The king's speech

From sharing words of wisdom to explaining the bright side of failure in easy words, Shah Rukh Khan’s speech at the graduation ceremony of Dhirubhi Ambani International School was truely inspiring

He has been there and done that. Think of rising above all the obstacles that life throws at you and you have one clear name in the crowd — Shah Rukh Khan. The story of his life is no less than a tale of rags to riches, and today he is a self made man. And when you have someone like him addressing a graduation ceremony, citing incidents from his struggles and passing on words of wisdom — you hang on to them.

Recently the actor was invited to address the graduating batch of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, his speech probably inspired everyone, coupled with his penchant for introducing a few witty comments at a few places.

Here are a few life lessons that we picked from his speech:

• Don’t let anyone tell you who you are and what you ought to be, listen to your inner voice.
• When you will be 50, you will know that the bulk of your regrets are from not having done what you wished to do.
• Taking your blessings for granted is the most stupid thing to do.
• Sometimes the queen looks attractive but if she gets taken by an adversary straight after you have saved her, then you might be better off saving your castle or the bald bishop instead. So don’t always choose what seems most desirable if something tells you it might get you into trouble.
• learn to laugh at yourself and don't take yourself seriously no matter what you become. It makes you braver and changes your perspective. Without a sense of humour, the world will be a dull, dreary place. Humour is the only ticket to being childlike and innocent.
• If you are foolish enough to imagine that the little graces you are given are of no value, you end up nowhere. learn to look at the tiniest things that make your life special.
• Never be angry or hold a grudge against your parents. The choices we make for you are ultimately your choices, you are just not aware of it yet.
• Whatever you are doing, do it once. Then do it one more time even more carefully. Be diligent. Don’t just work, outwork yourself and nothing can come in the way of glory.
• All you want to be is yourself and you’re quite sure you know what that is. I'm here tonight on your side only to confirm your conviction as you set forth in the big, bad world.
• Think of every job as your first so that you have to get it right to impress everyone. At the same time, do it as your last job as if you won’t get it a chance to do it ever again.