresses whom I worked with said that. And I took that up as a challenge. Then, I just did it for my people," he said at the summit.Arjun emphasized that back then, such physical transformations were viewed with skepticism in the regional film industry . 'Culturally, it wasn't accepted and there were many taboos around that. I knew that, sometimes, it takes only one person to break the jinx,' he explained. His decision to develop a toned physique for his 2007 film Desamuduru, directed by Puri Jagannadh, marked a turning point in how body image was perceived in South Indian cinema.Before this shift, Arjun was known for his boy-next-door appearances in early films like Gangotri (2003), Arya (2004), Bunny (2005), and Happy (2006). His change in physical appearance began a new era for South Indian actors, encouraging others to take fitness seriously and challenge existing norms.Talking about the importance of staying physically fit as an actor, Arjun underlined that fitness is not optional, especially in Indian cinema where actors are expected to dance, perform action scenes, and adapt to unpredictable schedules. 'It's extremely tough, to be honest. It's extremely tough, but it's worth it when you see the big space and you have millions of people appreciating your effort,' he said. He also noted that his workout routine remains consistent regardless of his shooting schedule.Reflecting on a serious injury during his early career, Arjun disclosed that he once suffered a shoulder rotator cuff tear after his tenth film. He said that though he expected a quick recovery, doctors advised a six-month break, which became a major turning point. The incident shifted his focus from physical prowess to honing his acting skills. 'That was the most fearful moment... what matters is your performance,' he said, indicating a renewed commitment to versatility.Arjun's recent global recognition stems largely from the success of the Pushpa franchise. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) earned him a National Award, and its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2025), continued the momentum, smashing box office records. The actor acknowledged the impact of these films, stating, 'At least everybody knows my face now. I am a regional actor... but now, because of 'Pushpa' and with the love of Indian audience, now I am a more familiar face.'Looking ahead, Arjun is set to collaborate with director Atlee for a high-budget sci-fi film, currently in pre-production. The project, tentatively titled AA22, will reportedly feature cutting-edge VFX and may involve Hollywood studios. He is also expected to work with filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas, though timelines are yet to be confirmed.During the 'Talent Beyond Borders' session, Arjun expressed optimism about Indian cinema's future internationally. He highlighted the rise of global entertainment industries like Korean and Iranian films and stressed the need for India to focus on local storytelling to connect with global audiences. 'Everybody has had an impact on global cinema... Indian cinema has yet to make a serious dent in the international market,' he said.The WAVES 2025 summit itself, held from May 1 to May 4, aimed to boost India's global presence in the entertainment sector. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event brought together over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries, featuring a range of sessions on broadcasting, infotainment, digital media, and more.
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