Category Archives: 1-By Laksh

All these articles are from Laksh’s desk

1-By Laksh

Life Lessons from ‘Lakshmi Nivasam’ and its Relevance to Peter Drucker’s ‘Managing Oneself’

Leave a comment

Time and money: image generated by author and DALL.E-3

Time is very important. Some people say time is like money. But actually, time is even more valuable than money. This is because, if we lose money, we can make it back. But if we lose time, we can never get it back. 

In the clip above, the main character, portrayed brilliantly by actor SV Ranga Rao, teaches us about the importance of time, saving money, and hard work in the initial scenes. This scene is a perfect example of SV Ranga Rao’s ability to capture the essence of his character and deliver a powerful message. In the scene, he is seen meticulously explaining the value of time and money, emphasizing that each moment is precious and should not be wasted. He highlights the importance of saving even a small amount of money, as it can accumulate over time and become a significant sum. His words underscore the necessity of hard work and dedication, encouraging us to strive for our goals with relentless commitment. The scene is not just a lesson in financial wisdom, but also in life values, making it a vital part of the film. It’s no surprise that Rao’s performance left a lasting impression on viewers, further cementing his status as a respected figure in the cinema industry.

About Lakshmi Nivasam: ‘Lakshmi Nivasam’ is a successful Telugu drama film from 1968, directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao and written by Aarudra. This movie is a remake of the Kannada film ‘Dudde Doddappa’ from 1966. The cast includes notable actors such as S. V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi, Krishna, Vanisri, Sobhan Babu, Bharathi, V. Nagayya, Ram Mohan, and Padmanabham. The plot revolves around Subbaiah, a self-made man who wishes for a better life for his children. However, his family leads a materialistic life, leading Subbaiah to teach them a lesson with the help of his former employee, Gopal, and his children.

Taking a cue from Peter Drucker’s ‘Managing Oneself’, it is evident that the themes of time management, identifying one’s strengths, and self-improvement resonate vividly through the movie ‘Lakshmi Nivasam’. The character of Subbaiah, much like Drucker’s ideal individual, understands the importance of time, equating it to a resource more valuable than money. He is aware of his strengths and leverages them to educate his family about the importance of hard work and saving money. Subbaiah’s method of teaching his family a lesson about materialism mirrors Drucker’s advice on self-management and taking responsibility for one’s actions and relationships. Just as Drucker emphasizes the need for constant learning and adaptation, Subbaiah too embodies these principles, making the movie a practical illustration of the concepts discussed in ‘Managing Oneself’.

Unlocking Your Potential: Review and Reflection on ‘Managing Oneself’ by Peter Drucker

In conclusion, ‘Lakshmi Nivasam’ offers more than just entertainment – it provides valuable life lessons that align with the principles of effective self-management as outlined by Peter Drucker. As viewers, we learn the importance of valuing time over material wealth, recognizing and utilizing our strengths, and taking responsibility for our actions. The movie beautifully demonstrates these principles through Subbaiah’s journey, making it a timeless piece of cinema that continues to inspire viewers. Thus, ‘Lakshmi Nivasam’ serves as a reminder that the path to success and fulfillment lies in effective self-management, a lesson that is as relevant today as it was when the movie was first released.

1-By Laksh, Books

The Making of Don: A Riveting Journey with Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood’s Iconic Classic

Leave a comment

“The Making of Don” is a remarkable book that delves into the behind-the-scenes journey of the iconic Bollywood film ‘Don.’ Authored by Krishna Gopalan, this book offers a unique perspective on the making of a classic commercial masala entertainer, which has earned a cult status among audiences.

One of the standout features of this book is its direct access to the film’s director, Chandra Barot, who shares his insights and experiences. This access allows the author to provide readers with an engaging and thrilling narrative filled with twists and turns, much like the film itself.

The book sheds light on the challenges faced during the production of ‘Don.’ It reveals that the film had limited funding, and producer Nariman Irani was in a make-or-break situation. The lead actors, including the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, and Pran, were all busy with other commitments, making scheduling a significant challenge. Despite these obstacles, the team managed to pull together and create a cinematic masterpiece.

What sets ‘The Making of Don’ apart is its ability to uncover lesser-known anecdotes and stories related to the film’s production. Some of these anecdotes include how used sets from other films were repurposed for ‘Don,’ how costumes were sourced from roadside vendors, and how Chandra Barot lost a significant sum of his own money due to unforeseen circumstances.

The book also explores how the very concept of ‘Don’ was initially met with skepticism within the Bollywood industry. It was considered a risky venture, especially given the limited resources available for a film of this scale. Despite the doubts, the team, led by Chandra Barot, persisted and created a cinematic gem.

Moreover, ‘The Making of Don’ provides readers with a glimpse into the personalities and interactions of the cast and crew. It highlights moments such as Amitabh Bachchan’s initial doubts about playing a double role with a villainous streak, Zeenat Aman missing out on the iconic song ‘Main Hoon Don,’ and how Manoj Kumar suggested adding the hit song ‘Khaike Paan Banaras Wala’ in the second half to provide some respite to the audience.

