HTLS 2024: Ajay Devgn announces next movie as director, will star Akshay Kumar in the lead

HTLS 2024: The 22nd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) concluded on Saturday. The landmark event brought together leaders and icons from various fields, including politics, sports, business, health and science, and entertainment, who engaged in meaningful conversations about innovation and development. On the third day of the HTLS 2024, notable speakers like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, Aditya Birla Group chairperson KM Birla, and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, took the stage....Read More
The day commenced with a keynote address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also released a commemorative stamp to celebrate 100 years of Hindustan Times and concluded with an engaging session with actors Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn.
Discussions on pressing issues like Israel, Ukraine and the global economy featuring EAM S Jaishankar and John Kerry took place. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also joined the conversation followed by KM Birla, who talked about India's potential as an economy and business ethics in present-day society.
HTLS was launched in 2003 to enhance discourse on critical issues, encourage interaction among leaders in important areas, and present international-quality thought platforms aimed at solutions.
The last 21 summits have been outstanding successes, with attendance by leaders from India and around the world. The audience included senior politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, business executives, thinkers, commentators, and analysts. Over the years, the summit has become one of India’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited forums.
At HTLS 2023, the global thought leaders discussed and shared their views on progressing “Beyond Barriers”.
Bollywood quiz: Politicians vs Actors
As per Akshay Kumar's demand, Sonal Kalra got the guests to play a quiz. Politicians Ravneet Bittu, Shazia Ilmi got all Bollywood questions right and Akshay and Ajay also made for a deadly team, getting all questions right.
Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar's favourite movies of each other
Akshay said his favourite movie of Ajay's is Drishyam while Ajay named Hera Pheri and Khaki.
Ajay Devgn-Akshay Kumar's next collaboration
Ajay Devgn announces next movie as director, will star Akshay Kumar in the lead. The actors did not reveal more about the project.
I left at the right moment: Akshay on giving up his Canadian citizenship
When asked about giving up his Canadian citizenship at the right moment, before relationships soured between the two countries, Akshay said, “Sai time pe nikal gaya.”
Bollywood lacks unity? Ajay's honest review
When asked about the difference between Bollywood and South film industries, Ajay says there is a clear lack of unity up north. However, he mentioned that there will never be any conflict between him, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan.
Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn on spotting genuine fans
Ajay Devgn raised questions about thousands of comments that land on a YouTube link of a movie trailer. He believes no real movie lover has the time to go commenting on social media. He also said that actors like him are least bit bothered about what is being written about them on social media.
Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn want politicians to be asked about movies
Akshay and Ajay agree that they do appreciate a politician or a leader's good work but avoid running them down for anything negative. Akshay jokes actors are always asked about politicians but never the other way round.
On Twinkle Khanna and Kajol's role in their work lives
"I have to show her the film," Akshay Kumar says wife Twinkle Khanna's approval to his movies matters a lot to him. He recalled how Twinkle speaks her mind and that's something he loves about her. Ajay also spoke about Kajol and his family and how he can depend on them for their honest opinions.
A meet cute! How Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar met
Akshay recalled how he met Ajay for the first time at Juhu Beach, thanks to his father, late stunt director Viru Devgn. Akshay then compared how their lives panned out, with their first movies releasing at the same time, getting married close to each other and more. Ajay tried to joke about his marriage with Kajol again but quickly changed track.
Old Bollywood charm stronger than ever? Ajay Devgn gives own example
Why is audience going back to old movies and songs? The actors call it the charm of the familiar. Ajay gave his own example of how he took takes a long time to decide what he wants to watch on OTT. Usually, one leans towards rewatching their old favourites.
HTLS 2024: Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn in conversation with Sonal Kalra
Akshay Kumar, actor and producer, and Ajay Devgn, actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur are now in conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Hindustan Times. The actors recently starred in Singham Again but Ajay is adamant that the success of a film and final collections is not always what it looks like.
Manish Gupta on Project ‘Vaani’, Google's diversity-inspired initiative
Dr Manish Gupta, Director at Google DeepMind, said that the same language in India is spoken in different ways, as the saying goes, "Kos kos pe badle paani, chaar kos par vaani" (water changes every mile, and language changes every four miles).
He mentioned that this diversity inspired their project, Vaani, which involved collecting speech data from all corners of India.
HTLS 2024: ‘Our goal is to democratize access to information for all,’ says Manish Gupta
Dr. Manish Gupta, Director at Google DeepMind, said that one area his team focuses on is languages. He explained that their goal is to democratise access to information for everyone, and they are constantly thinking about how to make it easier for people to access information in their native languages.
Dr Manish Gupta says technology should work for every individual
Dr Manish Gupta, Director at Google DeepMind, said that as technologies become increasingly powerful, it is crucial to ensure they work for every individual.
Akhilesh Yadav talks about his ‘friends’ and 'enemies'
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, when asked whether he has enemies, said that negative people, whether in Delhi or Lucknow, are his enemies. He added that he will only have people as good friends.
