7th May 2003

How does one reach the top? That's the question, which is uppermost on everyone's mind, always. Aiming high is good. But how does one progress?

When I look back at the way I progressed, I would say I gave more than my best for every film I did. Several years ago, after I had become a film hero, I got an offer to play a negative role as a villain in a film.

I hesitated since a hero was what I wanted to continue to be. Nevertheless, since I made up my mind that I would do the role, I gave my 100 per cent and more to it. After the film was released, everyone raved about my fights and performance. I was thrilled at the unexpected adulation. I firmly believe that the mantra for success is: Work. Work with passion. To put it straight - Give more than your 100 per cent in your work.

I would say go 'Beyond 100 per cent.' I do that myself. Well, that's difficult you may say. You might even argue saying: Why should I work more when I do not get paid more?

There could also be another question: When my colleagues do not even perform what they are supposed to, why should I stretch myself to deliver more?

I am sure some of you want to bombard me with the question: When nobody even notices that I am giving more than my 100 per cent, why should I give it at all? My answer for all these questions would be: give more and you'll get more. Anyone who doesn't is only limiting himself or herself. So it is you who loses out in the long run.

Let me say with authority: Those who give the little extra, have an extra edge over others. But if you expect that recognition come your way immediately, you may be disappointed but it will certainly come. You may not even be aware that it was your extra effort that placed you where you are. Success, it is said, is not a destination but a journey.

And in this journey, there are only landings, like the ones you have when you are climbing a staircase. You have to continue to climb. When you give more than you ought to in your work, nobody can complain that you got more than what you deserved.

To drive home the point I want to make, I'd like to quote from the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2, verse 47, which says: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.

Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.

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Courtesy: Times of India