When Life Became the Biggest Screenplay
Courage, much like cinema, manifests in different forms. It can be seen as a hesitant beginner, a once-famous star, or a silent poet redefining his fate. In each case, courage keeps the camera moving forward, even when others call for "cut."
In the first two parts of this series, we focused on courage within our close circle.In Part I, I personally discovered, along with notable figures like Shri Raman Kapoor Ji, Shri A.K. Kapoor Ji, and Shri Inder Bajaj Ji, that while fear can cause hesitation, it cannot result in defeat. In Part II, a new generation embraced the challenge- including Mr. Anish Kapoor, CA. Harpreet Kapoor, Ms. Nidhi Khosla, Ms. Kirti Bajaj, and Mr. Naman Jaggi-each showing that courage is only inherited if it is actively practiced.
(Readers who wish to revisit those real-life stories may find them here: [Link to Part I] and [Link to Part II].)
Now, let us walk beyond our homes and offices into the grand stage called Bollywood - a world where lights dazzle, applause echoes, and yet behind every shining frame lies a silent struggle. Here too, the law of life remains the same: beyond fear lies victory.
That evening, while our GST division was winding up after a long day, CA Rohit looked up from his half-finished appeal draft and said,
"Sir, you've already turned your family stories into a motivational film - why not talk about Bollywood next?"
CA Pooja laughed, "Sir, that's a world of glamour, but surely of fear too. Not everyone becomes a Bachchan!"
I smiled. "Exactly, Pooja. Even Amitabh Bachchan Ji didn't become Amitabh Bachchan Ji overnight."
1. Amitabh Bachchan Ji - When Failure Became the Script of Success
(The Legend Who Turned Setbacks into Silver Screen Triumphs)
There are two kinds of people in life - those who stop after rejection and those who treat rejection as rehearsal. Amitabh Bachchan Ji belongs firmly to the second kind.
In his early days, he faced rejection after rejection. All India Radio turned him down because of his deep, baritone voice - ironically calling it "unsuitable for broadcasting." That very voice later became the heartbeat of Indian cinema. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, most of his films failed at the box office. Producers hesitated to cast him, and directors found him too tall, too serious, too unconventional for the romantic heroes of that era.
Then came Zanjeer (1973) - the film that changed the grammar of Hindi cinema. It introduced India to the angry young man, a role that mirrored the frustration of an entire generation. Suddenly, his silence spoke, his anger inspired, and his eyes told stories words could not.
Success came quickly, not by luck but through his perseverance. His versatility was evident through various roles: in Chupke Chupke (1975), showcasing a distinctive comedic flair; in Deewar (1975), portraying raw rebellion and inner conflict; in Sholay (1975), with Jai becoming iconic as the composed, loyal friend who sacrifices himself; and in Trishul (1978), as Vijay, confronting his father in a moral fight for his mother's justice.
Each performance proved one truth - courage wears many faces, but sincerity is its only voice.
However, the most significant chapter in Amitabh Bachchan Ji's life didn't happen in movies but in the quiet period of the late 1990s. His production company, ABCL, went bankrupt due to severe financial difficulties, leaving him in debt and subject to criticism. At over fifty, he was nearly dismissed by the film industry. Many suggested he retire peacefully, but he decided to embark on a much bolder journey-making a comeback.
During this difficult time, the late Dhirubhai Ambani generously offered him financial assistance. Bachchan Ji, however, respectfully and quietly declined, trusting completely in his own abilities and his faith in God. He chose to reconstruct his life through his own efforts and dignity - and he succeeded.
His comeback started humbly as he approached producers and took on modest roles, eventually returning with Mohabbatein (2000). However, his real resurgence occurred when he became the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2000, a show that not only rejuvenated his career but also strengthened his bond with the Indian audience.
