THE LORD OF YOUR OWN RING...

In the latest Hindi movie, ‘Ferrari Ki Sawari’, the twelve-year-old Kayo is an exceptionally talented batsman. His father, Rusy (Sharman Joshi), is an ordinary clerk in a RTO office. But, he wants the best for his son… He is ready to make any sacrifice… go to any extent to see that his son realizes his cricket talent. Kayo is easily selected for a cricket camp at the Mecca of cricket, Lord’s. But, the hurdle is the money required to fund this tour – Rs. 1.5 lakh!

The story revolves around this issue. The laughter and tears… the joy and frustration… yes, all revolve around this massive dream of a father to help his son go for the training camp at Lord’s… He wants to see his son where he deserves to be: in the Indian Cricket team!

The story has a story within. Rusy's father (played by Boman Irani), as a young man, was a brilliant cricketer, too. He was almost selected for the Indian Cricket team… Yes, almost. But, the story tells us how your own friend can conspire against you when it comes to a cut-throat competition. So, Rusy doesn’t want his son to end up like his father… He wants his son to be in the Indian Cricket team… He is an honest man… But, he is poor. Somehow, he has this bull-dog faith that his son would make it… The training camp at Lord’s is the crucial step towards this goal… 

There is frustration…

And, in the midst of this frustration, the little one, a huge fan of Sachin, consoles his father, “It is okay dad… I can train myself right here in Mumbai.” He adds, “Sachin did not attend a training camp at Lord’s… He trained himself right here at our Shivaji Park!”

When I watched this scene, there was a lump in my throat! 

Yes, the great Sachin Tendulkar 

did not need a training camp 

at the ultimate destination of cricket – Lord’s. 

The gullies of Mumbai and our own Shivaji Park 

were enough! 

 

The other day, I was reading a book by Mrs. Sudha Murthy. In one of the chapters, she so beautifully tells us the story of her husband, the living legend, Mr. Narayana Murthy. He was a brilliant student. He cracked the coveted IIT entrance-exam with flying colors. But then, when it came to joining this prestigious institution, his father made the young man realize how difficult it was to fund his studies. In the end, Mr. Murthy had to give up his dream of  joining IIT. Mrs. Sudha Murthy graphically describes to us how painful it was for her husband to see off his friends, the other aspirants, at the railway station!

But then, who has heard about all those friends who joined IIT?

Where did Mr. Narayana Murthy learn the tools and the ethics to found one of India’s most respected software giants – Infosys Technologies Ltd? Was it in IIT? 

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan’s son must have attended some fine business or acting schools aboard and in India. But, certainly not the legend, Mr. Amitabh, himself. 

Ditto for (Late) Mr. Dhirubhai Ambani’s sons.

Arjun, in spite of his great Archery skills, stupendous patronizing by his mighty guru, Dronacharya… and unmatchable love, guidance and protection by Lord Krishna himself – yes, in spite of all these advantages on his side, the great Arjun will never be able to inspire awe in our souls as the under-dog Eklavya does. He became what he was – a mighty archer – by just idolizing the same guru of Arjun – Dronacharya!

It is the sheen  of your talent… and the depth of your hunger…

It is the fire in your belly…

It is the steely strength of your resilience…

No. Lord’s did not make Sachin Tendulkar…

Nor did the IIT make Narayana Murthy.

I was happy, last evening, I watched this movie along with my young son. “Believe in your talents, my son,” I found myself telling, “Rely on the blazing fire in your belly... to become the Lord of your own ring!”

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pics.: Nilesh