Two weeks ago Christopher from Canada sent us a note:
"Thanks for continuously sharing these amazing stories that serve as inspiration and enlightenment at anytime...anywhere. One suggestion though, while repeating the principle or idea highlighted in FR's, would it be possible to showcase such re-released principle or idea in another example or story? That would more flavors and put more gravity to the truth behind the principle/idea."
Well, here we go Christopher:
"The dream does not begin unless you do. Too many wait for just the right time and just the right place to act. The very act of waiting actually pushes the desired event away. You must do in order to be."
- From the book 'Ping: A Frog in Search of a New Pond', by Stuart Avery Gold
Story Line:
Last weekend, we visited a friend that we knew since our college days. While we were talking, she shared an interesting story about the fourteen year-old son of one of her friends in India.
This boy had big dreams to become an actor, but his parents were not very enthusiastic about the idea. The persistent son refused to drop the subject, and eventually convinced his parents to let him try - in exchange for getting good grades in school of course. So, photos were taken, and resumes were submitted to an agent.
A few months later, the boy got an audition call for a small new independent movie called Slumdog Millionaire. He was cast in a leading role, as the 'middle' Salim in the movie. For those of you who haven't heard, this small movie went on to win eight Academy Awards and worldwide fame.
This story got me interested in finding out more about the making of Slumdog Millionaire, so I dug a little deeper:
1. Vikas Swarup, an avid reader and quizzer, had not written anything beyond his school days. But after reading a news report about slum children, he got the idea to juxtapose a quiz show format with the life story of an unusual contestant - a penniless waiter, living in the biggest slum in Asia. He wanted to show that knowledge is not the preserve of the educated elite, and that even a 'street-kid' can possess the wisdom to win a quiz show. In 2005, at the age of 42, he took a shot at writing the book "Q and A", which was the inspiration for Slumdog Millionaire, and which now is translated into 40 different languages. The BBC has even bought options to create a film based on his second book, "Six Suspects".
2. Many others involved in this improbable success story have similar stories. The lead actress (Freida Pinto) has recently been signed for Hollywood films at $3 million. Two young actors who came from real slums have 2.5 million rupees in the bank for their education and upbringing. Most importantly, the movie has raised international awareness of plights of people in slums.
Reflection:
All of these people had the courage to follow their dreams. No one can tell when the precise moment your fortune will change, but your "Dream does not begin until you do ... you must do in order to be."
YES, You must Do in order to Be...Very profound
Posted by: Jim | February 26, 2009 at 08:05 PM
I can tell you the precise moment my world changed. I got a layoff notice exactly at 2.13 PM on Friday 2/13.
Posted by: Roger | February 26, 2009 at 08:08 PM
A story of a Muslim boy, rising from poverty to big fortune, in a predominantly Hindu country and winning an Oscar in Post 9/11 America...Wow! what else is need be said?
Posted by: Reshma | February 26, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Resma: The story of Muslim Boy winning the big prize is only the imagination of the script writer. What is real is that the cast was combination of people of many faiths: Muslim(Iffran Khan, Music by AK Rahman), Christian Lead Actress (Freida Pinto) and Hindu/other faiths( Dev Patel etc..) Yes, winning an award in Post 9/11 America is something special.
Posted by: Adrian | February 26, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Thank you Adrien. just to add one more point, as per the original book Q&A by Vikas Swarup, the lead role does not belong to any religion and the character was named Ram Mohammed Thomas. This is just to say when we decide to pursue our dreams, nothing can come between us and the success if we are persistent about going after our dreams.
Posted by: Gayathri | February 26, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Sent by a friend from Japan
Man Bites 'Slumdog'
Don't let the movie mislead you: there are no fairy-tale endings for most of India's street kids. I was one of them myself.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/185798/page/1
Posted by: From a friend from Japan | February 27, 2009 at 06:52 AM
I think this story is not about Slumdog. The theme is about people taking Actions for thier Dreams.
Posted by: CK | February 27, 2009 at 07:26 AM
I believe the real message in this story is that although it feels good to help and many people do need a 'hand up', it takes personal initiative to shape your own life. If you don't really want a better life and 'Do' something to get it, you will not get it.
Posted by: Cindie | February 27, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Yes, you never know where a particular fork in the road will take you.
Had I chosen to attend UCLA versus CAL Berkeley (Go Bears!), I don't think that I would be working for a major Silicon Valley company today. Had I chosen to work in a factory versus a global procurement organization, I don't think that I would have had the opportunity to visit many places in the US, Asia, and Europe. Had I not chosen to explore internal quality audits, I don't think that I would have met some key coaches and mentors that have helped me with my work and personal life.
Yes, you never know where a particular fork in the road will take you.
Posted by: California Guy | February 27, 2009 at 09:06 AM