Yuva Bharat: The Heroes of Today

By Devir Singh Bhandari

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity….

These immortal lines of Charles Dickens perhaps aptly describe everything Yuva Bharat reflects. In an uncanny reflection of the times we are living in while this book is being released, it talks about what the world needs to read right now. For these are the times of COVID-19. These are the times when 'normal' has been redefined.

Author Devir traces the journey of 69 young men and women who defined their own 'new normal'. He talks about people whose worlds collapsed way before COVID-19 had hit us and who emerged victorious against undefinable odds-people of sheer grit who did not need legs to win races; people who vested their faith in the unseen; or people who rose from the ashes like the proverbial phoenix. Some of the remarkable stories include the struggles, learnings and indomitable passions of Rajkummar Rao, Kiren Rijiju, Aditi Rao Hydari, Remo D'souza, Abhinav Bindra and Chitrangada Singh, among many others, who each went on to excel in their own craft.

Yuva Bharat encompasses these tales of overcoming all odds and achieving success eventually. A compelling narrative, it takes us through life journeys and inspires us to get up in this instant and take charge of our lives. A straight shot of adrenaline, Devir gives us our carpe diem moment!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Jan 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9789388414074

Book preview

Rajkummar Rao

(Actor)

I hold a deep regard for actor Rajkummar Rao. More than his fine acting skills, which are considerable, I deeply admire his constant ability to break Bollywood stereotypes. Mumbai, India’s very own city of dreams, is known for nurturing a million aspirations and seeing at least a hundred of them come to fruition every day. Rajkummar Rao’s is one such incredible story among a million that managed to catch the star lights! Did you know, however, that he started his career as a dancer and that he’s a Taekwondo expert? As testament to his focus and dedication, another little-known fact is that he used to cycle all the way from Gurgaon to Delhi for his theatre performances…

Love and passion are the two words which perhaps best describe Rajkummar Rao’s story. Rao was born and raised in Gurgaon and graduated from Delhi University. ‘My theatre journey started right from school. As a child, I was in love with the world of cinema and was always quite clear that I too would become an actor,’ he shares. Rao was part of various school drama clubs till it was time for him to sample Delhi’s theatre scene during his graduation at Delhi University’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College or ARSD.

‘I was also doing plays in college before heading to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, to take up an acting course. FTII changed my life forever. I was exposed to completely new dimensions for the first time and my life found a new meaning, taking on a new direction. It was here that I first realised that acting was way deeper than just one’s appearance and dialogue delivery skills.’ After graduating from FTII in 2008, Rao came to Mumbai and began to hunt for work just like everybody else.

‘Yes, I faced my share of rejections, but I am a stubborn optimist with a lot of self-belief. Moreover, acting is the only thing that I have ever wanted to do. I never had a plan B in life. Luckily, Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) came my way and the film fraternity noticed my performance.’ Work and acclaim both began to pour in thereafter and there was no looking back.

Anurag Kashyap offered Rao a role in Gangs of Wasseypur. With Shahid following soon behind, Rajkummar Rao was finally part of Bollywood’s elite league. Unfazed by the big tags or even his National Award, Rao kept working diligently, hungry to devour all that came his way.

‘I have never considered the length or significance of any of the roles offered to me. I am here to satiate a different need. I just love being part of a film project. I love acting and I want to explore as many facets of my profession as possible. So I took up pretty much every project that came my way when I started out. Especially Shahid and Kai Po Che! changed a lot of things, and when Queen hit the theatres, my canvas changed completely.’ These three films heralded Rao’s dream run in Bollywood.

Rajkummar Rao has had a meteoric rise right from his breakthrough performance in the 2012 film, Shahid, which also won him a National Award, to the biggest sleeper hit of 2018, Stree. The actor joined the big boys’ club when Stree crossed the coveted hundred crore milestone, while films like Newton (India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2018), Bareilly Ki Barfi and Trapped, among others, proved that he was a talent to be reckoned with.

Having established himself as one of the most bankable stars in the Hindi film industry, some of his recent releases include Made in China, Ek La Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Judgementall Hai Kya, while Chhalaang is awaited this year. Apart from being a great actor, Rajkummar Rao’s range and versatility make him a top choice for filmmakers today. Bollywood witnessed a certain paradigm shift in the recent years, and going by the looks, Rao could very well be the Raj of the current box office.