Akhilesh defends his party on nepotism charges
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said that not only his party but even people from the BJP field their family members in elections.
HTLS 2024: ‘My PDA pitch made BJP uncomfortable,’ says Akhilesh Yadav
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said he is very optimistic, and the hard work of him and his party workers was visible in the results of the Lok Sabha elections. He added that his pitch for PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Minority) has made the BJP uncomfortable.
HTLS 2024: Akhilesh Yadav says BJP built ₹1000 Cr temple, lost; I built ₹15,000 Cr highway, still lost
Akhilesh Yadav said that BJP people were concerned about why they lost the election in Ayodhya. I am asking what work has the BJP done in Ayodhya. The result is clear from the vote.
“I told the BJP people, you built a temple worth 1000 crores and still lost the election, while I built an expressway worth 15,000 crores and still lost the election,” he added.
Akhilesh says BJP failed to provide premier institutes, highways to UP
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said that the BJP has failed to provide premier institutes and highways to Uttar Pradesh. He added that despite being in power twice in the state, the government has not protected youngsters from issues like paper leaks and unemployment.
Congress-SP alliance led to BJP's defeat in UP, says Akhilesh Yadav
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that if the BJP had not resorted to 'dishonesty,' the INDIA bloc would have won 60-70 seats in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha polls.
He added that the alliance between his party and Congress in Amethi and Raebareli contributed to the defeat of many senior BJP leaders.
HTLS 2024: Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP leaders can manipulate exit polls
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, claimed that the INDIA bloc will win in Maharashtra by a huge margin. He also alleged that BJP leaders can manipulate exit polls.
HTLS 2024: Akhilesh Yadav's ‘PDA’ pitch at HT Leadership Summit
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said that the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Minority) pitch of the party represents the collective strength of these marginalised sections, which will defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
HTLS 2024: ‘BJP changed dates of by-polls because they knew they won’t win,' says Akhilesh
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, claimed that the by-poll dates in Uttar Pradesh were changed because the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) knew it was not going to win.
HTLS 2024: Akhilesh Yadav says RSS couldn't make an impact in Uttar Pradesh during LS polls
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said that people from the RSS had tried their best in Uttar Pradesh, but they could not make an impact because the people were concerned about the Constitution.
HTLS 2024: 'Batenge to katenge' most negative political slogan of all time, says Akhilesh
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, said, "No one has ever given such a negative slogan for India before, 'Batenge to katenge', but this slogan is causing allies to grow apart from each other."
HTLS 2024: Akhilesh Yadav talks about his early association with Hindustan Times
Lok Sabha MP and chief of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, expressed concerns about the pollution in Delhi, saying that the main worry now is how to breathe fresh air in the city.
He mentioned that he had spent some time in the environment department and now, he is focused on cleaning the pollution in politics, a task he claims to have successfully undertaken in Uttar Pradesh.
HTLS 2024: Trump won't open the door for a grand bargain with China, says Russell Mead
Walter Russell Mead, Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute, added that Donald Trump will not open the door for a grand bargain with China.
HTLS 2024: 'Putin will not give up the war unless there's some gain from it,' says Russell Mead
Walter Russell Mead, Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute, said that the West's support for Ukraine has not been about helping the country win the war. Instead, the goal has been to keep Ukraine fighting and prevent its collapse.
However, he added that after a certain period, the people may grow tired of the conflict and seek support. Mead added that President Putin will not leave the war unless he believes there is a significant gain from it.
HTLS 2024: Walter Russel explains Trump's ‘Friends and Enemies’ foreign policy style
Walter Russell Mead, Ravenel B Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute, said that it will be interesting if Donald Trump comes to power again. He said that there would likely be less ideological focus on American foreign policy under Trump.
Mead explained that while Joe Biden views the world as a contest between authoritarian powers and democratic powers, Trump sees it in terms of friends and enemies, caring much less about political orientation.
AI for cancer research? Dr Ash K Tewari's thoughts
Dr Ash K Tewari calls AI a ‘great equaliser’ when it comes to cancer treatment. He suggests that the world can take AI's help in identifying which person is at high, moderate and low risk for cancer.
Prostate cancer is a silent killer, says Dr Ash K Tewari
"When the cancer is curable, it will not produce any symptoms," Dr Ash K Tewari says. "My message is don't wait for a symptom in your prostate cancer journey."
Dr Ash K Tewari advocates for prostate cancer awareness
‘Prostate cancer is 95% curable,’ Dr Ash K Tewari said. But he clarified that this figure is for US while the figures for India are more bleak at just 50%. He recommends men to start getting PSAs done after they turn 45. This can be started earlier (around your 40s) if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
HTLS 2024: The first life Dr Ask K Tewari saved
Dr Ash K Tewari recalls the time he saved a baby from drowning when he was a medical student. The episode ingrained in him the importance of being quick.
