WHERE COURAGE BECOMES A HABIT, NOT A MOMENT
Every phase of life echoes the same truth- "डरकेआगेजीतहै" (Victory is beyond fear). However, the significance of this truth becomes clearer each time we encounter it through genuine people, authentic struggles, and real experiences triumphs.
In Part I, this series started from the very roots of my life and family, not in fancy boardrooms or offices, but in the humble beginnings of those who dared to dream big. We explored the real-life journeys of Shri Raman Kapoor Ji, Shri A. K. Kapoor Ji, Shri Inder Bajaj Ji, and myself-stories that show courage is not something you are born with, it is something you nurture. Their shared message was timeless but straightforward: WHEN FEAR COMES KNOCKING, LET STRONG AND UNWAVERING FAITH ANSWER.
Part II carried that torch forward with the next generation-CA. Harpreet Kapoor, Advocate Kirti Bajaj, Anish Kapoor, Nidhi Khosla, and Naman Jaggi-EACH OF WHOM TURNED FEAR INTO FOCUS AND HESITATION INTO ACHIEVEMENT. Their determination showed that courage runs not through bloodlines, but through belief lines.
Part III took this philosophy to the silver screen. We celebrated the lives of Amitabh Bachchan Ji, Akshay Kumar Ji, Anand Bakshi Ji, and Asha Bhosle Ji - legends whose inspiring stories remind us of the timeless magic they created. Stardom begins with struggle, AND EVERY "A" IN THEIR NAMES STOOD FOR ASPIRATION, ACTION, ARTISTRY, AND ADAPTABILITY.
And now, in Part IV, destiny kicks off once more with familiar letters, but this time, the stories are filled with fresh hues of bravery. We are introduced to Ajay Devgan, the quiet storm whose calmness redefined what it means to be a hero; Alka Yagnik, the wonderful singer whose voice has touched many eras and feelings; Anuradha Paudwal, whose heartfelt devotion turned sadness into beautiful music; and Ashutosh Rana, whose powerful presence on screen reflects his deep and thoughtful nature off-screen.
Together, they remind us that COURAGE DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO SHOUT - IT CAN SOFTLY SHINE THROUGH, INSPIRING US ALL IN QUIET, POWERFUL WAYS. DISCIPLINE, DEVOTION, AND DIGNITY. Whether it is in life, law, or lyrics, the truth is simply this-THE SCRIPT MAY START WITH FEAR, BUT THE ENDING ALWAYS BELONGS TO COURAGE.
AJAY DEVGAN - THE POWER OF STILLNESS
(When Silence Spoke Louder Than Stardom)
In the lively world of Indian cinema, where glamour often masks the behind-the-scenes struggles, Ajay Devgn quietly established himself as a formidable presence, letting his work speak for itself. Son of Veeru Devgn, a renowned stunt director in Bollywood, Ajay's upbringing was rooted in hard work rather than luxury. His father spent decades behind the camera, risking his safety to make heroes look heroic. For a stuntman's son to aspire to be a leading actor was a bold move at the time. While action directors enjoyed industry respect, their children rarely gained recognition. Yet, BRAVERY OFTEN FINDS ITS OWN WAY.Ajay lacks the flashy looks and flamboyance of some peers, but his ordinary features conceal a determined spirit. Where glamour is absent, he compensates with grit, dedication, and punctuality-qualities he inherited from his father's disciplined action world.
When "Phool Aur Kaante" (1991) was released, Ajay Devgan amazed the audience with a truly unforgettable debut - he balanced on two speeding motorcycles. That single shot beautifully captured his entire outlook: a readiness to take risks, to rise above, and to lead quietly but confidently. It perfectly reflected the theme "Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai." His stunt went beyond mere bravery; it was a heartfelt message that he would define success on his own terms. Behind that smooth movement lay hours of dedication, careful practice, and the discipline he had learned from watching his father perform real stunts without the use of doubles or glamour.
In a time when many heroes are known for being charming and talkative, Ajay Devgan truly stands out with his calm demeanour. reserved, and almost mysterious presence. That peaceful stillness actually became his greatest strength. Films like "Jigar" (1992), "Dilwale" (1994), and "Naajayaz" (1995) showed audiences that he could convey so much even without words. His breakthrough was marked by "Zakhm" (1998), a film that showcased his deep sensitivity, followed by "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" (2002), which earned him a well-deserved National Award. These performances beautifully proved that you do not need loudness to be truly powerful.
