Govind Kabra liked this
For over 35 years now, I’ve lived a life where somebody, somewhere, always wants a little bit of your time.
At an airport lounge, someone wants to tell you about a film they loved growing up. At a restaurant, someone wants a quick photo or a quick chat. At an event, someone wants five minutes to show you their new product.
I could be on my way to a meeting, mentally preparing for something important, and people may stop me to say hello or just have a moment.
However, none of this attention comes from a bad place. If anything, it comes from warmth. Affection. Curiosity. Sometimes hope. I’ve never taken that for granted.
My father always believed if you can help someone, do your bit. Listen if you can. Show up where possible. And that’s stayed with me.
I’ve also always been the kind of person who liked exploring every opportunity. One conversation could lead to an idea. One introduction could lead to something meaningful.
So for most of my life, I’ve said yes to almost everything.
And maybe that’s also because people have known me as an actor for over 35 years, while I’ve quietly been an entrepreneur for even longer.
Truth be told, there have been days I wished people could forget the actor part for a few hours.
Not out of disrespect for the love people show, but because sometimes I want to focus on other parts of my life. Get into the zone for the day coming up in the office. Think through a business problem. Or simply enjoy a quiet dinner with friends.
The thing is, when you see these moments in isolation, they never feel like much.
One quick meeting. One favour. One WhatsApp message. One “just 10 minutes.” One picture.
But club them together, and suddenly a couple of hours of your day have disappeared. Add that up over years, and you begin to understand just how much of yourself you’ve given away in small pieces.
And in today’s world, where being reachable is easier than ever, access has become constant.
Somewhere over the last few years, I’ve just become more conscious of how I spend my time and energy.
Not because I value people any less. But because time feels different now.
I want to protect time for people and things I couldn’t prioritise enough during the busiest years. Family matters differently now.
My granddaughter is now 15 months old. I want the energy to give her my full self. I want more time around Amma and Mana, disconnected from work.
Those things matter to me in a way they probably didn’t 20 years ago.
Maybe age does this to you. You stop treating time like something endless. You start spending it more carefully.
Not because people matter less. But because you finally understand what matters most.
Special lyrics from one of my favourite songs “ऐ जाते हुए लम्हो, ज़रा ठहरो ज़रा ठहरो”