In addition to these behind-the-scenes stories, the book touches on the support the filmmaker received from the film fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, who was willing to forgo a significant portion of his remuneration to support the project. The reuse of sets and the dedication of the actors, particularly Amitabh Bachchan, added to the collaborative spirit that made ‘Don’ a remarkable cinematic achievement.

Overall, ‘The Making of Don’ is a must-read for Bollywood enthusiasts and anyone interested in the filmmaking process. It offers a captivating narrative that brings to life the challenges, creativity, and determination that went into creating this timeless classic. With a rating of four stars, it’s evident that this book is a valuable addition to the literature on Bollywood’s cinematic history.”

1-By Laksh

On Managing Stress: Insights from Cinema, Business Leaders, Self-Management Literature, and Spiritual Texts

Leave a comment

“Oh God!”

Divine Grooming Tips: Finding Normalcy Amid Chaos in ‘Oh God’In the film ‘Oh God’, God shows up in a bathroom. When the main character feels like he’s going to pass out, God tells him to shave.

He says, “Sometimes when you don’t feel normal, doing a normal thing makes you feel normal.”

Image generated by author using Bing

Jeff Bezos’s Approach to Stress Management and Self-Management Literature

https://x.com/BUILD_OR_DIE/status/1737912827518812314?s=20

Jeff Bezos also shares a similar tip on handling stress. In a viral video, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, shares his approach to dealing with stress. He emphasizes the importance of taking a step back, gaining perspective, and focusing on the variables within one’s control.

Bezos is known for his ‘two-pizza rule’ for meetings, which suggests that teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas. This is an example of his belief in maintaining a manageable scope of work and interpersonal dynamics to reduce stress.

Additionally, Bezos advises practicing regular reflection and self-analysis. This habit aligns with the principles outlined in Peter F. Drucker’s book “Managing Oneself”. In the book, Drucker emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s strengths, performing effectively, and determining personal values.

Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” also shares parallels with these ideas. Covey’s first habit, ‘Be Proactive’, encourages individuals to focus on their circle of influence, which are things they can do something about, rather than their circle of concern, which are things they have no control over. This aligns with Bezos’ advice to concentrate on variables within one’s control.

Covey’s second habit, ‘Begin with the End in Mind’, advocates for self-reflection and understanding one’s personal and professional goals. This resonates with Drucker’s emphasis on understanding one’s strengths and personal values.

Covey’s third habit, ‘Put First Things First’, is about prioritizing tasks based on importance rather than urgency, which echoes Bezos’ ‘two-pizza rule’ for maintaining a manageable scope of work.

Furthermore, Covey’s habit of ‘Sharpen the Saw’ which encourages regular self-renewal and self-care, aligns well with the idea of maintaining normalcy to manage stress, as advised in the movie ‘Oh God’.

Spiritual Insights from the Bhagavad Gita and Shirdi Sai Baba

Karma Yoga: A Unifying Principle in Diverse Teachings

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, also provides profound insights on managing stress. As a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, it reveals spiritual truths and secrets of Yoga, Vedanta, Bhakti, and Karma, which can be applied to daily life for self-realization and spiritual upliftment.

One of the most important teachings from the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of detached involvement. This means to perform one’s duties without attachment to the results or outcomes, which can significantly reduce stress that often comes from worry about success or failure.
Moreover, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to maintain equanimity, a balanced mind, in all circumstances, whether in success or failure, gain or loss, pleasure or pain. This mental steadiness or calmness in all situations is a key to managing stress.

The teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba also provide valuable insights on managing stress and finding inner peace. Sai Baba, an esteemed spiritual guru of India, emphasized the importance of surrendering completely to a higher power and meditating on it. This practice can create a sense of calm and reduce anxiety, helping individuals to manage stress effectively.

He also taught that the observance of silence can be a form of praise and a way to cultivate inner peace. The act of silence, in this context, can be seen as a form of meditation, aiding in the reduction of stress and fostering a sense of tranquility.

Furthermore, Sai Baba stressed on the idea of detached involvement, similar to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. He urged his followers to perform their duties without attachment to the results, thereby reducing the stress that comes from worrying about outcomes.

In one of his stories, Sai Baba highlighted the importance of controlling one’s senses and maintaining a pure heart. He advised that while it is natural for the senses to appreciate the beauty of the world, one should not be swayed by them or crave for their objects. This teaching resonates with the need for self-control and balance in managing stress.

Embracing Tranquility in Leadership: Insights from Thyagaraja’s “Saantamu Leka”

In conclusion, wisdom from diverse sources – the film ‘Oh God’, Jeff Bezos’ practical approaches, Peter Drucker’s introspective strategies, Stephen Covey’s habits, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and Shirdi Sai Baba’s spiritual insights – converge on a central theme: the pivotal role of self-awareness, perspective, and balance in managing stress effectively. They all emphasize the necessity for individuals to comprehend and concentrate on their sphere of influence, engage in regular self-reflection, and prioritize tasks effectively. The amalgamation of these principles into our everyday lives can enable us to better navigate the hurdles we encounter, alleviate stress, and bolster overall productivity and well-being.