Dr Madhu Chopra has been a source of inspiration for many. But did you know that Priyanka Chopra's mother is not just a cosmetologist and an Army doctor? Opening up about the same, she shared that she is a licensed pilot, too. "Flying was passion. It was something that I could do," said Madhu. In an interview with Hauterrfly last year, she added, "My father told me that apne pocket money se kar sakte ho toh karna (if you can save up your pocket money and pursue a flying course, then do it). So, what did she do? Revealing that she used to drive to college in an "open top-down jeep," Madhu continued, "Instead of driving the jeep, I took the bus to college, saved on my gas money, and learnt to fly. I got my private pilot's license," said Madhu, adding that she "knew all my life that I am going to be a doctor." In a 2017 post on her social media, Priyanka also hailed her mother as a "girl hero." "She was a doctor in the armed forces, has over 8 different medical certifications, is a certified pilot, and speaks 9 languages. She also used to drive around in an open-top jeep (what a bada*s!). Whew! She's also an amazing mother, daughter, sister, wife, and business partner." Some years later, Madhu added another feather in her cap when she became a producer. "It was a transition from Priyanka's acting career. When she was thinking of moving to the US for her music, I thought something should be there behind her," said Madhu. Take a cue, let's comprehend how learning new skills and wearing different hats help us. In the midst of our busy lives, many feel stuck in a loop — waking up, taking care of responsibilities, going through the motions, and wondering if there’s more to life. But yes, there is more, said Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist, and life coach. "I have seen countless women feel broken, weighed down by emotional exhaustion and the overwhelming expectations of daily life. But the secret lies in healing, thriving, and discovering your passion," added Rrajesh, continuing that you can inspire yourself to embrace creativity and step into new realms of possibility. "This can help you break free from routine, explore new hobbies, and grow," Rrajesh told indianexpress.com. For many, hobbies may feel like a simple pastime — but in reality, they are "powerful tools for emotional healing," said Rajesh. "The act of learning something from scratch, whether it’s a unique piece of art or flying, allows you to reconnect with your inner self and find joy in the present moment," described Rrajesh. Stressing that you may not even realize your newfound skill could evolve into a side hustle or small business, the expert said: "The power of learning a new skill allows you to see yourself in a new light, pushing you to grow, learn, and try new things that bring out the best in you."
