Today, 12th January, is celebrated as National Youth Day in the country. It is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century who strived to shape the personalities of India’s youngsters.
Bollywood star Ajay Devgn chose to mark the day in the most unique and heartwarming way. He penned a note to his 20 year old self, which he posted on his Instagram account. The note is stirring and affirmative, and a stark reminder of how the unconventional-looking Ajay Devgn had to work doubly hard to make his presence felt in a film industry that values fair skin, good looks and gregariousness above everything else.
Ajay Devgn posted the note to self on his Instagram, with a caption that read,
“This #NationalYouthDay decided to pen down a few words for the 20-year-old Ajay, I hope he appreciates it”.
The note itself is posted in the form of a screen shot. Ajay Devgn wrote, “Dear 20-year-old me, there you are making your mark in this new world as an actor. Let me be honest, you are going to face brutal rejections. Shy and unconventional, you will try your hardest to fit in but fail…. spectacularly! People’s criticism and doubts will be hard, it’ll make you question your dreams. You will fail more than you will succeed.”
He continued, “But spoiler alert, it’s all going to be worth it…because one day, slowly but surely, you’ll realise being yourself can be your greatest strength. So stumble a little but don’t stop. Keep pushing the boundaries and don’t let the world’s expectations turn into your inhibitions.”
“Always be true, always be you!”, he ended.
He added a last note as a post-script, “P.S. Learn how to dance, it’ll help you in the long run.
Love, an older, wiser & better-looking you.”
Ajay Devgn’s note to self is something every aspiring actor, nay, every youth aspiring to make their mark in their chosen field of endeavour can take a leaf of inspiration out of.
The note, and its context, is erudite, uplifting and brims with positivity and sensibility.
Have a look at Ajay Devgn’s heartwarming Instagram post –