Movie Excerpts I found Inspirational

Of the many movies I have watched, I never realized there were so much of learning that the script writer had put for the audience. After watching them many times I learnt some important life and business lessons out of which a few I am sharing below.

From the movie Catch me if you can I like this line:  "Two little mice fell into a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned, but the second mouse, he struggled so hard that he eventually churned that cream into butter and he walked out. Amen." --- Frank Abagnale Jr. after he was asked to say grace 

 Movie:Boiler Room (2000)

Although I have not watched this movie, I came across a very interesting line -Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), lured by the promise of “a million dollars in three years,” takes a job at brokerage firm, J.T. Marlin, but soon finds out the true nature of their business.Quote: "A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock or he sells you a reason he can't. Either way a sale is made, the only question is who is gonna close?" --- Jim Young (Ben Affleck) in a tyrannical sales-training session. 

Movie: Steel Magnolias

Ever heard about this line "Smile it enhances your face value"? It was from this movie

Set in the fictional, Louisiana suburb of Chinquapin Parish, the movie follows the journey of six women and how they cope with what life throws at them.Quote: “Smile. It enhances your face value.” --- Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton) 

This one is from one of my favorite movies "American Gangster"

True story of the 1970’s heroin kingpin Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), the cop seeking to arrest him.Quote: "The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room." --- Frank Lucas to his cousin Huey (Chiwetel Ejiofor). 

The next movie is a delight comedy from comedy king Eddie Murphy! it talks about how many of us think. That we work hard and then we grow in the ladder and become something in the company and then we become rich! the dumb and the most illogical picture of richness that we tell ourselves is highlighted here

Movie: Coming to America 

Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) of the fictional African Country, Zamunda, seeks real life experience (and an escape from his arranged marriage) by moving to Queens.Quote: "I started out mopping the floor just like you guys. But now...now I'm washing lettuce. Soon I'll be on fries; then the grill. And pretty soon, I'll make assistant manager, and that's when the big bucks start rolling in." --- Maurice (Louie Anderson) to Prince Akeem and Semmi (Arsenio Hall) while they clean the kitchen at McDowells fast food restaurant. 

Another true eye opener is from the movie Citizen Kane. I havent watched it, its an old movie. But I love the theme and the line

Traces the life and times of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Wells), a fictional newspaper tycoon based loosely on William Randolf Hearst. The movie is about the relentless pursuit of wealth and power -- and what, in the end, it's all worth.Quote: “It’s no trick to make a lot of money, if what you want to do is make a lot of money.” --- Berstein (Everett Sloane), Kane's business manager 

The below excerpt is about competition and opportunity from another person's want! From the movie Scarface

Hardscrabble Cuban refugee Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, strikes it rich as a cocaine king in Miami.Quote: "Don’t underestimate the other guy’s greed." --- Frank Lopez (Tony’s Mentor) to Tony 

You wont believe me if I say, even Star Wars had a lesson to learn for all of us

The second installment of the sci-fi epoch, including Luke Skywalker's Jedi training under master Yoda.Quote: "Do or do not, there is no try." --- Yoda  

What is the most important thing we need in this life to be loved, to be succesfull, to be rich, to be happy?? Talented? Skilled? Knowledgeable? NO!! Not in the Long run. It is the Attitude that helps and nothing else! check out the movie a true story called "Miracle" released in the year 2004. I loved this one

"Miracle" is the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s quest for a gold medal. Quote: "You think you can win on talent alone? Gentlemen, you don't have enough talent to win on talent alone." --- Coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) to team USA before their game against the Russians.  

How can I not include Pursuit of Happyness? You all know about this movie, but one dialogue in the context of my blog here today stands out!

Based on a true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman trying to make it as a stockbroker and support his son.Quote: "You got a dream you gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they wanna tell you can't do it." --- Gardner, to his son Christopher (Jaden Smith)  

Many find it silly and stupid to be a grown up and yet watch cartoon movies! I despise that and opt to differ. I have a different perspective to animation movies, its afterall made by grownups. I loved this line from Finding Nemo

Pixar's instant classic about a clown fish’s quest to find his son, Nemo, who was swept away by a fisherman.Quote: "Just keep swimming." --- Dory, a blue tang fish, trying to cheer up Marlin (Nemo’s Dad)  

How can I not put my favorite persona in the world of Hollywood the great Tom Hanks. My wife would not be surprised if I write a book on Tom Hanks. I am a huge follower of his wit, character and overall charisma, the grounded to earth attitude and lots of them. i can go on, but here is an excerpt from the movie You've got Mail... yes the one with the beautiful Meg Ryan

Romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks as Joe Fox, and Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly, about two business competitors' anonymous online romance. Quote: "The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino." --- Fox to Kelly, in an ironic email exchange.   

