A tribute to Sushant Singh Rajput...

One thing is for sure — success does not guarantee a trouble-free life. In fact, neither does money and loads of accolades.

I am absolutely saddened by the death by suicide of a dear actor Sushant Singh Rajput. We do not know the exact reason for his step. Yet, it is painful to fathom that this young and energetic life which still had so much to contribute to society went waste because of momentary hopelessness. A lapse in time that so powerfully engulfed him!

I had watched his movie ‘Chhichhore’ recently with family just a few months back. I was not only impressed by his acting, but also the storyline. It deals with a topic that is very much needed in our current societal scenario.

“How to conduct ourselves in adverse situations?”

The adverse situation being highlighted because of the challenges we are currently going through because of a pandemic. This movie made a lasting impression on me.

In my book “Discover your Mystique Edge” I have mentioned in detail about Adversity Quotient. This simple term denotes the ability to handle adverse situations.

Now, it is wrong to think that adverse situations could only mean a lack of money, physical strain, or any other tangible situation. It also means emotional challenges, dilemmas, suppressed feelings, sadness, or any feelings which render us in a hopeless state.

AQ is the ability to look at troubles with a fly on the wall perspective then go ahead and solve it.

Here are 3 key things about AQ which are detailed in my book:

1. This quotient is independent of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient).
2. Each person has a different AQ
3. AQ diminishes when it is used less, meaning when we avoid challenges.
4. Like a muscle in your body, AQ can be increased (or should I say built) by accepting, challenges and handling them effectively.

The reason I mentioned the movie ‘Chhichhore’ is that it deals with this very subject of Adversity Quotient so well. It is a great message to the society I thought. It is ironic that Sushant might have gone through some turmoil and took a hasty decision.

Could this have been prevented by discussing whatever he was going through with someone else for perspective? Possibly! This grief of knowing that someone has ended his journey due to a moment of profound grief or helplessness really makes me sad. I am of a strong belief that we need to talk about AQ as much as possible.

It’s important for everyone to understand that often what we consider a humongous problem, is really not the end of the world.

It cannot be, because, hey, the world is spherical. There really is no end.

Share and express

At some point, everyone who gets a suicidal thought must know that he/she can handle whatever they are going through and that they do not have to handle it alone. They can talk to family, friends, or counsellors for professional help instead of struggling alone.

Change your perspective

They must understand that it is only a perspective which is making them feel helpless. Just by changing the perspective to an observer/third person, they will be able to see multiple solutions to whatever they are going through. When they come out of this trouble, the experience is so similar to getting into the next level of a video game.

One tends to feel empowered and accomplished. Like the excerpt from my book — “When you do not give up in a video game....why give up in life??”

My heart goes out to Sushant, moments before he might have ended himself and I want to let him know that there are millions of people who are impact- ed and inspired by him. If only we had a time machine. At the same time, I am also in spirit with all those who might be feeling helpless and low. Please know that you do not have to be alone.

Just extend your hand — your friends/family/loved ones will take it in theirs and pull you up!