The movie Lagaan has fascinated me for various reasons. Acting of the entire cast, wonderful music by ARR, superb script , wonderful direction the list is endless. But one of the key things that makes me watch this again and again is the fact that it offers valuable lessons on Leadership through its central character Bhuvan. So what does Bhuvan a small farmer have that makes him a leader.
Self belief
- One of the most important aspect a leader should posses is Self belief. If the leader does not have belief in his vision, then he cannot make another believe it. In the movie Bhuvan has ample self belief that is why he feels confident that he can beat the English in their game if they put effort. It is because he has strong belief he is able to convince the villagers
Ability to take risks for the larger benefit
- A leader has to take risks and Bhuvan takes one when he knows that if he can win the match they need not pay Lagaan for 3 years. It is a big risk as they dont know how to play cricket. He believes in the principle “ No gain without pain”.
Believe in Meritocracy and nothing else
- When he chooses the team he only thinks of how a team member can contribute to the team so that it can win. He doesn’t discriminate people in the name of religion, caste etc..and does not show any favourtism towards anyone. In today’s world how many of our leaders can claim this quality of nondiscrimination.
Willingness to learn wherever the knowledge comes from
- When the English Lady plans to teach the team Bhuvan accepts her help. He doesn’t say they don’t want any help from her because she is English. He doesn’t show any ego there. A leader needs to take the required knowledge from wherever it is coming. Ego should not be a barrier in understanding challenges and rules of other communities.
Learn to Pardon
- Every leader will face situations where his team members betray his trust. How he addresses this situation shows his strength of character. When Laka is betrayal comes out , the whole village wants to beat him up, but Bhuvan goes to him, speaks to him calmly and makes him his ally. Laka with the renewed energy plays a key role. A true leader is someone who makes friends even out of his enemies.
Lead from the front
- A leader has to lead from front. He should not be a person who sits somewhere and gives orders. Instead he has to be in the battlefield. In the movie inspite of being hurt Bhuvan stands in the middle. He builds a good partnership with one of the good batsmen in the team.It is because of the faith the team have in Bhuvan one team member sacrifices his wicket for him. He motivates the last batsman to take a single run so that he can get strike.
Have faith in Supreme Power
- Last but not the least a leader has to be humble. How much ever self belief he has , he has to know that certain things are out of his control. He needs the supreme powers blessings to take his mission to success. In the movie also we see Bhuvan as a believer as he prays to God to help the villagers. Yes his hardwork and belief get rewarded by God in the end in the form of a “ No ball” which goes for six.
I hope when each of us watch this movie, we imbibe these lessons also that it tries to impart. There is a leader in each and everyone of us and we can show some small leadership traits in everyday behavior also.
