The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad chapter hosted a thought-provoking session titled "The Sun Within Me" with acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao and Srikanth Bolla, the inspiration behind Rao's latest film. The event took place on Monday night at the Hotel Trident in Madhapur, Hyderabad, drawing a crowd of over 200 FLO members.
Rajkummar Rao stars in the upcoming Hindi-language biographical film about Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired industrialist from Hyderabad and founder of Bollant Industries. Srikanth Bolla's story is one of triumph against odds, becoming the first blind student from India to study at MIT and later establishing successful businesses that empower the differently-abled. In a candid conversation with Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, both Rao and Bolla shared insights into their journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Bolla spoke passionately about his life experiences, recounting the obstacles he overcame in his education and career. He revealed how his parents' unwavering support, even in the face of societal pressure to give up on him, played a pivotal role in his success. Their compassion and belief in him encouraged Bolla to fight against the Indian government's refusal to allow him a seat in the science stream due to his visual impairment. He also discussed his relationships with influential mentors like Ratan Tata and APJ Abdul Kalam, emphasizing the value of persistence, ambition, and hard work in achieving success.
The conversation turned to women's empowerment, with Bolla advocating for the importance of education and equality for women in building a sustainable and value-driven society. He also spoke about his commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting the role of recycling and upcycling in addressing environmental degradation.
Rajkummar Rao then took the stage, sharing his own story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a leading actor in Bollywood. He recounted how he only had Rs. 18 in his bank account when he started, but his passion for acting and the support of his family, especially his mother, fueled his journey. When asked about his approach to preparing for roles, Rao spoke of his reliance on extensive research, keen observation, and his inner well of empathy to bring authenticity to his performances.
In her welcome address, Priya Gazdar emphasized FLO's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable world through its various programs and projects. She remarked on the importance of supporting one another and using their privileged positions to uplift those less fortunate.
"The Sun Within Me" was not just an event; it was an inspiring exchange of stories that highlighted the resilience, compassion, and dedication of two remarkable individuals. It left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the power of empathy and determination.