The Last one has to be The GodFather! Many lessons from the learned DON - this is perhaps how the HR things at the job interview and many of us dont negotiate :D (Just kidding) no offense if any... This is just a post for fun..

The definitive mobster movie.Quote: “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” --- Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) to Johnny Fontane, hinting at the grisly way in which he will convince a film producer to give Johnny some time off. 

One more quote to end this blog from the movie "The Secret of My success"

Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox) is a young man from Kansas trying--operative word--to make it in the world of New York City big business.   Quote: "Everywhere I've been today there's always been something wrong--too young, too old, too short, too tall. Whatever the exception is, I can fix it. I can be older, I can be taller, I can be anything." – Foster, after being told he may not be right for the job. 

Any Given Sunday - Wow what an inspiring movie! Have you guys checked out the video I had shared about Al Pacino's inspirational speech from this movie? The below excerpt is a short one in addition to that video.

About a crumbling NFL team plagued by injury and infighting. Mostly known for Tony D’Amato's (Al Pacino) famous "peace by inches" speech.Quote: “No intensity, no victory.” --- Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz), owner of the Sharks, to D’Amato.

Thank you for reading the article. Hope you enjoyed it. Please dont forget to subscribe and/or click on +1 below. Feel free to share

thank you.. 

- Maddy

Quote Credit: Forbes
Image Credit: Forbes

Chinmuladri, Chitradurga, Childhood - This Diwali Special!

Oh Boy! the three Cs! Chimnuladri National High School, Chitradurga where I spent my most exciting years of Childhood! I am sharing a brief story of how I spent the last 2 days of Diwali vacation!

I decided to visit Chitradurga after 13 years, to visit my best friend from childhood, spend some time with him, talking, go back to school days' memories and drive back to Hyderabad.

It was a drive I never imagined can get so exciting. The 200 km from Bangalore to Chitradurga was a breeze, one of the best roads ever. Then meeting Dr. Sree Harsha, my bestest pal, one of my oldest friend, and his family was a blessing from God!

We roamed the roads of Chitradurga after meeting Harsha's family. Talking to Harsha has been so soothing, so calming, so pleasant, I have no doubt he makes an amazing Doctor. I enjoyed being with him, he took me to CNHS, a small government school where I have a huge book of memories, memories of fun, friendship and freedom!

Meeting all my teachers, who still recognized, loved and embraced our visit.  Treated us with a lot of grace and respect. The whole Aura of the school, to have studied there made me feel ecstatic. Its a small school at the end of the village, and our school uniform was a white shirt, a blue pant and hawai chappal!

Nothing much had changed but the school had started mid-day meals. Then the fees was about 600 rupees for a whole year, now its 700. That's it.
 I can relate to some posh school in a metro city, where the teachers would not be so down to earth, so humble and welcoming. They got us coffee and remembered our school days. We spoke in length about a lot of things before I bid adieu to them.
I also ate the Tomato masala made by Maulana near the school gate. He is a small shop vendor, sells some amazing snacks. Years have passed, but the taste was still the same. 

Then we had to drive via Hospet, Gangawati, Sindhnur, Manvi, Raichur, Mehboobnagar to finally reach Hyderabad. Pachu, my little brother was driving very carefully on the bumpy road while I took a nap in the car. We exchanged the wheel frequently to avoid fatigue and tiredness.

While driving from Hospet, on the way, near a place called Gangawati (I think), I came across something which I am not able to forget.

 Which is probably why I am returning back to the spectacle of a nice vacation, and every now and then frequenting that one incident that happened on the way back. That incident is the reason why I am perhaps compelled to write this blog.

 On the highway, I saw two men. I felt very bad looking at one of the men, young and strong, looked a son, holding the neck of his drunk father, the other man, on a cold night, pushing him on the street, dragging him home, in a violent way. The father was all wet and muddy, porbably he had fallen in a water hole or something, my heart just melted, thinking what could have been going through the old man's mind. Its his own son, whom he had raised, through all the hard ships, who was a kid not so very long ago, playing in his laps, whom he loves so much is dragging him today on the middle of the road! i couldn't do anything! but I have no clue why, but I still keep thinking about that incident. I feel very sorry for him, i pray it all gets better! addiction could have been his mistake but he or nobody deserves a violent inhuman treatment for any reason. I wish I could gather enough strength to help such troubled people, I know I will soon.

