Mumbai, February 15 – Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur reflected on the importance of free will in one's life as he looked back on his unconventional yet fascinating journey from being a C.A. student to making films.
Shekhar recalled the time he went to London to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy, aiming for a comfortable life. However, destiny had other plans for him.
He wrote on social media, "That was the night I was leaving India for London to become a Chartered Accountant. Life seemed set. The best qualification one could have at that time. A great job when I returned. A high-ranking position in the marriage market. Membership to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, and a fulfilling retirement playing bridge with the then elite at the club. But it didn't turn out that way. I left after qualifying and working for a couple of years in London. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, so I just walked away. I had no choice (sic)."
The 'Mr. India' filmmaker questioned whether karma played a role in his journey, which led him to become a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
"Or was it destiny? Is there karma involved? I didn't do nothing. I acted and made movies/TV in India and Hollywood. I created theatrical productions in the West End, on Broadway, in Europe and Dubai. I created India's first digital startup. I taught at MIT, and I served on the boards of Singapore's Media Development Authority and the Dubai Expo. And so much more... because I had no choice... because I, like a child, walked through any door that opened... because I had no choice... I had no choice?" he added.
Admitting how little control we actually have over our lives, the 'Masoom' filmmaker shared, "We don't control when we are born, when we die, when we fall in love or out of love, or when we are betrayed (or betray). Looking back, I ask myself, did I control what I did, or was it supposed to happen? Or was I just rebelling? Or was I just constantly giving in to the flow of life?"
"Did I have a choice... or was it supposed to happen? Karma, destiny... really?" the director asked.