Ajay Devgan's career is trulyan excellent example of dedication and passion. People often notice and appreciate his punctuality and readiness - he is known for arriving early on set, smoothly finishing his scenes, and avoiding unnecessary social gatherings. In an industry full of glamour, he's made a conscious choice to stay grounded. Over the years, that focus has helped him grow from just an actor to a filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur. His popular films - "Singham" (2011), "Drishyam" (2015, 2022), and "Tanhaji" (2020) - beautifully showcase hisexceptional talent for blending broad appeal with meaningful storytelling. Each role he takes on shows that courage can be both quietly powerful and inspiring.
Ajay Devgan once shared, "I WAS NEVER AFRAID OF BEING DIFFERENT; I WAS ONLY AFRAID OF NOT BEING HONEST TO MY WORK."This honesty shines through in everything he does. He does not chase after publicity or follow fleeting trends; instead, HE LETS HIS WORK SPEAK FOR ITSELF. His journey shows us that success is not always about glamour - sometimes, it's about unwavering dedication and inner conviction.
Today, Ajay Devgan is celebrated as one of India's most respected film icons - not just for temporary fame, but for his lasting influence. His journey transforms how we see a hero: it is about steady dedication rather than just loud applause. From being the son of a stuntman to becoming a SYMBOL OF SINCERITY, his life beautifully demonstrates the powerful message of this series - "COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF NOISE; IT IS THE PRESENCE OF PURPOSE."
2. ALKA YAGNIK - A VOICE THAT ROSE ABOVE EVERY STORM
The story of Alka Yagnik Ji exemplifies how quiet strength can shine more brightly than fame. Born in 1966, she stepped into the music world at a young age; her mother, Shubha Yagnik, a trained classical singer, nurtured her love of melody. However, achieving success in the competitive sphere of playback singing was never assured - particularly for a young girl with dreams that outgrew her circumstances.
Her earliest recognition came when she lent her voice to the iconic song from the Hindi movie Laawaris (1981) - "मेरेअँगनेमेंतुम्हाराक्याकामहै…" This lively, energetic number marked her introduction to the world. But it was not until Tezaab (1988) that she truly captured the nation's heart. When her vibrant, youthful voice resonated through the unforgettable hit -
"एक… दो… तीन… चार… पाँच… छह… सात… आठ… नौ… दस…बस! बस! बस!"
India has embraced its new melody queen with open hearts. Her song has sparked a cultural explosion, resonating in every lane and sung across generations. But behind this incredible success, there were years of dedicated practice, challenges, and emotional struggles that many didn't see. Alka Yagnik Ji's journey isn't just about receiving awards; it's about-facing life's storms with grace. Her marriage faced severe hardships, which led her to raise her only daughter on her own. For any woman, juggling motherhood, emotional struggles, and a busy career can be very tough. Yet, Alka Ji never let personal setbacks diminish her professional spirit. She became a loving mother and a dynamic artist, showing us, all that inner strength is the most beautiful music life can offer.
Even amid emotional voids, she continued to record songs that touched millions. Her voice carried pain, purity, mischief, romance, separation - every shade of the human heart. In 1989, she delivered some of the most unforgettable melodies in Saajan, alongside Kumar Sanu and SP Balasubrahmanyam. Songs like -
"जियेतोजियेकैसे, बिनआपके…"and"बहुतप्यारकरतेहैंतुमकोसनम…"
- became timeless treasures, etched into the hearts of music lovers. These songs were not merely sung; they were felt - because they flowed from a woman who herself had tasted both love and longing.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, Alka Yagnik Ji became the voice of nearly every top heroine of Bollywood. Whether it was the pure innocence of "कितनाप्यारातुझेरबनेबनाया", the heartbreaking depth of "दिलनेयेकहाहैदिलसे", or the playful sweetness of "मैंचलीमैंचली", her versatility knew no limits. She never competed with others; she competed with her own yesterday. That unwavering dedication kept her at the top for over three decades-a feat rarely achieved in the industry.
Her journey truly captures the spirit of our theme:"Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai" - reminding us all that beyond fear lies victory.Despite facing emotional setbacks and feeling lonely while raising her child alone, she remained strong and resilient. She kept moving forward - one song at a time, one sunrise at a time, inspiring everyone around her.Perhaps her greatest gift to us has been a gentle reminder that even if life doesn't always bring harmony, we have the power to create our own beautiful music. Today, Alka Yagnik Ji shines as one of India's most celebrated playback singers-earning numerous National Awards, countless Filmfare trophies, and the affection of millions. Yet, beyond all her achievements, there is an even more resounding victory that truly resonates.SHE WON OVER LIFE NOT BY FIGHTING LOUDLY, BUT BY SINGING SOFTLY.
