The first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 is currently taking place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. On the second day of the summit, a special session titled Cinema – The Soft Power featured popular actors Kareena Kapoor and Vijay Deverakonda. The discussion, centered around the influence of cinema both in India and globally, was moderated by filmmaker and producer Karan Johar.
Karan Johar opened the session by steering the discussion toward the growing international impact of Indian cinema and the evolving collaborations between the Hindi and South Indian film industries. He posed questions on how these synergies might influence the future of filmmaking in the country. Addressing Kareena Kapoor directly, Karan asked why she had never pursued a career in Hollywood, unlike some of her peers who had actively explored opportunities in the West.
In response, Kareena explained that she has never been the type to go after things forcefully. “Chasing is not a part of my personality. If it has to happen, it will happen. I know, times are changing. Who knows, a Hindi-English film will happen. Even Steven Spielberg is watching our Hindi films. So, you never know,” she said.
This comment prompted her to recount a memorable moment when she had a surprising encounter with the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Recalling the incident, Kareena shared how the acclaimed director behind Lincoln had recognized her from one of the most iconic Hindi films of all time. “I was actually in a restaurant, I am travelling somewhere. Steven Spielberg was eating at the same restaurant. This was many moons ago, when 3 Idiots had just released. He actually came up to me and told me that, ‘Are you that girl who was in that very famous Indian film about three students?’ I said, ‘Yes, that’s me.’ He said, ‘My god. I loved that movie,’” she narrated.
Kareena emphasized that this moment was particularly significant to her because it demonstrated the global reach of Indian films without the need for actors to appear in English-language cinema. “I didn’t need to act in an English film for him to see me. He watched 3 Idiots. That’s a moment for us,” she said proudly, highlighting the power and potential of Indian content to resonate internationally.
Throughout the session, the focus remained on cinema’s ability to transcend language barriers and reach audiences across the world. Both Kareena Kapoor and Vijay Deverakonda acknowledged the increasing scope for collaboration between Hindi cinema and the Southern film industry, a trend that has gained momentum over the past few years. With blockbuster successes from both industries influencing each other and drawing global attention, discussions like these at WAVES 2025 aim to explore how such synergy can shape the future of Indian entertainment.
Karan Johar, known for his influential work in Bollywood and his role in launching several actors’ careers, played the role of moderator with his usual flair. His question to Kareena highlighted how stardom is perceived differently by different artists and how some prefer organic growth over actively seeking international fame. Kareena’s candid response underlined her confidence in the changing landscape of cinema, where quality storytelling can garner global admiration regardless of the language it is told in.
The anecdote about Spielberg’s recognition of her role in 3 Idiots served as a testament to the global appeal of Indian films. 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor, became a phenomenon not only in India but also in several other countries. Its themes of educational pressure, friendship, and innovation resonated with audiences across cultures, furthering its reach and impact.
Kareena Kapoor, who has consistently remained a prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over two decades, has maintained a unique approach to her career. Unlike some of her contemporaries who have actively worked in Hollywood or made appearances in international media, Kareena has chosen to focus on impactful roles within the Indian industry. Her decision reflects a belief that quality content and powerful performances can lead to recognition on their own terms.
In her comments, Kareena also hinted at the possibility of future collaborations that blend Indian and Western storytelling. With the global entertainment landscape becoming increasingly interconnected through platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, the line between local and international cinema is becoming increasingly blurred. Kareena acknowledged this shift, saying, “Who knows, a Hindi-English film will happen.”
She further pointed out that the admiration of Indian films by global icons like Spielberg is a validation of Indian cinema’s growing influence. The fact that a Hollywood giant had watched 3 Idiots and appreciated it without her ever stepping into an English-language film set reinforced her belief that one does not need to chase global fame if their work speaks for itself.
On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor was most recently seen in Singham Again, a multi-starrer film that continues the popular cop franchise by Rohit Shetty. The film features several big names from Bollywood and showcases Kareena in a key role. In addition to this, she also starred in Crew last year, a female-led comedy-drama that was well received by audiences and critics alike.
WAVES 2025, with its focus on innovation and integration across the audiovisual and entertainment sectors, is designed to foster conversations like these that explore the future of cinema in a rapidly changing world. The event has brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, and policy-makers from around the globe to discuss the cultural and economic power of storytelling.
Sessions like Cinema – The Soft Power emphasize how cinema can serve as a bridge between cultures and ideas. Kareena’s presence, along with Vijay Deverakonda’s and Karan Johar’s, added depth to this conversation, particularly in showcasing the diversity and evolution of Indian cinema.
As Indian films continue to gain visibility in international film festivals, streaming platforms, and global box offices, the discussion around representation, content quality, and cross-border collaboration becomes increasingly relevant. Kareena’s remarks offered a grounded yet optimistic perspective on how the industry is evolving. Her belief that meaningful cinema can open doors without having to chase opportunities is a powerful message for aspiring actors and filmmakers alike.
In a time when entertainment is more global than ever, the WAVES 2025 summit is playing a vital role in encouraging dialogue and celebrating achievements. Kareena Kapoor’s Spielberg anecdote served as a fitting highlight, underscoring the fact that Indian cinema’s soft power is already being felt around the world—and that its potential continues to grow.