I am back to work now with a whole new perspective! But found out that my best office buddy, Rajat, has gone to Lucknow due to a family emergency, a demise of someone very close to him, dented a hole in my chest. Everyday, as I see his empty seat, I feel terrible for him, I feel very sorry.

Every year, Diwali has been very special to me. Ounces of learning, bounces of life, a trillion rockets of thoughts in my head, flower pots of learning, and yes, the dhamaka of bombs has kept me longing... Happy Diwali to everyone.

Below are some of the pics from my school

A friend whom I miss a lot

I once had a friend called Kaushik when I lived in Dandeli. Was in 8th standard, studying in a Govt. School.We were all probably 12 to 13 year old kids, but our class had a elderly group of kids upto the age of 16 to 17 as well. These guys were bullies, and all they did was to bully the rest of the class. Somehow they did manage to copy, cheat and get good marks in the examination. They were that aged probably because they had joined the school very late, I am not sure, I never really found out. But they were taller, meaner, stronger and used age to their advantage. But there was one guy no one could ever touch, he was the dude of the class and his name was Amit. My best friend. We used to play a lot of cricket together, trekked together and used to hangout on the shores of River Kali catching some Fish, or even trying out weird experiments like in the Dexters Laboratory. Amit was so popular because his father was a cop and thats why even the bullies were scared of him.

        Kaushik was the worst affected by those guys. They used to call him "Cow-Shit" as it rhymed with Kaushik. Kaushik had a strong stare, but just the stare. There was a gang of bullies out of which one guy called Yoginder was terribly insulting Kaushik as once he had lodged a complaint with the class teacher of his behavior. They had put Cow-dung in his bag. No action was taken, as if the teacher herself was annoyed with Yoginder. But Yoginder took things personally and started beating Kaushik everytime he found a chance.

       Kaushik usually kept himself away from everyone, he used to come with an old almost torn bag full of neatly kept books. He used to write very tiny letters, conserving the space of his book. Yes, he was poor. He was more of a loner. Learnt that his Dad had passed away 2 years ago and he was living with his mother and mother's brother. But he was a nice guy, we used to sit together, but hardly spoke. We did have a subtle understanding of his likes and dislikes and he had mine. We were pretty brilliant in the class and even few girls were hitting on us, it was pretty usual and its a sort of reward that paid for being smart. But, Yoginder had his heart burning in jealousy, I was least bothered, not sure what Kaushik used to think. He wanted to be a scientist, and we discussed now and then a lot about Rockets, and Space, etc.,., at that time he was interested in Time Travel. I assumed that he wanted to go back in time to be with his dad, and the idea then didnt sound ridiculous. Kaushik wanted to also build a hospital and treat people for free. He was the one who first spark the idea of "being your own boss", inventing things to solve problems. Kaushik was extremely good in science and maths. Always topped and always got 100 out of 100

      One day, while walking back from School me and Amit saw Kaushik's shirt torn, pant torn at the knee, and was walking with only books in his hand (his old bag was missing). As he walked closer to us, his lips were swollen and there was blood all over his mouth. My heart shrunk, I knew what had happend. Amit saw him and asked "what happend Kaushik, who beat you?" Kaushik didnt even have a word to say, he was still shanking. In about 10 minutes he could hardly walk and he collapsed sitting down and crying and we noticed that he had bumps all over his head and some finger nail marks on his chest. Amit and me knew what had happend. Slowly Kaushik spoke "I dont have new shirt or pant to wear. My books are torn. I have complained about Yoginder to the class teacher and he has sworn to beat me" and he could hardly breathe, he was crying.

    Learnt that Kaushik was dragged with his bag tied to Yoginder's bike for I dont know how long and then kicked brutally. Kaushik added "I go home, my mama will beat me up for getting into this fight. I have done nothing to Yoginder. I dont want to go home". Amit, held kaushik by his shoulder and said "you sit with me from now on and I will always walk with you. From tomorrow onwards come and play cricket with me". Kaushik slowly got convinced and probably he wanted to play with us as well. He did love cricket.

 
    From then on, things went well. Kaushik hung out with us and we had an amazing time. We went to Maulangi, and other water falls. We went to Ambikanagar and other places in the forest. Played with some rabbits and birds and yes, played a lot of cricket. Months after my father was transfered and I had to leave to Chitradurga. I took the address of Kaushik and Amit. Later learnt that Amit's father was posted to Karwar, he went there and I always wondered what happend to Kaushik. I kept writing letters to Kaushik. 1 out of 4 of my letters would get a reply with very less words.

