Arjun Rampal pens a letter to his younger self; says, “Don’t lock yourself up in a glass cage”
Arjun Rampal recently took a reflective look at his life and the experiences that have shaped him over the years. Having navigated different phases of his personal and professional journey, the actor penned a heartfelt letter addressed to his younger self. Titled ‘Don’t Panic’, the note uses the metaphor of life as a battlefield, with a general named ‘Experience’ leading the way. Through his words, Rampal reflects on self-belief, personal struggles, relationships, fatherhood and the importance of finding peace within oneself.
Beginning the letter, he addresses his younger self as someone full of energy, imagination and optimism, while acknowledging that life would soon put these qualities to the test. He wrotea, “Hey boy, all charged up, brilliant imagination, kind heart, fearless, competitive, sensitive, trusting, and oh! so optimistic! Well, boy, all these wonderful qualities are soon to be challenged in ways you can’t imagine. You’re on the cusp of the biggest battle called life. Led by a cruel but very intelligent general named ‘Experience’. As you encounter this general, you will be tested. In fact, your belief systems will be shattered.”
The actor then advises his younger self to remain calm while navigating difficult situations and not allow temporary circumstances to define him. He explained, ”In fact, never panic, as it’s temporary. As temporary as everything and everyone you have surrounded yourself with. Just breathe and observe and you will watch how this general dismantles the monotony of your self-inflicted identity and ego. It will at first distract you, causing you to forget your true nature and origin. It will overwhelm you with the range of emotions from joy to loneliness to despair. It will make you doubt you. It will make you question your value. It will turn yourself against you. Yes, it is brutal. But breathe. Don’t panic. Close your eyes and observe.”
Taking the letter forward, Rampal encourages his younger self to stay connected with the qualities that define him and trust that difficult phases will eventually pass. He wrotes, “Remember that loving, confident, energetic, kind-hearted, fearless, sensitive, trusting, honest boy. And embrace him tightly. Just know that the good part of the story is just around the corner. All these trials and traumas you experience because of experience is normal warfare, a smokescreen. It may and most probably will shatter your confidence temporarily, but it can’t touch your soul. Your biggest ally, your safe place, your bestie. The times you’re lost, scared and everything seems hopeless, go to your quiet, safe place. It’s inside you. Remember yourself kiddo. Nothing is forever. Nothing is permanent. So don’t hold on to emotions that drag you into a dark space. Let go. We are merely visitors. So be a good guest on your visit. Even if you made mistakes, realize them and rectify them. Do not repeat them. They were made to distract you.”
Rampal also reflects on how relationships and responsibilities would shape his journey, particularly as he experiences love and fatherhood. He added, “You will fall in love. Your heart will break. You will break hearts. You aren’t perfect. You will become a father, and you will falter. But you know what is right. You felt it. Your soul showed you the way when you were lost. And it will guide you again. So make it right. Heal the way you need. Heal at your own pace. There is no rush. Take the time you need. However long. You shouldn’t avoid the feelings that come up when you’re faced with hardship. Love your parents. They won’t be around forever. And when they are gone, you should have played your part to perfection. Be grateful for all the blessings in your life. Big and small.”
Concluding the letter, the actor emphasises the importance of making the most of the time one has, being grateful and choosing oneself rather than waiting for others to recognise one’s worth. He writes, “We all are here on borrowed time. So make the most of it. Be fearless. Laugh loudest. Create amazing memories. Give more than you take. Tread lightly. Listen more than you talk. Don’t lose your cool. Contribute. Stop making a mess and be a fabulous guest. Don’t lock yourself up in a glass cage. Don’t waste your time waiting to be chosen. You will spend years in disappointment. Your time changes when you start picking yourself. So explore this battlefield called life and turn it into a playground of peace. Then get that promotion and become the general you dreaded all along, called experience. Show others the way. Just don’t panic. You are allowed to be yourself,” he concluded.
Through the personal note, Rampal shares his perspective on accepting life’s uncertainties, learning from mistakes, prioritising relationships and allowing oneself the time to heal. His message also encourages people to stop seeking external validation and take charge of their own journeys.
Also Read : Arjun Rampal reflects on completing 25 years in cinema: “The industry is fantastic at stereotyping you”
The post Arjun Rampal pens a letter to his younger self; says, “Don’t lock yourself up in a glass cage” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.