Her voice resonates across generations, assuring everyone that pain can transform into poetry, struggles into symphonies, and, most importantly, that every setback holds a secret door that opens to success. In her life, just as in her music, one truth remains forever shining:"जोडरकेआगेबढ़जाए, वहीदिलोंमेंहमेशाकेलिएबसजाए।"
3. ANURADHA PAUDWAL - DEVOTION, DESTINY & THE TRIUMPH OVER FEAR
Anuradha Paudwal Ji's journey beautifully shows that true courage often shines brightest in silence, and that some of the most remarkable successes come from overcoming deep wounds. Born in 1952 with a naturally devotional voice, she began her cinematic journey quite unexpectedly, being chosen to sing background vocals for Abhimaan (1973), which featured legends like Amitabh Bachchan Ji and Jaya Bhaduri Ji. Her early step into the film industry was humble and nearly unnoticed, but little did anyone know that she was quietly crafting a voice that would one day bring comfort and joy to millions. While many sought the limelight, Anuradha Ji chose a different path, rooted in humility and simplicity rather than vanity. Her destiny took a remarkable turn when she became a vital part of the T-Series music revolution, where her heartfelt singing perfectly complemented Gulshan Kumar Ji's devotional mission. From singing small lines in films, she blossomed into a beloved voice heard throughout homes across the country.
Her professional journey beautifully blossomed with the unforgettable romantic duet "लालदुपट्टामलमलका…" from Laal Dupatta Malmal Ka (1989). The charming warmth of her tone, the innocent charm in her delivery, and the effortless purity of her voice made the song an instant hit across India. Soon after, she captured the hearts of a whole new audience through the musical blockbuster Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1991). When her voice brought to life lines like "दिलहैकिमानतानहीं…" and "ओमेरेसपनोंकेसौदागर…", listeners felt the deep yearning of first love wrapped in melodious beauty. The 1990s brought even greater heights of success with the film Beta (1992), where she enchanted us with chart-toppers like "किसीकेहाथनआएगीयेलड़की…"and the timeless "धकधककरनेलगा…". These songs not only secured her a special place in Bollywood but also made her Madhuri Dixit's beloved voice for many years. Anuradha Ji truly ruled the decade with a voice that gently blended kindness with devotion, longing with serenity, and romance with purity.
Behind her incredible professional achievement, she faced a personal life full of challenges that might have overwhelmed anyone else. Her marriage endured emotional struggles for many years, balancing responsibilities, grief, and silent sacrifices. Then, she faced the HEARTBREAKING LOSS OF HER BELOVED SON, Aditya Paudwal, at a young age-a pain that leaves a lasting emptiness in any mother's heart. These wounds were deep; they could have silenced her entirely. Yet, she chose resilience through her faith. Instead of retreating, she turned inward-embracing devotion, prayer, and surrender to the divine. Her bhajans and aartis under T-Series became more than just music; they became a source of healing. Songs like "जयअम्बेगौरी…", "ओपालनहारे…" (live versions), and "श्रीरामजयराम…" carry a profound depth that only those who have experienced suffering can truly express. Every note she sang was infused with her life experiences, rich with devotion, and made stronger by her unwavering faith in survival.
Her resilience truly defines her. Whenever life threw challenges her way-be it in her career or personal life-she responded not with bitterness, but with heartfelt devotion. In a time when the industry was fiercely competitive, she chose to step away from the race and embrace the peaceful beauty of devotional music, becoming a beacon of faith across India. Her voice resonated in temples, homes, festivals, prayer halls, and hearts everywhere. While many admired her unwavering devotion, only a few truly understood the inner strength that fueled it. Her ability to face adversity with grace, transform pain into prayer, and turn setbacks into opportunities for spiritual growth is what makes her story a shining example of the inspiring theme, "Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai."
Today, Anuradha Paudwal Ji is celebrated as a true legend-honoured with the National Award, Padma Shri, and many other accolades. But more than that, she is a true warrior of faith. She did not just sing songs; she poured her soul into scriptures, emotions, hope, and healing. Her life shows us that real courage is not always about loud battles - sometimes it is about humbly surrendering and standing tall. She has taught us all that EVEN THE DARKEST NIGHTS IN LIFE CAN GIVE WAY TO BEAUTIFUL DAWNS IF WE WALK WITH DEVOTION, DISCIPLINE, AND DIGNITY. Her inspiring journey, filled with challenges yet lit by spirituality, continues to be a heartfelt example in Indian music of how fear, loss, and suffering can be transformed into victory, strength, and a greater purpose.
