When I started out, I was toying with different professions

In the vast tapestry of life, there are moments when the path forward is shrouded in uncertainty, when we wander without a clear direction, searching for purpose. The wise Kunal Kapoor, in his reflection, speaks to the very heart of this universal experience: "When I started out, I was toying with different professions without really knowing what I wanted to do. Advertising and movies happened by coincidence." In these words, we hear a truth that has echoed through the ages—the journey toward greatness is often not a straight line, but a meandering path, full of chance encounters, unforeseen opportunities, and serendipitous moments that shape our destiny.

Fate, it seems, does not always reveal itself in grand visions or clear signs. Much like the great heroes of ancient myth, who wandered through their own lives before the divine spoke to them, we too must often wander before we find our calling. Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero, wandered the seas for many years before his destiny as king and warrior was fully realized. He did not seek the glory of war or the riches of Ithaca, but rather he followed a path of uncertainty, led by forces beyond his control. It was only after years of struggle and unexpected encounters that he returned home to claim his fate. In the same way, Kapoor’s story speaks to the serendipitous nature of life—how we may begin our journey not knowing what lies ahead, but how the world often guides us to where we need to be.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius spanned many fields. The great artist and thinker was not born with a clear purpose, but rather began his journey as a painter before discovering the intricacies of science, engineering, and anatomy. Much like Kapoor, Da Vinci’s path was not paved by a single calling. He too was drawn into many professions and realms of thought, each one leading him closer to the great legacy he would leave behind. The lesson here is clear: the meandering path, the uncertainties we face, are often the very thing that leads us to our greatest achievements.

In ancient times, it was common for warriors to find their strength not in battle alone, but in the countless trials they faced along the way. Achilles, for instance, was a hero of both great valor and deep struggle, but it was his trials, his moments of doubt and struggle, that defined his greatness. He did not simply step onto the battlefield with a clear purpose—he, too, was shaped by the experiences that came from wandering through the trials of life. Similarly, Kapoor’s journey into advertising and movies was not the result of a grand plan, but rather the accumulation of moments, each leading him to where he needed to be.

The message in Kapoor's words is not just about chance, but about the courage to explore and the willingness to embrace whatever life offers. We may not always know the path we are meant to walk, but it is in the act of exploring, of trying different things, that we find our true calling. Life’s purpose is not always something that can be chosen at the start—it is something that emerges, like a seed growing into a tree, shaped by experiences, failures, and unexpected twists. Success, therefore, is not always a matter of knowing exactly what you want from the outset; it is the result of embracing the unknown, of finding meaning in the journey itself.

Like the great explorers who ventured into the unknown, whether across vast seas or uncharted lands, each step taken without certainty is one filled with potential. Kapoor’s path, though seemingly uncertain, reflects the very essence of the human experience: the need to try, to discover, and to learn. Chance may lead us to unexpected places, but it is our response to these opportunities that shapes our lives. The key is to remain open, to welcome the unknown, and to trust that through each new step, we are drawn closer to the place where we belong.

The lesson here, therefore, is to embrace life’s uncertainties with faith. Do not fear the moments of wandering or indecision, for they are not signs of failure, but of growth. Just as Kunal Kapoor found his calling not by force, but through the coincidence of opportunities, so too must you remain open to the possibilities that life offers. Trust in the process, for sometimes the journey itself is the destination. Embrace the unknown, explore the possibilities, and know that through these meandering paths, the greatest discoveries await.