Shah Rukh Khan gave a graduation speech at Dhirubhai International School and it’s all kinds of inspiring

It was a special day for the graduating students of Dhirubhai Ambani International School. The end of school can be quite a bittersweet experience.

On one hand, you’re sad at the prospect of leaving your sheltered safe space and yet on the other hand, a part of you is also excited about what lies ahead.

Naturally, a lot of emphasis and emotion is placed on the graduation speech that you’re about to receive and for the students of Dhirubhai Ambani International School it couldn’t get any better as their chief guest was none other than Bollywood’s Badshaah Shah Rukh Khan who delivered a funny and inspiring speech- one that you remember for the rest of your life.

SRK’s message in the 23 minute long speech was simple yet profound. “Be yourself. Be free,” he advised them.

He also went on to share nostalgic memories of his school days, admitted that he was a naughty kids, gave them some pearls of wisdom in true SRK style and also ended the speech with a fair dose of humour.

Here are some highlights from his speech:

On the importance of trying until you succeed-

"Whatever you're doing, do it once; then do it one more time even more carefully. Practice will make everything seem easier."

On the importance of believing in the power of dreams

“Feeling free.. the freedom to be yourself. To listen to your inner voice and never let anyone tell you who you are and who you ought to be. These are the only years in life in which you will be allowed to make regret free mistakes and as you do so, you will chance upon your dreams.”

On the pressure of board exams:

"There will be a time when nothing will go right. Don't panic. With a little embarrassment, you will survive."

"Sometimes in order to move forward you might need to take a few steps back. There's no loss in doing something that hurts in the short run but proves worthwhile in the long run."

On the importance of laughing at oneself

"Learn to laugh at yourselves at every chance you get. If you can manage to not take yourself seriously no matter how big or short you become or how trivial you feel, you will instantly disarm life’s power to beat you down."

What’s a SRK speech without some humour?

"My reason to be here is the same as your elder brother or sister being allowed to do things that you are not allowed at home. I am like them, but older. What I say may make sense to your mom or dad, who will remember it years later for the inappropriate things I am about to say tonight."

"But I promise to keep this crisp and short. 20 minutes, tops. Feel free to walk out in case of bladder problems. Feel free because essentially that's what my talk is about: feeling free,"

Watch the video for his entire speech. It’ll be the best 23 minutes of your day!