Renowned director Shekhar Kapur recently opened up about the unpredictable turns of his career, igniting discussions on whether personal choices drive destiny or if fate pulls the strings.
Kapur’s narrative begins in London, pursuing chartered accountancy—a profession synonymous with stability and prestige. ‘Top education, guaranteed employment, family, respect—everything was mapped out,’ he recalled. Returning to India for a cushy job and serene life seemed inevitable in that risk-averse era.
Fate intervened dramatically. Post-studies and initial jobs, he abandoned the blueprint. ‘I quit without knowing my next step,’ Kapur revealed, embracing uncertainty over security.
What followed was a whirlwind: stage performances in global theaters, film and TV direction, acting gigs worldwide, pioneering a digital venture in India, and academic stints abroad. ‘No grand strategy—just adapting to what life threw at me,’ he explained.
At the heart of his reflection is a philosophical riddle: Free will or predestined karma? Kapur highlighted life’s uncontrollables—birth timing, love’s arrival, heartbreak’s sting, death’s call. ‘We strive and hustle, yet doors open on their own sometimes.’
His journey from accounting aspirant to cinematic icon underscores a timeless truth: Life’s script may be co-authored by forces we can’t fully comprehend. Kapur urges embracing the flow, turning potential chaos into extraordinary narratives.