        A Year later, I got a letter. "Kaushik is no more. Stop writing any letters to this address" and his Mama had signed on it. I was shocked to see that. I am sure Kaushik wouldnt play such a prank. I verified and learnt that he had truly committed a suicide. No reason quoted, there was no letter. I am not sure of the reason, although I assumed it was Yoginder. I tried to write some more letters, it came back stating there was no one at that location. I wanted to know why. But the lad had a lot of pressure on him. He was an emotional person wanting to be with his father, and he had a lot of dreams and visions. I was so sure that he would grow to become something very big and famous. I still think of the time spent with him and I miss him the most. He will always stay in my heart, and will cherish all the time spent with Amit, Kaushik and mother Nature in the forests of Dandeli. Someday I will visit the place and make a effort to tribute Kaushik. Of all the friends I miss, I miss you the most Kaushik.

Happy Dasara Festival

Day starts at 5 AM, the eve of Dasara Ayudha Pooja Festival,  I see my cute brother still asleep with his tiny palms half open, I was 11 then, Slowly an hour passes, we are all ready, slowly the Sun starts to rise as the soft rays peep in through the window, as we watch the round golden Sun shine up, we are all prepared for the pooja and I will always remember it. Dasara Holidays, a much awaited 15 day vacation from School, right after the mid term exam, everybody celebrating, and it was a lot of fun.
Later in the day, me and Pachu (my brother) loved playing in our little garden, watching the rain through the window sometimes when it rained and my best buddies used to jam up on our little terrace for all kinds of Games like Chess, Snake and Ladder, Business and the mandatory cricket in the evening at the Milk Colony and the Graveyard ground, those were the best days of my childhood.

My granny used to prepare the most delightful dishes along with my Mom's Cuisine, Dad's chanting of the Holy Mantras as the puja progressed, I never knew, I was blessed to be amidst such a blissful family.  There were no cellphones then, no Cable TV,  no Facebook of course, no hyped movies etc.,, and still life was just superb. The mood would be so cheered up, everyone happy, gearing up for the day, looking forward for the coming days, meeting relatives and friends, wishing each other for prosperity and good luck etc.,, Those were the real days, real festivals, true practice of our culture.

The difference now is, we have too many things to do, too much of crap to take, too much on our plates, the real valor and color in these celebrations has gone missing. We are still worried about a Project due, a Mail not sent, a work incomplete, a debt not paid, a gossip not cleared, a revenge not taken, a movie not watched, a heart thats broken (for a few), etc.,., Now wishing on Dasara means one SMS or a wall post. A lit Diya, exchange of sweets sometimes, and quickly get back to the same demeaning busy schedule with a fake smile on your face to show the world you're okay (not that if you are not anybody would bother), come back to the focus mode and continue the struggle.  

As I said, I will always remember and miss that day, because it happened every year till I was 16, thats when I stepped out of the house for College Studies and never have been able to live that day since then. Every Dasara, I miss my Parents, miss being with them. Just for what I thought I could do, I stepped out and since then every attempt every year this season reminds me of my family and I wish I get to be with them just like the old days. I miss my brother everyday, less he knows this is true and I cant even tell him how much I think of him in a given day. I want to show my Dad how much I love him, but he is miles away from me.
Even though cell phones exist, social networking is so easy, communication has advanced so many folds, though you are in reach of anybody within the click of a button, yet, nothing beats the traditional way of being together as one Family.

I will give up any of all that I have to spend one jolly day with my Family and getting to stay with them is all I want. Happy Dasara to all of you and I wish you all get to be with your loved ones and celebrate the days, wish you all prosperity and happiness....

- Maddy

Hiking into the days of Life

Some time ago, between me and my Dad's "Ego - Wars" my life was falling apart. While walking to school, with shoulders so heavy and more heavy was the chest - I was grim that no matter what I do, I wasn't good enough for anybody, I was in a Village, and I went to a Govt School. Nothing was good enough for me then. There was a complex of inferiority flowing inside my conscious soul all over and spreading through my days very badly like a viral plague.

When I walked into staying in the Big city -Bangalore, from being a Village boy, outshirt plain top and a loose formal pant with a hawai chappal I entered the first steps of my College Life. Met a friend who introduced me to the world of Jobs and Part time Jobs. I walked into a shop with a board that said "Part time Jobs". The job was to do a market research and involved in doing some surveys on potential business prospects. Thats when I realized why I had to come to Bangalore and why I had to choose to work. After that, I never asked my Dad money, infact I started giving it back.