Life, however, comes with its share of lessons. ‘When I think deeply, my biggest learnings in life have come from instances when I did not listen to my heart. There were times when I had to choose a script or accept films I never wanted to do. I kept ignoring my gut feeling. Although I don’t regret working in these projects, there were important lessons to be learnt there, I realised how important it is to listen to your heart. After all, it is your heart that keeps you connected with your higher self.’

Through all these years, Rajkummar Rao has also kept his other passion—travelling—alive. ‘Besides my profession, the only other thing that interests me is travelling. Whenever I manage to get a break, I just pack my bags and leave. Travelling helps me unwind. It calms my mind and gives me clarity of thought. The artist in me soaks up the wide canvas of human life that I encounter, right from the range of human emotions to all the unique ways in which they are expressed. I always ask people to travel as much as they can, while they are still young and their knees can take their weight!’

This brings us to the subject of youth. Rao has a rather fresh and positive view. ‘I think young India is amazing. We are this new generation of very active and super passionate individuals. I think our country is in safe hands. We are a responsible and disciplined generation that knows where to draw the line. I think India’s young generation is brimming with positivity and brilliant ideas. So yes, I see a very bright future for our country. Having said that, I think our youth could be given more opportunities for empowerment, which allow them to pursue their passions. I firmly believe that if we can follow our hearts, we can develop into a healthier nation.’ From evening acting classes at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts to making the world his own stage, that’s Rajkummar Rao.

Rajkummar Rao is a storehouse of infectious energy. Success has, fortunately, not brought complacency to this man. If anything, it has further fuelled his passion and, in turn, continues to inspire millions around the country.

Kiren Rijiju

(Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs of India)

Kiren Rijiju, a popular youth icon, has impacted many lives in North East India. This young leader has been the torchbearer of growth and development in the region and is often called the ‘voice of North East India’. His father, Rinchin Kharu, was the first pro-term speaker of Arunachal Pradesh under whom the members of the first state assembly had taken their oaths. It is a little-known fact that Rijiju was named the best athlete during his school and college years and that he had participated in the National Games as a young student. Little wonder that his name is synonymous with progress.

North East India with its pristine landscape, serene mountains and untouched beauty has always Kiren Rijiju. He has worked tirelessly to transform lives in a region brimming with potential and possibilities, bringing about a tangible change at the grassroots level.

Rijiju says, ‘I was born in Nafra, Arunachal Pradesh, one of the remotest and most underdeveloped regions of the country. I have seen unimaginable poverty in many parts of the country and it is no different in North East India. Thoughts of freeing people from the tyranny of poverty and to heal the community and our society at large have always occupied my mind. I have always felt that everyone needs to chip in for these goals to be achieved. Such an achievement would also need resoluteness, a ‘never say die’ attitude, creative thinking, a patriotic mind, a lot of hard work, perseverance and much more. The road is not easy, and it starts with bringing about a change in the mindsets of the people you are trying to help.’

After high school in Arunachal Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju graduated from Hansraj College, University of Delhi, and followed it up with a degree in law from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University. Coming from a political family, Rijiju had an inherent interest in public affairs right from his childhood.

‘I was an active social worker from my school days and later led various social movements as a student leader. As a member of the youth and cultural team, I participated in the Festival of India in USSR in 1987,’ he shares.

At the age of thirty-one, Kiren Rijiju was appointed a member of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Government of India. Recognising his exemplary work at the grassroots level, in 2004, he was elected as a Member of Parliament to the fourteenth Lok Sabha from the West Arunachal Constituency, which is one of the largest in the country.

‘Despite several constraints, I actively worked towards greater integration of the North East with national mainstream development. It was a very special moment for me when my work was recognised and I was inducted by the Hon’ble Prime Minister into the Council of Ministers. This gave me a greater scope to work and make an impact at a much deeper level.’