Over the last two decades, KBC has become more than a game show - it has become a lesson in grace, warmth, and emotional intelligence. Bachchan Ji treats every participant, whether a village teacher or a corporate executive, with dignity and respect. He speaks with a blend of refined Hindi, gentle humour, and deep empathy, often handing a tissue to an emotional contestant or offering encouraging words to one who falters.
What makes the show shine is not merely its format, but the human touch of its host - the same man who once faced silence from studios, now commanding silence from millions, not out of fear but admiration.
Lesson: Life doesn't owe us comfort. Instead, it rewards those who persist with humility. Amitabh Bachchan Ji showed us that true heroes aren't made in the spotlight - they are shaped in darkness and shine again because they never stop believing in themselves.
As I finished narrating his story, CA Rohit smiled and said,
"Sir, even in Bollywood, the ratio of invoices to credit notes never seems balanced!"
We all laughed, and I replied,
Maybe, Rohit - but remember, in both taxation and life, profit only starts when you dare to take the risk. That's why victory always lies beyond fear.
2. Akshay Kumar Ji - From Kitchen to Camera
(When Courage Cooked Up Success)
Not every story begins in glamour - some start in grease.
Before rising to become one of India's top and most disciplined film stars, Akshay Kumar worked as a humble waiter and chef in Bangkok. His early years were characterised not by wealth but by toil. He put in long hours in small eateries, washing dishes, chopping vegetables, and serving customers with a smile that masked both hunger and hope.
Amidst the aroma of Thai spices and the heat of kitchen stoves, he learned his first important lesson: discipline is what sustains dreams.
When he returned to India, his ambitions were clear, but his future was uncertain. He dabbled in modelling, took part in small photo shoots, and taught martial arts to earn a livelihood. One of his martial arts students suggested he try acting, which eventually led to a path that would change commercial cinema.
His first film, Saugandh (1991), made little noise. But he didn't stop. The next few years saw him performing his own stunts, facing rejections, and living on the edge of uncertainty. Still, his relentless energy and never-give-up attitude soon attracted attention.
Khiladi (1992) marked his breakthrough film and earned him the nickname "The Khiladi of Bollywood." Over time, he turned this title into a brand, skilfully combining action, comedy, emotion, and social messages.
What truly sets Akshay Kumar Ji's journey apart is not just his success, but his consistency. While many chased awards, he prioritized self-improvement. Instead of partying, he would workout at 4 a.m. in an industry known for late nights, Akshay Kumar Ji became a symbol of early mornings.
He reinvented himself repeatedly - from an action hero in the 1990s (Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mohra), to a comedy icon in the 2000s (Hera Pheri, Garam Masala), to a socially conscious performer in films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, and Mission Mangal.
His success story proves that success is not a single event but a daily discipline. He has often said in interviews that fear is not an enemy but a signal - a reminder that you are about to grow.
I still remember an interview where a journalist asked him, "What is the secret of your success?"Akshay smiled and replied,
"When others sleep, I prepare. When others doubt, I try. When others fear, I move forward."
That one line beautifully sums up the spirit of Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai.
Unlike many stars, he has never let fame go to his head. He leads a simple life, is punctual, and shows genuine respect for his family and colleagues, which helps drive his success. As a result, his achievements seem less like a miracle and more like a deserved reward.
Just then, CA. Amit looked up from his laptop and laughed,
"Sir, it seems Akshay Kumar Ji took his early-rising tip from you! After all, you're six years older than him - and have been waking up at 4:15 a.m. for decades!"
The entire room burst into laughter. I smiled and replied,
"Amit, maybe he learned it from me - or maybe great minds just think early!"
CA. Pooja playfully added, "So, Sir, both of you show that early birds don't just catch worms - they catch success!"
We all laughed again, and I said,
"Exactly, Pooja - and that's why both in cinema and consultancy, victory still lies beyond fear… and often before sunrise."
Lesson: Fear diminishes as soon as discipline steps in. Akshay Kumar Ji's life demonstrates that while talent can bring fame, discipline sustains it.