"दर्दकोजिसनेपूजाबनालिया,वहजीवनकेहरइम्तिहानमेंविजेताबनगया।"(The one who turns pain into prayer becomes a victor in every test of life.)
4. ASHUTOSH RANA - THE FIRE OF COURAGE BEHIND THE CALM OF WISDOM
Ashutosh Rana Ji's life journey is a beautiful reminder that true bravery is not always about making clamour - sometimes, it is about QUIETLY CHOOSING TO LEAVE COMFORT BEHIND AND EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN. Growing up in the charming town of Gadarwara in Madhya Pradesh, he was surrounded by the beauty of literature, poetry, spiritual ideas, and the pure essence of Hindi. From a young age, he had a remarkable talent for seeing life deeply and expressing his emotions with rare clarity. BOOKS WERE ALWAYS HIS FRIENDS, PHILOSOPHY SHAPED HIS PERSPECTIVE, AND HINDI BECAME THE MEANINGFUL LANGUAGE THROUGH WHICH HE FOUND HIS VOICE. Even as a young boy, he was offered a secure and respected job in Bhopal - a dream deal for many. But Ashutosh Ji knew he was meant for more than a life of only comfort. With great courage and faith in his heart, he gracefully declined the opportunity. Instead, he chose the unpredictable, challenging, and fiercely competitive world of acting. That moment - when he said "no" to safety - marked the first brave step in living by the inspiring truth of "Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai."
He arrived in Mumbai with just a few clothes, a sharp mind, deep spirituality, and a firm belief that his destiny awaited him in the world of performance. But Mumbai, with all its energy, was not always kind. It showed him rejection, loneliness, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. What kept him going was his dedicated training at the National School of Drama (NSD), where he learned from legendary teachers like Smt. Savita Malviya Ji. His time at NSD enriched his emotional vocabulary and gave him a rare mastery of expression, setting him apart from many mainstream actors. Yet, success didnot happen overnight. He faced many struggles-waiting outside studios, striving for visibility, and fighting to survive in a city where thousands dream but only a few succeed. During these challenging times, LITERATURE BECAME HIS SANCTUARY. He read everything-from Kabir and Tulsidas to Premchand, Kalidas, and Vivekananda-and each book offered him wisdom, strength, and the courage to keep moving forward through the darkness.
His breakthrough came in Dushman (1998), where he portrayed the chilling antagonist, Gokul Pandit. His performance truly resonated with audiences, not just because of the theatrics but because of the powerful intensity he drew from deep within. The country had never seen such genuine psychological realism in a villain's role before. Critics were amazed; viewers felt profoundly moved; the film industry began to take notice. Following the success of Dushman, he gave another memorable performance in Sangharsh (1999), where he portrayed a complex, troubled character alongside Akshay Kumar Ji and Preity Zinta. Once again, he showed us that acting is not just about appearances-it's about emotional truth and immersion. Through these roles, Ashutosh Ji demonstrated that an actor's most significant strength lies in genuine emotion, not just looks. Even today, these films are celebrated as masterpieces of intense acting.
Over the years, he has happily delved deeper into his craft, giving us unforgettable performances in films like Raaz, LOC Kargil, Ab Ke Baras, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Simmba, Pagglait, and many regional films in Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu. What truly makes him special isn't just his acting talent but also his profound intellect. He is also a talented poet and author, famous for books like "Maun Muskaan Ki Maar", "Ramrajya", and "Asur". His writing shows the same kindness and insight that shine through in his acting. Instead of chasing fame like many actors, Ashutosh Rana Ji has grown into A THOUGHTFUL PERSON - A MAN WHOSE VOICE COMMANDS RESPECT, WHOSE WORDS ARE WISE, AND WHOSE CHOICES ARE BRAVE.
His journey isnot just about cinematic success; IT'S A HEARTFELT STORY OF BRAVE CHOICES.Every key moment in his life highlights how faith can triumph over fear. He chose to leave a safe job, welcomed uncertainty, faced struggles with grace, improved his talent through discipline, and remained humble even after achieving success. He reminds us that true courage isn't always about fighting the world - sometimes, it's about finding peace within ourselves. His story encourages us to listen to our inner calling, honour it, and step toward it confidently. Most importantly, his life shows us that taking the first step beyond fear is a decisive move toward reaching our destiny.
In Ashutosh Rana Ji's life, the philosophy of "Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai"is not a slogan - it is a lived reality. A reality shaped by struggle, sculpted by discipline, strengthened by literature, and illuminated by unwavering belief. His journey reminds us that greatness is not given; it is grownin silence, in shadows, in solitude, and ultimately, in unshakeable self-belief.
