Forty is just a number!
Turning 40 is no big deal and our celebs are proving that age is indeed just a number. Some of the classic examples of those who continue to court success after 40 are Shah Rukh Khan, whose Chennai Express has been the biggest all-time grosser, Leander Paes who recently won his third US Open men’s doubles title and Shankar Mahadevan whose musical career has skyrocketed post 40. Then there are the likes of Salman Khan and Shashi Tharoor who are raising the bar as well.
According to psychologist Dr Shyam Bhat, a study which looked at the longevity of celebrities, showed that people who attained success, tend to live longer than those who don’t. Legendary bands like The Eagles and Pink Floyd are still holding their fort depite the age factor.
The psychologist also adds that there is a lot more to achieving success than what meets the eye. “It takes talent, determination, perseverance and hard work to succeed and maintain your success. People who attain success stay on the top as long as their age does not deter them. For sports people, it is however, a different ball game. With age one’s fitness does start dipping. That said, the skills honed will always remain intact. Meanwhile for actors, writers and even musicians, they get better with age because they learn more with time. Experience helps their craft. There is more clarity about one’s self at this age and that helps them succeed,” explains Dr Shyam.
Playback singer and lyricist, Swanand Kirkire says that for him, 40 is a very calm and chilled out age. “I think I have actually kick-started my wisdom and have a better perspective of life. There is a sense of self that develops in you. You know life and most of your questions are answered. Woody Allen, Gulzar sahab and Javed Akhtar, they all produced their greatest works after 40 and are still going strong. I think my best work has started now. I was young and confused before and that reflected on my work.”
While some feel that things are suddenly looking brighter for them post 40, others like actors Delnaaz Irani and Shekhar Suman attribute their success to their never-say-die attitude and the encouragement they get. The bubbly Delnaaz says, “I have always looked at the positive aspect of life and that has brought me the work it has.” Shekhar Suman on the other hand, states, “I guess the right kind of motivation from those who matter keeps me going even now.”
For Rajeev Paul, it’s the necessity to produce quality work to survive. “But then again, success depends on luck as well,” he expresses.
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