In our childhood, the allure of movies lay in the captivating portrayal of heroes and heroines on screen. However, as we grew older, the intricate layers of filmmaking began to captivate us, leaving lasting impressions that extend far beyond mere entertainment. Indeed, movies have the power to influence us in profound ways, shaping our perceptions and inspiring entrepreneurial insights. Among the plethora of films that offer valuable lessons, one standout example is the iconic movie ‘Guru.’
Abhishek Bachchan has essayed numerous roles throughout his career, but one of his most notable portrayals was that of Gurukant Desai in Mani Ratnam’s film, “Guru.” In this role, Bachchan brought to life the character of a passionate and ambitious entrepreneur hailing from Idar, Gujarat. Gurukant Desai’s journey in the movie is a testament to his dynamic nature, resilience, and self-motivation as he pursues his dream of becoming a serial entrepreneur. His character offers valuable lessons that resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs, making “Guru” a source of quick and impactful insights.
(1) Believe in Your Dreams: Guru Bhai harbored aspirations of starting his own business, despite facing opposition from his father who believed entrepreneurship to be a challenging path. Nevertheless, Guru persevered, working tirelessly to turn his dreams into reality. The movie opens with a powerful speech by Guru Bhai in front of a packed auditorium of shareholders, where he questions the conventional wisdom of not pursuing dreams. His words, “Mera bapu kehta tha, sapne mat dekho, sapne kabhi sach nahi hote, par maine dekha aur kya hamara sapna sach hua?” (My father used to say, don’t dream, dreams never come true, but I dreamt and look, our dream has come true), resonate with the audience, emphasizing the importance of believing in and pursuing one’s dreams through hard work.
(2) Self Confidence: Self-confidence proves to be the strongest support during challenging decisions: Throughout the movie, Guru repeatedly relied on his self-assurance rather than conforming to societal expectations. Initially, he chose to return to India from Turkey to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. Subsequently, he bravely confronted Arzaan Contractor. Later, Guru boldly fought against an IAS officer to ensure the continuity of market operations. These instances, among others, highlight the pivotal role of self-confidence in guiding Guru through tough decisions.
(3) Try and Try again: When faced with the setback of not being granted a license to operate in the market by established entrepreneur Farzan Contractor, Guru Bhai refuses to succumb to defeat. Instead, he takes proactive measures by approaching a journalist, highlighting the injustice he has faced. Through his persistence and determination, Guru ensures that he ultimately obtains the license from Contractor. This concept of “Maangoge toh milega” (Ask and you shall receive) is effectively portrayed in the movie, emphasizing the power of assertiveness and resilience.
(4) Grab the opportunities: Guru Bhai was a visionary opportunist, strategically planning ventures that were far ahead of their time. He meticulously observed the market dynamics, honing his instincts and ensuring clarity in his future plans. This foresight and preparedness played a crucial role in his ability to embrace success.
(5) Believe in yourself: Others may try to discourage you, claiming you lack the ability, potential, skill, or determination to achieve your goals. If you heed their words, you risk failure. Do not let the negativity of naysayers deter you. Instead, believe in yourself and affirm that you will succeed in your endeavors. Guru faced criticism from all quarters, including his own father. His senior in Turkey dismissed his entrepreneurial ambitions, Mathuradas doubted his ability to obtain permission to start a business, and Contractor insisted he was limited in his potential. Despite these challenges, Guru defied all odds and surpassed everyone’s expectations in the end.
In a nutshell, the movie “Guru” not only entertains but also offers valuable insights and life lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through the journey of Gurukant Desai, portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan, viewers are reminded of the importance of believing in one’s dreams, maintaining self-confidence in the face of adversity, persevering through setbacks, seizing opportunities, and above all, believing in oneself. Guru’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and unwavering self-belief, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. As we reflect on the impactful messages conveyed through this iconic film, we are inspired to embrace our dreams, face challenges head-on, and strive for success in our entrepreneurial endeavours.
