‘I feel happiest when I work’

Yash Chopra, Film Director & Producer.

What does spirituality mean to you?
So many people believe in religion and all sorts of gods, but for me, spirituality is first and foremost about one’s consciousness. It is about my duty as a human being to other human beings.

Do you believe you are guided and protected by a superior force?
I believe very strongly that all that I have been able to achieve all these years has happened because God has been looking after me and has been protecting me. Maybe I do not deserve what he has given me, but he definitely has been very kind to me. Of course there were moments of difficulty, of depression. But I believe that you should make palaces out of the stones thrown at you. And I cannot stay idle for very long. So I would focus on the next project, and then the next project and so on. Destiny is a combination of your own work and God’s protection. You cannot sit still and expect things to happen.

Do you believe you have a special mission or purpose in this life?
Well, I think that God wanted me to do what I do and he could not say it directly, but instead he put those thoughts in my head. My way of being has been as a karma yogi… I did not become a social leader or a politician, or a sadhu — instead, I have been a simple businessman, trying to also be a good human being. God shaped my destiny and I have had to do my duty well.

What is spirituality for you in your day-to-day life?
First of all, I pray every day. I feel that God is with me, I talk to him and treat him as a friend, a guide. Even if I cannot provide some material support, at least a smile or a few good words can help. I am running a company with hundreds of people, and I try to be good to them. Trying to be a good human being, this is spirituality for me.

What is the role of spirituality in the world of business & Bollywood?
This business is extremely competitive, with so many lies, manipulations and compromises… But I believe that if you are righteous and truthful, it pays. Because I believe in God and destiny so much, I feel that if I do my job honestly and correctly, God will be kind to me.

Can you tell us about a unique experience that changed or shaped your spiritual beliefs?
It was in the early 70s, when I decided to become a producer. I made Daag and showed it to all sorts of people. The overall reaction was that it would never make it commercially and that I would be completely finished. Instead, it was a huge success, and the beginning of my life as a producer.

What are your spiritual inspirations?
All temples I have visited are an inspiration. People who do good things in life, no matter where, how, what, have also inspired me.

If you were to be reincarnated, what would you like to be reincarnated as?
I believe this is the only life you got. Don’t leave any dream unfulfilled. But if I was to believe in reincarnation, I would like to be a film director again. There is no better job in the world than directing, all parts of it are just so fantastic.

If there was one question you could ask god, what would it be?
Well, how would he answer? You cannot ask questions to God because you can’t get a reply. You can only pray.

What is your idea of happiness?