"जोडरकेआगेचलदेताहै, वहीजीवनमेंसचमुचजगमगाताहै।"(The one who walks beyond fear is the one who truly shines in life.)
FEAR ENDS WHERE DETERMINATION BEGINS
"डरकोहरानेवालेहीजीवनमेंसचमुचजीतनेवालेहोतेहैं"-this inspiring message resonates deeply through every story shared in Part IV. What makes this part even more special is a gentle yet meaningful creative pattern: just like Part III, this section shines a spotlight on four remarkable personalities whose names all start with the letter "A"-Ajay Devgan Ji, Alka Yagnik Ji, Anuradha Paudwal Ji, and Ashutosh Rana Ji. The author intentionally uses this structure to create a pleasant rhythm, a sense of thematic harmony, and to spark curiosity among readers.When the names flow like lyrical verses-each beginning with "A"-the message sinks in more easily, and the stories come together like a beautiful, motivating song. In each of these inspiring figures, we find different shades of courage: Ajay Devgan Ji's disciplined silence, Alka Yagnik Ji's emotional strength, Anuradha Paudwal Ji's devotional journey, and Ashutosh Rana Ji's fearless intellect. Their struggles were unique, their battles personal, yet their victories all echo the same timeless truth-fear only tests us; courage helps us grow.
Their achievements serve as a reminder that success is not accidental. It isSHAPED BY COUNTLESS SMALL, UNSEEN DECISIONS-CHOOSING DISCIPLINE OVER DISTRACTIONS, PUTTING IN EFFORT DESPITE TEMPTATIONS TO GIVE UP, AND HOLDING ONTO HOPE EVEN IN THE FACE OF HEARTBREAK. Each person in this section faced storms that could have shattered their dreams: Ajay Devgan Ji challenged industry stereotypes; Alka Yagnik Ji balanced motherhood with a turbulent personal life; Anuradha Paudwal Ji endured significant losses, transforming her pain into prayer; and Ashutosh Rana Ji left a secure job to pursue his uncertain artistic dreams. Yet, they all overcame their challenges-not because the path was easy, but because their spirit remained resilient. The author's deliberate focus on personalities whose names start with "A" also symbolises a deeper meaning-A for Aspiration, A for Action, A for Ambition, A for Ascendancy, and most importantly, A for Aatma-vishwas (self-belief). These stories create a compelling rhythm that encourages us to find courage and embrace it in our lives.
It's inspiring to see how these four personalities teach us that success doesnot happen overnight but is a gradual journey of realising our potential. Ajay Devgan Ji built his empire step by step through continuous self-improvement and showing up on time. Alka Yagnik Ji polished her voice with dedicated riyaaz, even during emotional storms. Anuradha Paudwal Ji turned personal tragedy into a form of divine surrender through music that brought comfort to millions. Ashutosh Rana Ji honed his craft over the years with focused reading, keen observation, and disciplined practice. Their stories remind us that courage is not the absence of fear-it's about facing it every day. It's about waking up each morning and choosing effort over excuses, sincerity over shortcuts, and progress over perfection. In a meaningful way, their successes were not just moments-they were habits formed through conviction, shaped by discipline, and strengthened by persistence.
Part IV also gently reminds us that inspiration feels especially powerful when it's relatable. None of these icons started with silver spoons, guaranteed careers, or easy circumstances. They all had humble beginnings-ordinary families, uncertain futures, limited resources, and sometimes even painful personal challenges. Yet, they rose above it because they refused to let external circumstances define their destiny. That's why their stories truly resonate with readers of all ages. They demonstrate that extraordinary success can be achieved from humble starts-if one has tremendous courage. The author hopes to maintain this sense of relatability throughout the entire "Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai" series, because when readers see themselves in these stories, the inspiration becomes even more meaningful. stories, the spark of self-belief is ignited-and that spark alone is enough to rewrite destinies.
As this inspiring series continues, many bright examples come to mind-personalities like Ravindra Jain Ji, whose blindness never dulled his brilliance; young cricketers like Karun Nair who show incredible perseverance in returning to Test Cricket after a long gap of nine years and after scoring a triple century in 2016, global icons like M.S. Dhoni, who went from a railway ticket collector to leading the world champions; and inspiring leaders like Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, whose innovative thinking and unwavering dedication keep shaping modern India. Their journeys, just like those in this part, remind us that fear is only a shadow-true courage is what lights the way.
"जोडरकेआगेचलपड़ा,वहीकिस्मतसेमिलपड़ा…"(He who walks beyond fear is the one whom destiny embraces.)
CAclubindia
