The opening day of FICCI Frames featured an engaging conversation between actor Akshay Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during which Akshay asked if any Hindi film had inspired the CM and set a benchmark for leadership.

Fadnavis revealed that Nayak, starring Anil Kapoor, inspired him, and he also joked about how the film caused him a few problems. Speaking to Akshay, he said, “Films jo humko influence karti hai, not as a leader, but it influences, jo humari samvedna hoti, jo ek human feeling hota hai humara, usko films ek prakaas se prabhaveet karti hai, toh aise kahi filmon ne mujhe prabhaveet kiya hai. Jaha tak politics ki baat hai, ek film hai jiska mein jikr karna chahunga. Uss film ne mujhe prabhaveet toh kiya, lekin mere liye itni samasyaein bhi badhai, aur woh film hai Nayak (2001).”

Fadnavis shared that in Nayak, Anil Kapoor’s character becomes the country’s Chief Minister for a day and manages to accomplish an incredible amount in just 24 hours. He added, “Toh mein kahi bhi jata hoon, log mujhe kehte hai, ‘Nayak jaisa kaam karo. Dekho ek din mein kitna unhone kar diya... Kaise ek din mein unhone duniya badal di.’”

Fadnavis shared that he met Anil and told him, “Kyu banai bhai Nayak? Aap Nayak aur hum nalayak, aisa logon ko lagne lag gaya. Ek din mein aapne kaise cheezin kardi uske andar?”

Further, Fadnavis said that Nayak set a benchmark for leadership, but on a personal level, he explained that when someone works in the same field for years, their feelings can become dull and routine sets in. Watching movies, however, helps keep emotions alive.

“Mein aisa maanta hoon ki, film dekhne ke baad mein wohi ek normal aadmi ban jata hoon jo saalon se hoon,” Devendra added.