Team News Riveting
Raipur, August 3
Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) hosted the 22nd edition of its distinguished intellectual forum, “Gyan Varsha, presenting धी: Rockstars of India,” on Saturday.
It welcomed Anuj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Chhattisgarh, and a pioneering
figure in Chhattisgarhi cinema and music. With a career that spans acting, music direction, leadership, and
public service, he inspired students with his unique blend of storytelling, grounded wisdom, and
indomitable spirit.
The session commenced with a traditional “Jai Johar” welcome, bouquet presentation, and a warm
introduction by Prof. Sanjeev Prashar, Director-in-Charge, IIM Raipur, who extended his heartfelt
gratitude to Anuj, who also holds the honour of being the first Chhattisgarhi actor to receive the
Padma Shri award, along with accolades.
Reflecting on India’s cultural psyche, he humorously yet insightfully remarked that four things influence
the Indian mind the most: religion, politics, cinema, and cricket. Drawing from personal anecdotes, he
touched upon his debut film “Mor Chhainha Bhuinya,” which was released just three days before the
formation of Chhattisgarh and became a blockbuster despite launching alongside big-budget cinema.
Today, with his impactful contribution, the Chhattisgarhi film industry has grown to over 300 films,
winning National Awards and recognitions in just 25 years, despite small budgets and limited markets.
Anuj encouraged students to see failure not as a stop but a step. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he
said, “When you fail in your final attempt, try once more.” He also reflected on the importance of
uniqueness and self-belief. “The only thing exclusive to me is ME,” he said, emphasizing that passion and
consistent effort outweigh talent alone. He also highlighted how diversifying into playback singing,
anchoring, radio jockeying, social media, and finally politics helped him expand his impact: what he
termed his “Gola Badhana” (circle expansion) strategy.
He concluded with soulful folk poetry from his band “Aarug – The Untouched,” and a message that
resonated deeply: “Success isn’t a destination; it’s a phase. If your goals are evolving, it means you’re
truly alive.”
With anecdotes ranging from Fiji’s Festival of India to his film inspirations, and lessons rooted in love,
humility, and self-awareness, Anuj Sharma left the IIM Raipur community profoundly inspired.
The institute is honoured to have hosted such a visionary who epitomizes the spirit of creativity, courage,
and cultural pride. His enlightening lecture reinforced within the students of IIM Raipur the mantra that as
future leaders of India@2047, it will be excellence—not conformity—that will define their legacy.