Dr Ash K Tewari on the biggest culprits behind cancer
“Smoking is one of the main reasons behind cancer of the lungs and other parts,” says Dr Ash K Tewari. He also talked about how diabetes can make things difficult for patients. “Diet, lifestyle, stress can have a big impact.”
Dr Ash K Tewari talks about the most important part of treating cancer
Dr Ash K Tewari says the world has made great strides when it comes to cancer research and treatment. “The most important part is early detection,” he says.
‘Made in India label now commands respect,’ says Anil Agarwal
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, said that India is in high demand, and Indian people and products are sought after. He added that the way India approaches things is becoming a model that others want to follow.
People are eager to employ Indian talent, and the "Made in India" label now commands respect, offering the country the best opportunities.
HTLS 2024: Hindustan Zinc's goal is to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women, says Priya Agarwal Hebbar
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, said that her motivation to work for women comes from the diversity of thoughts. She emphasised that different ideologies are essential for the success of any business.
She added that her goal is to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women in her company, adding that the progress of women is crucial for the progress of the country.
HTLS 2024: Anil Agarwal says semiconductors are crucial for development
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, said that semiconductors are crucial for the development of any country. He acknowledged that while this business is not his core strength, he assured me that he can still make a significant contribution to it.
‘Our mines are led by women,’ says Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, said that while she was in London, she always realised that India is her home and has worked to make Vedanta an organisation that provides opportunities for all.
She added that their mines are led by women, who are doing a phenomenal job, something that was once unimaginable. She also mentioned that the company has a policy of transformation, where skill development is highly appreciated.
HTLS 2024: Vedanta group founder Anil Agarwal on his early struggles
Anil Agarwal mentioned that during his time in England, people often asked him about his origins. He shared that initially, he did not receive a very warm welcome, but now, people hold him in high regard. He also revealed that his daughter, who was born in New York, decided to move to India as a way of giving back to the country.
India has explored less than 20 per cent of its natural resources: Priya Agarwal Hebbar
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, said that India has explored less than 20 per cent of its natural resources, compared to other countries that have utilised much more and created wealth from it. She emphasised that with modern practices, it is possible to carry out resource exploration while leaving the environment in a better condition than before.
HTLS 2024: ‘Oil and gas is my soul,' says Vedanta founder Anil Agarwal
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, said that the oil and gas sector is his soul, emphasising India's strong potential in this industry. He also mentioned significant advancements happening on the technology front.
HTLS 2024: Anil Agarwal says he judges wealth creation based on its contribution to society
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, highlighted India's exceptional risk-taking ability, which he believes is unmatched globally. He said that he personally judges wealth creation based on its contribution to society.
‘Bihar has immense potential,’ says Vedanta group founder at HT Leadership Summit
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, said Bihar has immense potential, mentioning its skilled workforce, the Ganges river, and fertile land where crops can thrive effortlessly. He mentioned that many industries were established in Bihar before independence and expressed optimism about the state’s future development. He believes Bihar will eventually see growth in tourism, industries, and various activities. Agarwal also shared his desire to establish meaningful businesses in the state.
HTLS 2024: Vedanta group founder Anil Agarwal on his social media journey
Anil Agarwal, Founder & Non-Executive Chairman of Vedanta Group, said that he initially did not know anything about social media, but his daughter encouraged him to share about himself on these platforms. He mentioned that at first, he felt insignificant, but later realised that there are countless stories and narratives around him. He added that the response to his presence on social media has been overwhelming, with people eager to meet him whenever he is out.
‘India has a great role to play in shaping geopolitics,’ says Liz Truss at HT Leadership Summit
Former UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss said that India, now the world's largest population and a long-standing democracy, has a huge leadership role to play in the future, which is very exciting. She also mentioned that India is part of the Quad, which is particularly important given the rising threat from China.
HTLS 2024: Liz Truss on Britain's economy and need for a robust bureaucratic system
Former UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss said that she doesn't think Britain's economy will be revived, and she doesn't think the national direction will be restored until the very powerful bureaucracy is dealt with.
HTLS 2024: Former UK PM Liz Truss says ‘Britain needs a bigger conservative movement’
Former UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss said that what is happening in Britain is that it has had a conservative government for fourteen years, which did not implement policies conservative enough, leading to the highest taxes in seventy years. She also added that the government spent 45 per cent of GDP, a record that East Germany would be proud of.
HTLS 2024: Attacks on free speech in the West, says Liz Truss at HT Leadership Summit
Former UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss said that the questioning of democracies, freedoms, and attacks on free speech are undermining the West and have serious effects on economies.
HTLS 2024: ‘West is in serious trouble,’ says former UK PM Elizabeth Truss
Former UK Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss said that the West is in serious trouble. She mentioned that the British economy has been overtaken by India, adding that great economic policies and reforms have taken place in India.