‘I feel that geographically, North East India is very strategically placed. It is located at the crossroads of three major economies—East Asia, South Asia and South East Asia. I also recognise that North East India possesses abundant natural resources for industrial and social development. However, this geopolitical advantage has not really translated into the region’s economic development yet. I voiced my concerns on this issue at several platforms. This is the focus area of our government and our Prime Minister is focusing on reducing the isolation of the region by improving all round connectivity through roads, rail, telecommunication, power and waterways. This is a huge boost for the region. Youth from the North East are a storehouse of talent and dedication. Once the flood gates of opportunities open up for them, I believe that they can turn things around not only for the region, but for the entire nation. In fact, we young Indians are a force to reckon with!’

Kiren Rijiju’s observations reflect his unshakeable faith in the youth of India. ‘Our youth packs a punch and you just cannot ignore that force. India has the largest youth population in the world. They are the real treasure and the future heirs of our country. They should, therefore, be well equipped with sound moral, political and economic abilities and institutions. They should have the desire to win, the courage to get things done and the wisdom to understand and solve problems. Our educational institutions have to play a vital role in mentoring them by engaging and motivating the youth, especially in rural and remote areas of the country. Rural India holds a huge potential.’

Kiren Rijiju is a picture of endless energy. He starts his day early and often closes it late at night. Endless planning, implementation of strategies, effective policies and preventive measures are things that take up most of his time. But the man goes on tirelessly, fuelled by the passion to bring about a change. Whenever on home turf, however, he makes it a point to visit our soldiers posted at the border. ‘I think I have a soul connection with them. I feel like my family is out there and I have to go and spend time with them!’

Kiren Rijiju’s compassion and empathy clearly go beyond the call of duty. One wonders what triggers such emotions for unknown souls. Perhaps Kiren’s deep Buddhist influence with the Master’s teachings of love, compassion, generosity and patience holds the answer.

Kiren Rijiju is a man determined to make an effective impact. The mental strength required to keep such focus in the face of all adversities is truly admirable. Above all, he believes that it is the small things in life that make a big difference. Looking at Kiren Rijiju, one is forced to acknowledge that ‘all it takes is love’!

Rakul Preet Singh

(Actor)

Rakul Preet is the girl who rules the Telugu and Tamil film industries. In addition, she is Telangana’s state ambassador for the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ programme, a national-level golfer and a karate blue belt. If that wasn’t enough, she also owns a gym franchise. It’s hard to decide which of her roles is more inspiring. Is it that of the girl who had no idea she would land a career in the movies, but still carved a niche for herself in a very short time, or that of the girl who is the face of women’s empowerment in her state?

Born in Delhi, Rakul was raised like children from most defence families—superbly independent and always thirsty to do something new and exciting. Films, however, were never on her horizon. A few modelling assignments to satiate a creative (and productive) urge kept Rakul busy in her college days. Little did she know that her photoshoots would win hearts down in South India.

Rakul, however, has a very modest take on this. ‘Acting was never a part of my dreams while growing up. I finished high school from Delhi’s Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, and was a mathematics graduate from the Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. Modelling was the hottest thing to do for youngsters back in those days. The opportunities were lucrative and the exposure was great. It opened up doors to movie roles down South, which I really enjoyed. I was yet to understand the enormity of the South Indian film industry, or even how integral a part of my career it would become.’

Rakul loves to call herself ‘God’s child’. ‘I strongly feel that I am living out my destiny. I recognise the gentle push of the Universe and how it has things planned for me.’

Fame and success have brought in a lot of changes in Rakul’s life. ‘It has made me sit up and take notice. More importantly, it has helped me evolve. It is constantly shaping me up as an individual and I have grown comfortable with the idea of continuous changes. I firmly believe that change keeps the energy flow clear, otherwise how will new opportunities find you? Change is good!’

Failure and disappointments are a part of the process of change and growth. One wonders what Rakul’s take is on the same. ‘I don’t regret doing anything in life. I don’t think I’ve done anything to look back at with regret. Through the journey of life, you keep improving and changing. You keep adapting to life’s lessons and somewhere down the line, you just become a better version of yourself. You evolve and realise that the past is gone. You have no control over it and it should have no control over you. Imperfection is what makes life totally perfect!’

