Friday 13 January 2017

“Leadership Lessons from Chiranjeevi, India’s Megastar” ― Professor M.S.Rao








Happy Sankranti and Pongal!

“I'm not an ambitious person. I'm very content, and I have no pending dreams. God has given me so much, and if there's one thing I really want to do, it's to serve the people.” — Chiranjeevi


India’s megastar, Chiranjeevi was back to Tollywood after a gap of almost a decade in January 2017 with his film ‘Khaidi No. 150.’ It was a matter of excitement for Telugu people across the world. There were whispers within the political and film industry that Chiranjeevi was finished forever. Several people in politics and film industry openly criticized for his failures. Some critics went to the extent of hitting him below the belt. They failed to recognize that immortality lies in his name. Of course, Chiranjeevi never reacts but only acts and responds positively to criticism. In fact, every leader has his ups and downs, and Chiranjeevi is no exception.  

When the boss was back (Chiranjeevi) to the Tollywood, people celebrated his 150th film ‘Khaidi No. 150’ with excitement. His fans across the world including in USA conducted car rallies and went to cinema halls to enjoy his film. Because of his film, the festival of Sankranthi has started on 11th January 2017 itself. This massive hit is possible because entire team of the movie worked voluntarily very hard not for remuneration but to see the megastar back on the screen again as a number one hero. What goes around comes around. Chiranjeevi helped many people in the film industry, and that has paid him rich dividends now.  


Chiranjeevi ― A Self-Made Man

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” ― Pele

Chiranjeevi is a self-made actor who rose from ranks without anybody’s support. He is a role model for achievers and aspiring actors for his hard work, discipline and dedication. He voluntarily gave up film career and floated Praja Rajyam Party to bring social justice. His party’s merger into Congress Party was not appreciated by many people. It adversely affected his image and cost his political career. Currently he is in political hibernation. He underwent several failures and insults for eight years. It has made him as a stronger person and a better leader. For Chiranjeevi, failure is only a comma, not a full stop. He is a continuous learner, and has the great habit of learning lessons from failures and moving forward with energy and enthusiasm.

After he left the film industry several stars surfaced. Thanks to Chiranjeevi for creating vacuum in the Telugu film industry and paving the way for many actors including Pawan Kalayan to become stars! Now the boss is back with a bang!


Leadership Lessons from Chiranjeevi

“It so happens that after a certain stage, we have to give in to the wishes of the people rather than your own satisfaction. I look at it as my responsibility to satisfy the wishes of the people more than mine.” — Chiranjeevi

Several analysts fail to understand how Chiranjeevi rose like Phoenix. The fact is that Indian audiences are always loyal to their heroes irrespective of the films’ outcome. That is the strength for Chiranjeevi! Here are some leadership lessons to learn from him.
  • Age is not a deterrent. Age is not an obstacle to pursue your passions and accomplish your goals and objectives. When your passion is strong, you can start your life at any age.  
  • Failure is only a comma, not a full stop. Everyone fails at some time in life. In fact, failure teaches many lessons for the people if they are willing to learn lessons to grow as better human beings. Remember, tumble makes people humble. Ben Stein once remarked, “It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated…it is finished when it surrenders.”
  • Hard work pays. Although Chiranjeevi had rich experience in acting, he didn’t take it for granted. He worked very hard for his 150th film to come to a physical shape and improve his body language to suit to the audiences.
  • Connects with common man. Chiranjeevi knows how to connect with the common man with his simple dialogues rather than with lengthy dialogues that confuse the audiences.
  • Promises less but delivers more. He is a man of a few words. He stands by his commitment. He believes in hope, not hype.
  • Show the way for others. Chiranjeevi showed the way for other Telugu heroes including Pawan Kalayan, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej and Allu Sirish.  If there were no Chiranjeevi, there would not have been these heroes.

Chiranjeevi is the least controversial leader. Some individuals make irresponsible statements to draw the attention of the people, or to kick up controversies to be in the limelight. Chiranjeevi doesn’t believe in such cheap tricks and gimmicks.  

Chiranjeevi is a transformed man. Now he knows who are his real friends and foes. He should avail this new platform to do his best as a film star and politician. Chiranjeevi is an ideal example for others that everything is possible in the world. Tough times don’t last but tough leaders like Chiranjeevi do last.


Conclusion  

“I assure, the door to politics is never closed. Whatever medium is necessary to reach the masses, I will take that - be it cinema or politics.” — Chiranjeevi

Indians don’t let down their leaders. They have big hearts to forgive their leaders for the mistakes, and offer further opportunities. Hence, Chiranjeevi must learn lessons, reform and work for people.

Chiranjeevi must be careful about the enemies within and outside and take precautions accordingly. He must remember the people who betrayed him in the past and take appropriate steps accordingly to avoid further disasters. Above all, he must remember that people are Gods because they decide the fate of the actors and leaders. He must reinvent to entertain audiences, and evolve as a better leader to serve people. Jai Hind!



“Many think that the mark of a great champion is the nature and margin of their victories and the peaks they scale and reach. That’s only part of it. The mark of the greatest of champions is how they react and respond to defeat. That is when they become enshrined in our hearts and minds – as they rise again and into the immortal pages of history.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru

Note: It has been adapted from my book “School Leadership: Faculty First, Students Second, And Institutions Third” URL: https://www.amazon.in/School-Leadership-Faculty-Students-Institutions/dp/9387799093  Dedicated this book to Chiranjeevi who wrote foreword for this book. 



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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




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