Film star Raju was very famous in the movie world. The girls in the neighborhood were crazy about his smile, and children would shout “Hero! Hero!” when they saw him. Raju considered himself very stylish, but the real problem started when he developed a fear of water.
One day, there was a shooting scene where the hero had to stand under a waterfall and deliver a dialogue. The director said, “Raju ji, this is a very emotional scene; you must show courage.”
Raju nodded but was nervous inside. As soon as the waterfall started, Raju’s face became worth watching. When the water fell on him, he closed his eyes and stood quietly.
The director shouted, “Say the dialogue!”
Raju said, “Not yet… water has gone into my ears.”
Even after several attempts, Raju could not deliver the dialogue properly. Suddenly his foot slipped, and he fell under the waterfall as if he had planned to take a soap bath.
People on the set started laughing. Raju stood up and said, “I am a hero, not a water toy.”
The shooting had to be stopped. The makeup artist ran and said, “Sir, your hairstyle is ruined in the water.”
Raju angrily said, “A hero’s style comes from the heart, not from the hair.”
The next day, Raju made a big decision. He thought he must overcome his fear of water. He went to the rooftop of his house, filled a bucket with water, and poured it over himself.
The first time, he screamed loudly, “Save me!” But then he gathered courage and said, “I am a hero; water cannot defeat me.”
Gradually, Raju befriended water. The shooting was completed, and the movie became a hit after its release.
People in the neighborhood say that Raju really got all wet that day, but still remained a hero. And Raju still says, “To become a hero, you don’t need a sword… you need courage… and sometimes a towel.”
RAJEEV VERMA 