Arjun Rampal Pens a Letter to His Younger Self, Frames Life as a Battle Led by a General Named ‘Experience’: Don’t lock yourself up in a glass cage

Arjun Rampal has come far enough in his acting journey to be called a versatile performer. For him, the taste of success has come with its own share of experiences. Despite everything that life threw at him, Rampal navigated his way without losing sight of his aim of becoming a convincing actor. Now, the actor looks back at his younger self with a personal letter in his hand, especially written for him. Titled ‘Don’t Panic’, Arjun Rampal frames life as a battle led by a general named ‘experience.’

He begins, “Hey boy, all charged up, brilliant imagination, kind heart, fearless, competitive, sensitive, trusting, and oh! so optimistic! Well, boy, all these wonderful qualities are soon to be challenged in ways you can’t imagine. You’re on the cusp of the biggest battle called life. Led by a cruel but very intelligent general named ‘Experience’. As you encounter this general, you will be tested. In fact, your belief systems will be shattered.”

All he can suggest to his younger self at that point is not to panic. ”In fact, never panic, as it’s temporary. As temporary as everything and everyone you have surrounded yourself with. Just breathe and observe and you will watch how this general dismantles the monotony of your self-inflicted identity and ego. It will at first distract you, causing you to forget your true nature and origin. It will overwhelm you with the range of emotions from joy to loneliness to despair. It will make you doubt you. It will make you question your value. It will turn yourself against you. Yes, it is brutal. But breathe. Don’t panic. Close your eyes and observe,” he says.

Touching upon the optimistic side, he continues, “Remember that loving, confident, energetic, kind-hearted, fearless, sensitive, trusting, honest boy. And embrace him tightly. Just know that the good part of the story is just around the corner. All these trials and traumas you experience because of experience is normal warfare, a smokescreen. It may and most probably will shatter your confidence temporarily, but it can’t touch your soul. Your biggest ally, your safe place, your bestie. The times you’re lost, scared and everything seems hopeless, go to your quiet, safe place. It’s inside you. Remember yourself kiddo. Nothing is forever. Nothing is permanent. So don’t hold on to emotions that drag you into a dark space. Let go. We are merely visitors. So be a good guest on your visit. Even if you made mistakes, realize them and rectify them. Do not repeat them. They were made to distract you.”

Adding more about his transition as a partner and a father, he adds, “You will fall in love. Your heart will break. You will break hearts. You aren’t perfect. You will become a father, and you will falter. But you know what is right. You felt it. Your soul showed you the way when you were lost. And it will guide you again. So make it right. Heal the way you need. Heal at your own pace. There is no rush. Take the time you need. However long. You shouldn’t avoid the feelings that come up when you’re faced with hardship. Love your parents. They won’t be around forever. And when they are gone, you should have played your part to perfection. Be grateful for all the blessings in your life. Big and small.”

“We all are here on borrowed time. So make the most of it. Be fearless. Laugh loudest. Create amazing memories. Give more than you take. Tread lightly. Listen more than you talk. Don’t lose your cool. Contribute. Stop making a mess and be a fabulous guest. Don’t lock yourself up in a glass cage. Don’t waste your time waiting to be chosen. You will spend years in disappointment. Your time changes when you start picking yourself. So explore this battlefield called life and turn it into a playground of peace. Then get that promotion and become the general you dreaded all along, called experience. Show others the way. Just don’t panic. You are allowed to be yourself,” he concludes.

Rampal’s letter to his younger self is a reminder to meet with our calm, let go of what weighs us down, heal at our own pace and stop waiting to be chosen when we can choose ourselves.