         That walk led to another walk, and one day I decided to walk out of my house to a place I had never ever been. Thats when I ended up sitting in front of some HR from 'Transworks' in 'Next' consultancy. I was 18 yrs old then, with only 5 bucks in my pocket and a lot of weight inside my heart, I started my first job in 2004 and my offer letter had a joining date of June 7th with Rs.7,450 per month Salary. Balancing my college and dreams, teenage fun life and work I did that for about 8 months before I joined Dell. I just realized that the part time job I took, gave me the courage to walk to an interview, because I wanted a subtle regular flow of money from a full time job, than off and on payments I was paid in a part time job


         There was a "Walk in" interview for which I was sent by some other consultancy and I walked into it as instructed. Joined Dell, met some amazing people, learnt a lot and still very strong friends with my last team led by the best boss ever. We still keep meeting though most of us are no longer working with Dell, still we are a team.
At College, with all ups and downs, exams and complaints, somehow managed to fiddle with the Graduation. few years later we started 3iG Solutions with my collegemates. Now I know why I joined Transworks and why I met with some great people in my college.

         One Day my dad went to a wedding wearing a "Dell" Tshirt which I had won in some Rewards and recognition event. While he was sitting, a man aged around late 40s walked upto him and asked him if he works in Dell. When my Dad clarified the detail, this man went to pitchin for a job for his son who has completed his BE 2 yrs back and yet he is finding it hard to find a job. Well, that guy is still working for Dell, i refered him for a position and he is currently doing really well. I have some terrific memories of Dell. I never wanted to let go of this place and people. In my heart,  I probably never will. This, they know and I know. I realised why I had to join Dell. It was a moment of pride for my Dad. Since then, he never felt down about having a "not good enough" Son. since then, many such moments of Pride has passed by. I was making myself into myself...I was making a person out of myself.

          The walk continued to the next mountain when I got a call for a company that makes phones and stuff called Avaya in Hyderabad. I joined Avaya without thinking twice. I left all my favourite people, favorite places, food, family etc.,.,, I literally left the world I was living in and came to meet some more fabulous folks and live some more memorable moments. I was 23 yrs old, when I stayed with 2 other buggers who are very close to my life are Henry and Mangesh, I learnt more about Life. Some day ended up in Pune, and loved every bit of my stay with Vijay and Kalyan. While I met many and faced situations, I also met the Love of my life in Avaya, whom I had pictured her to be exactly she is now since the first though of how my wife would be, probably since my teenage days I had that kind of a thought. She is perfectly the one whom I always wanted. I know now why I had to come to Hyderabad. On 14th Nov 2010 got married to her, Veena, and she is adorable, makes my every day so beautiful. I never knew all this would happen. I got through as a Sr. Software Engineer, and I realized why she had to make an entry in my life and become a motivation and a reason for me to keep walking. Today I got an email from my Company HR Team congratulating me for completing 3 grand years in Avaya and it feels good. Feels good to see the distance covered. I came to Hyderabad with only 2 bags. Now I have a family of my own, I have a house, a car, and my beloved Wife! I have three families integrated into one! Yet, Future is so much unseen, inspite of whih the past has made me look forward for the coming days with a lot of excitement and energy.

 I sometimes feel like stopping and going back to what I was, in a Village, Govt School, and for today, where I have everything, and still hiking into the days of my life. Thats what we all do, dont we? Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. Above all, do not lose your desire to walk.  I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it..

At the end of all the thoughts, when I think of my Dad, I feel like he has been a great person. A Role model to me for whom I kept bringing the best of me and I still do. He foresaw life and he understood me. Sometimes doing the right thing may force us to take the hardest way, but, its worth taking it. He moulded my once brittle character to a insinuating and capable one.  I will always be thankful to him.

Just Keep walking, hiking your days into your life. Learn, Enjoy, forget, Live, Remember, Thank, Apologize, Share a smile, spend a rupee to the needy, keep seeking your dreams, just keep walking..things you will come by will be those what you need....
Walking takes longer... than any other known form of locomotion except crawling.  Thus it stretches time and prolongs life.  Life is already too short to waste on speed - ~Edward Abbey, "Walking"


-----------------------------------------
I want to thank god, thank my parents, my grandmom and grandpa for all their blessings and wisdom. - Maddy