3. Anand Bakshi Ji - The Clerk/ Army man Who Wrote His Destiny
(When the Pen Found Its Courage)
Every morning, he went to a humble government office, handling files that represented others' decisions. However, concealed in his pocket was a secret - a small notebook filled with his personal words, dreams, and melodies.
Anand Bakshi Ji was born on July 21, 1930, in Rawalpindi, then part of undivided India. He experienced the chaos of Partition growing up. When his family moved to India, they carried only their faith, dignity, and a firm belief in hard work.
In pursuit of stability, young Bakshi Ji enlisted in the Indian Army three times. Each enlistment It was an effort to impose order on chaos, reinforcing his commitment to punctuality and perseverance. and integrity. He often remarked that the Army taught him lessons Bollywood never could - the importance of showing up, honouring commitments, and never giving up in the face of adversity.
Yet, deep inside that soldier beat the heart of a poet. Even during field postings, he would scribble verses on the backs of ration papers and envelopes. The Army gave him food and discipline, but his soul still hungered for rhyme and rhythm.
In 1957, a pivotal moment occurred with the birth of his elder daughter, Suman. While most men tend to become more cautious after fatherhood, Bakshi Ji grew more courageous. He chose to confront his biggest fear-instability-and followed his passion. He resigned from the Army, relinquished a secure income, and moved to Bombay to pursue a career as a lyricist. Many considered this move reckless, but he saw it as destiny.
The next few years tested every ounce of his endurance. Rejections were frequent, opportunities were scarce, and even food was sometimes uncertain. But those Army years had forged a soldier's mindset - to march on regardless of rain, pain, or rejection.
And it was this discipline that led to one of the most inspiring incidents of his life.
A producer requested him to visit his home at precisely 10 a.m. the next morning. The producer's residence was roughly 12 kilometres from Bakshi Ji's small rented room. That night, Bombay experienced heavy rain, and by morning, the local trains had gone on strike.
Most would have postponed or cancelled - but not Bakshi Ji.He slipped on his bathroom chappals, grabbed an umbrella that barely opened, and started walking. Through rain and chaos, he walked the entire 12 kilometres and reached the producer's house exactly at 10 a.m.
The producer, stunned, said:
"If you can walk 12 kilometres in this rain just to keep your promise, you deserve the chance."
That very day, Bakshi Ji got his first confirmed film assignment - not by luck, but bydiscipline meeting destiny.After that rain-soaked morning walk, perseverance slowly began to turn into poetry.
His true breakthrough came with "जबजबफूलखिले" (Jab Jab Phool Khiley - 1965), a film that became the defining milestone of his early career. Each song radiated freshness, fragrance, and the innocence of blooming love.
"यहसमां, समांहैयेप्यारका, किसीकेइंतज़ारका,दिलनचुरालेकहीं, तेरानज़ाराहसीं…"
"परदेसियोंसेनाअँखियांमिलाना,परदेसियोंकोहैइकदिनजाना,आतीहैजबयेरुतमस्तानी,बनतीहैकोईनकोईकहानी…"
एकथागुलऔरएकथीबुलबुल-२दोनोचमनमेंरहतेथेहैयेकहानीबिलकुलसच्चीमेरेनानाकहतेथेएकथागुलऔर ...बुलबुलकुछऐसेगातीथीजैसेतुमबातेंकरतीहोवोगुलऐसेशर्माताथाजैसेमैंघबराजाताहूँबुलबुलकोमालूमनहीथागुलऐसेक्योंशरमाताथावोक्याजानेउसकानगमागुलकेदिलकोधड़काताथादिलकेभेदनाआतेलबपेयेदिलमेंहीरहतेथेएकथागुलऔर
Through Jab Jab Phool Khiley (1965), Bakshi Ji proved that simplicity, when touched by sincerity, can make a song eternal.
Then came "मिलन" (Milan - 1967) - where his pen found philosophy, nostalgia, and the rhythm of eternity.
