Out of the countless hit songs picturized on the charming Shashi Kapoor, who passed away recently, one particular song from Kaala Pathar resonates deeply with me: Ek rasta hai zindagi, jo thum gaye toh kuch nahi (This life is like a road; if you stop moving, it is meaningless). Every time I hum it, I discover a new layer of meaning hidden within its deceptively simple words. It's more than just a song—it’s a philosophy of life.
Shashi Kapoor's graceful withdrawal into retirement, influenced in part by his declining health, stands in stark contrast to others who have struggled with their exits. Across fields—sports, film, politics, or business—we've witnessed many once-revered figures fall out of favor. Some faded away as their talents waned, others spiraled into personal or financial ruin, and still others fled from the consequences of their actions.
Changing Times: From Fame to Obscurity
Take Vijay Mallya, for instance. A decade ago, he was the poster boy of Indian business, celebrated for his audacious style and diverse ventures spanning breweries, airlines, and IPL teams. He was a regular at high-profile events, even gracing convocations as a chief guest at prestigious B-schools. Many saw him as India’s answer to Richard Branson.
But then financial trouble began. Debts mounted, questions about his ethical practices emerged, and he eventually sought refuge in England to escape the storm. His story is a cautionary tale about how quickly fortunes can change.
The sports world offers similar examples. Tiger Woods, once the pride of the golfing world, faced a massive fall from grace. Cyclist Lance Armstrong, celebrated for his unmatched success in the Tour de France, saw his reputation crumble. Closer to home, cricketers like Ajay Jadeja and Mohammed Azharuddin fell into disrepute over match-fixing scandals.
The common thread in these stories is how swiftly a single event or series of events can upend lives once held in high esteem.
The Psychology of Denial
A psychologist friend once shared an insight that has stayed with me: “When people fall from the peak of their success, they often can’t accept that they’re no longer at the top. They’ve tricked their minds into believing that nothing bad can happen to them - they feel invincible.”
This mindset, this refusal to acknowledge reality, creates a dangerous bubble. For some, the sycophants around them reinforce this delusion, shielding them from the truth. For others, denial becomes a coping mechanism - a way to avoid confronting uncomfortable realities. Regardless of the reason, the result is often the same: a delayed response to crises and a failure to adapt.
A Tale of Two Stars: Bachchan and Khanna
Consider the contrasting journeys of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna. Once the reigning superstar of romantic films, Khanna’s career faded with the rise of Bachchan’s action-packed persona. Unable to adapt, Khanna slipped into semi-retirement and never regained his former glory. When he passed away, he was remembered as a star of the past.
Bachchan, on the other hand, faced his own challenges - financial troubles with his company ABCL, declining stardom, and mounting debts. Yet, he fought back, reinventing himself with Kaun Banega Crorepati and carving out a new chapter in his career. Today, even at 75, he remains one of the most respected and busiest actors, a testament to resilience and adaptability.
Examples on Both Sides
History is filled with examples of individuals who either succumbed to their struggles or emerged stronger. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf, poet Sylvia Plath, and actor Guru Dutt battled personal demons that ultimately claimed their lives.
On the other hand, figures like Indira Gandhi demonstrated remarkable resilience. After facing severe criticism during the Emergency, she returned to power, proving her mettle as a leader. Abraham Lincoln, too, faced countless failures before achieving greatness. Viktor Frankl endured the horrors of concentration camps during World War II, only to write the deeply inspiring Man’s Search for Meaning.
Lessons Learned
The lives of the famous and talented are rarely as glamorous as they seem. Adversity is a common thread, and how one responds to it often determines the arc of their story. Reflecting on these stories, I see five key lessons:
1. Fame and happiness are not synonymous. Achieving fame requires effort, but so does maintaining personal happiness.
2. Resilience isn’t innate. It’s a skill that must be cultivated, especially in the face of adversity.
3. Support systems matter. A strong family foundation or spiritual anchor can make all the difference.
4. Change is inevitable. Those who fail to adapt are more likely to falter.
5. Success is fleeting. True strength lies in separating one’s identity from one’s achievements.
These stories, whether of triumph or tragedy, remind me that life is like a road - it keeps moving, and so must we.
Disclaimer: The intent of this piece is not to judge or criticize but to analyze and draw insights from real-life experiences.
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