Failures, however, are bound to make you think twice about who the guiding forces in your life are. ‘I have never ever doubted this. I always say I am God’s child and I believe it with all my heart. Whenever in doubt, I turn to the universe, which I find inwards within myself. The answers always come. When faced with bigger challenges, I turn to my parents who have always been supportive. They were the ones who offered me the option of studying through correspondence if I was not interested in academics. They have been there at every step of my life. So when I have my parents, the universe, and most importantly, my own self by my side, how can I possibly doubt my guides when the weather gets rough?’

Rakul Preet expects something similar from today’s youth. When you have unwavering faith in yourself, you even see adversities as opportunities. ‘India is home to the largest percentage of the world’s youth. That makes us the world’s youngest country today! Do you realise how powerful that makes us? Now imagine the power of such self-reliant youth. A force like this, once presented with better employment opportunities and more varied fields—sports for example—has the power to make India an indestructible nation.’

As someone who understands how a nation works, Rakul Preet definitely has some expectations from those who govern the country. ‘I think the most important aspect that we need to concentrate on is the standard of education. We have to provide at least primary and secondary education to our children. I’m not talking about plain literacy here, but about a good standard of education so that our children turn out to be responsible citizens; for responsible citizens make a responsible nation. We have to remember that a nation is made up of its citizens and that its youth form its very soul. Nurture the soul and watch the nation bloom in its full glory.’

Rakul Preet Singh’s words make you want to believe in the force of destiny. They tempt you to follow the unseen. We keep looking for tangibles and end up restless, while peace comes from what our eyes cannot see and only our hearts can understand. As they say, faith is just a matter of belief.

Ali Abbas Zafar

(Film Director & Screenwriter)

There are people who tell tales. There are people who narrate stories and then there are people who impact lives. Ali Abbas Zafar is one such storyteller. Did you know that he majored in biochemistry, which certainly had nothing to do with films? With successful movies such as Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Sultan under his belt the incredible journey of this man never ceases to inspire, much like his latest release, Bharat.

Ali had rather humble beginnings. With his father in the defence forces and mother as an educator in a government school, Ali grew up in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Dehradun. ‘Higher studies got me to Delhi. I took up biochemistry in Kirori Mal College, Delhi University. That’s where I got involved with a student’s theatre group, The Players, and fell in love with the craft. It was also here that I discovered my love for the performing arts. The biggest question plaguing me after graduation was—what next? My inner voice said that I should move to Mumbai to pursue my dream of making it big in the tinsel town. My Mumbai days were all about struggle, but as they say, luck favours the brave. I hung in there till I finally found the chance to write my first film, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, in 2011. That’s how my career as a film director began. I was fortunate enough to find interesting work thereafter, and went on to direct Gunday, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat.’

Ali’s journey through life has been nothing short of inspiring. ‘One of my most vital life lessons has been that you can’t follow anyone else’s template in your own life. You have to write your own rules, you have to find your own convictions and that’s how it works. It also helps to remember that you will make mistakes and that’s how you will grow. However, as long as you are making your own mistakes and not someone else’s, they will fulfil their purpose.’

He adds, ‘The path has been rigorous, yes, but I have been lucky to have found the right guidance. I am a spiritual person, and I believe that the closest you can get to this omnipotent and omnipresent power is through your parents. Your parents are your first teachers. I do believe that the most effective school is your own home; but, yes, as an artist, what drives you is also your own personal instinct. You have to create your own, something that illustrates who you are. This instinct always guides you. It has always guided me. In fact, I always encourage youngsters to rely on their own instincts. They are at a stage in life where many of their decisions will determine the course their life will take. Trust me, nothing can be more reliable than your own instincts. Moreover, the decisions our young generation takes today will have an impact on our nation tomorrow.’

Ali’s views clearly speak for his faith in the youth of India. ‘For me, India’s youth have the brightest future. We are a growing economy. We are also a very young nation with a very high youth population. The success of any country depends on the youth of that country and the way we are moving forward, the way we are growing in technology, business, economy, education and arts is phenomenal. The kind of talent that is emerging from all walks of life, from small towns and villages to metros, is very inspiring. I think these are potent signs of changing times.’

‘Achievement’ is a term that stands for enormous power as well as huge burdens. ‘For me,