"सावनकामहीना, पवनकरेशोर,जीयरमवा, हमारमनडोले…"
"रमकरेऐसाहोजाए, मेरीनिंदियातोहेमिलजाए…"
And then - the timeless classic that touches my very soul:
**«हुमतुमयुगयुगसेयेगीतमिलनकेगातेरहेंहैंगातेरहेंगे
हुमतुमजगमेंजीवनसाथीबनकेआतेरहेंहैंआतेरहेंगे
हुमतुमयुगयुगसेयेगीतमिलनकेगातेरहेंहैंगातेरहेंगेहुमतुम…
This song has always been one of my all-time favourites.It mirrors the gentleness and devotion of my late wife, Smt. Renu Jaggi Ji. Every time I listen to it, I feel her presence - calm, loving, and eternal. Like the melody itself, she brought peace and purpose to my life.I often pray to the Almighty that in every birth, she becomes my wife again - to prove, in the most personal way possible, the truth contained in Bakshi Ji's immortal line: "Hum Tum Yug Yug Se…"
Those songs - written in humility, born in struggle, and carried on the wind by ordinary people - proved that victory truly lies beyond fear.
During the Milan days, another minor miracle occurred. While travelling by train, Bakshi Ji got down at a tiny station to buy tea. There, amidst the noise of the platform, he heard a man humming his own song. He later said,
"That day I realised I had arrived - not in the industry, but in people's hearts."
After Aradhana, he no longer needed to ask for work. He would later joke,
"After Aradhana, producers queued outside my door - I only had to decide whose knock to answer."
Over the next four decades, Anand Bakshi Ji wrote about 3,360 songs - each one a lesson in simplicity, sincerity, and soul. Yet he never lost his soldier's humility.
He once summed up Bombay and life in one unforgettable line:
"Bombay is a city where if you stay, you must keep walking (or working) constantly. The moment you stop, it pushes you out."
That was the creed he lived by. He kept walking relentlessly - through rain, rejection, and even success.
Lesson: Fear often hides behind comfort, and progress requires perseverance. Anand Bakshi Ji's story shows that courage isn't the absence of struggles-it's about continuing to move forward despite difficulties.
When I finished narrating his story, CA. Pooja smiled and said,
"Sir, he literally walked his way to success - quite literally!"
I nodded and replied,
"Exactly, Pooja. In Mumbai, the city that never stops, even courage must keep walking - because that's where victory waits… beyond fear.
4. Asha Bhosle Ji - The Voice That Refused to Fade
(When Imitation Gave Birth to Individuality)
Some artists are destined to shine brightly, while others establish their own unique paths. Asha Bhosle Ji, born on September 8, 1933, was one of the latter. Her career initially lagged behind that of her elder sister, the legendary Lata Mangeshkar Ji. Early in her career, Asha Ji's singing was very similar to her sister's-sharing comparable sweetness, diction, and emotional expression. Music directors frequently compared the two and sometimes overlooked Asha Ji, asking, "Why do we need another voice like Lata?"
But destiny had something else planned - and Asha Ji had something more substantial: the courage to be different.She realised that if she continued to sing like her sister, she might earn applause but never her own identity. That realisation became her turning point. She poured years of consistent hard work, bold experimentation, and artistic innovation into shaping her distinctive style.
In one of her interviews, she said something that defines her life and my own philosophy, too:
"Living someone else's life is easy, but true greatness comes from forging your own unique identity."
Those words deeply resonated with me, embodying the spirit of Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai. The simple route is imitation; the brave one is being original.
Once she liberated herself from comparisons, her artistry flourished. She embraced musical risks that others avoided-delving into cabaret, romantic duets, ghazals, pop, and classical music with equal skill. Her voice became prominent in songs such as: "आइएमेहरबान…" (Aaiye Meherbaan - "Come, my gracious one") - Howrah Bridge (1958); "पियातूअबतोआजा…" (Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja - "Beloved, come to me now") - Caravan (1971); "चुरालियाहैतुमनेजोदिलको…" (Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko - "You've stolen my heart") - Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973); "दिलचीज़क्याहै, आपमेरीजानलीजिए…" (Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Aap Meri Jaan Lijiye - "My heart is yours to take") - Umrao Jaan (1981).
Each of her works bore her distinct signature - bold yet graceful, emotional yet smooth. Her collaborative magic with O.P. Nayyar Ji, her captivating partnership with R.D. Burman Ji, and her adaptability across composers from Khayyam to A.R. Rahman cemented her status as a musical icon. Asha Bhosle Ji consistently evolved through the decades - driven by passion, not necessity.
And beyond the microphone, she proved that her creativity knew no boundaries.
Asha Bhosle Ji is also an exceptional cook, able to prepare delicious meals for her family even at 92. Her love for cooking goes beyond a hobby; it's an art form. What makes her unique is how she transformed this passion into a professional success-she founded a global restaurant chain named "Asha's."
With locations across Dubai, Birmingham, Manchester, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Doha, "Asha's" provides more than just cuisine-it radiates warmth, reflecting the artist's spirit. Her ability to turn her personal happiness into an international enterprise shows that true creativity can be expressed anywhere - even through cooking.
Even today, her zest for life remains undiminished. Whether she's singing on stage, mentoring young artists, or cooking for her grandchildren, she radiates the same message: age cannot dim passion, and courage never retires.
Lesson: True greatness starts when we stop comparing ourselves to others and let creativity roam freely. Asha Bhosle Ji's life shows us that originality, passion, and perseverance can grant you everlasting impact in any chosen field.
When I finished narrating her story, CA. Amit smiled and said,
"Sir, I think you and Asha Ji share the same philosophy - she stirs melody in her kitchen, and you stir motivation in your office!"
I laughed and replied,
"Amit, perhaps yes - both recipes require the same ingredients: hard work, patience, and a touch of courage!"
Everyone burst out laughing, and for a moment, the aroma of inspiration filled the office air - reminding all of us that victory indeed lies beyond fear… and sometimes, in the next serving of determination.
Concluding Thoughts - The Alphabet of Audacity
"डरकोसीढ़ीबनालो, रुकावटनहीं,हिम्मतकोसाथीबनालो, शिकायतनहीं,रास्तेवहीपहुँचतेहैंमंज़िलतक,जहाँकदमरुकतेनहीं, थकतेनहीं।"
(Make fear your staircase, not your stop. Let courage walk beside you, not complaint.The paths that reach the destination Are the ones where footsteps never rest, never retreat.)
As we conclude Part III of our motivational journey, it seems like a poetic coincidence of destiny that the four stalwarts we honored - Amitabh Bachchan Ji, Akshay Kumar Ji, Anand Bakshi Ji, and Asha Bhosle Ji - all share the initial "A." However, this may not be mere coincidence. Each of them represents an "A" of life:
- Amitabh stands for Aspiration - the dream that rises even from rejection.
- Akshay reflects Action - the discipline to turn dawn into destiny.
- Anand Bakshi embodies Artistry - the power to write hope even in hunger.
- Asha Bhosle personifies Adaptability - the courage to keep reinventing and keep shining.
Together, they remind us that success starts not with luck but with Attitude-the readiness to stand tall, take risks, and express your truth, even amid doubt from others.
They transformed pain into performance, effort into excellence, and fear into fuel. And that, truly, is the timeless message of Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai - that victory never belongs to the fearless; it belongs to those who face their fears and keep moving forward.
"हरगिरावटनेसिखायाहैउड़ना,हरआँसूनेसिखायामुस्कुराना,जोडरकेआगेबढ़गयाएककदम,उसनेसीखाहैसचमुचजीना।"
(Every fall has taught the art of flying,Every tear has the strength to smile.The one who takes even a single step beyond fear, Learns what it truly means to live.)
CAclubindia
