In an up-tempo world where clamour is a constant, we have lost the meaning of what it is like to live. We are striving to meet our needs, and in doing so, we are basically surviving in which no breath counts, time is not sensed, and life is not lived. We spend our time making plans, but the execution never comes. We have procrastinated so much of our work that instead of watching our favourite movie, we edit advertisements for the clients we abhor. We run after things that are out of our reach and get despondent upon their unattainability. We are so engrossed with the idea of living a great life, yet our days go by, spending hours on an uncomfortable chair in an ugly office. It is understandable to materialise things as no man is infallible, yet every once in a while, we ought to peek at the windows of our offices and romanticise that aesthetic tree, to make that first move, to finish our bucket list, to go on a date with that not-so-perfect person, because if not now, then when? If not in this life, then which one?
What does zindagi na milegi dobara mean?
Zindagi na milegi dobara means - ‘life is not going to come around twice’. As much as it sounds doleful, it paves the way for endless possibilities and dreams, the ones we would be too enthralled to fulfil. It is not in the gloom we want to divert our attention, but in the knowledge that this life is our only chance to open that cosy cafe in the mountains, to go on that trip to Havana, or to say I love you to your special one. Wear your heart on your sleeve for the things you love because there’s no such thing as a next life.
Overcoming fears and taking risks
When you realise that this journey is our final one, you become psyched up to overcome any challenge that you were petrified of facing. Maybe it is as complex as paragliding and sky diving, or as simple as making a confession to the love of your life and talking for a promotion with your boss. Taking risks is inevitable in life. But the fear of failure often constrains us in the same place for too long, hindering our growth. But life doesn’t wait for anyone. So why not make that risky move like our life depends on it? As Andre Gide said-
”Man cannot discover new oceans until he dares to lose sight of the shore.”
The importance of living in the present
How many times have you found yourself ruminating about what went wrong, what you could have done right, or what will go wrong, or what if it gets messed up? These questions put the kibosh on one of the most significant aspects of life- living in the present. We were not promised certainty, but this doesn’t mean we should waste our time by controlling our past and future. Embrace the now with open arms and don’t wait for the “right moment” because time might run out.
Finding joy in simple moments
The current scenario of living is a highly flawed one where our happiness is driven by a grand scheme of things- we want a lofty house, a luxurious car, and an opulent livelihood. But seldom do we think about those small and meaningful gestures that can light up someone’s face- that one rose on a
random day, that forehead kiss after an exhausting day, the old photographs that bring back lovely memories. So don’t run away after the unattainable; rather, try to find small joys in everyday life.
Incorporating Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara into your daily life
Zindagi na milegi dobara is not just a crisp line; it is a mindset. It is a reminder that life is dainty and time is brief, so hold it tight and dear, hug your loved ones a little extra, celebrate small victories and little things, take care of yourself, and face one small fear at a time.
It is not the years that count, but the life in those years, as Abraham Lincoln once said. Don’t take life and time for granted. Life is like the touch of a flower; it brushes you off so softly and swiftly that you have to be careful and quick to feel it. Realise the fragility of life and its celerity. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be vigilant and perfectly in sync at all times. You will fail and fall; however, what matters is your exuberance and ability to get up each time with unwavering passion to live and build a life you have always wanted to lead. Let life run for you and watch yourself falling in love with it. Count your breaths for they are limited, plan a trip to your village, and live each day like it’s your last.
In the end, below are our favourite lines from our favourite movie-
“Dilon mein tum apni betabiyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum!
Nazar mein khwaabon ki bijliyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum!
Hawa ke jhonkon ke jaise aazad rehna seekho
Tum ek dariya ke jaise, leharon mein behna seekho
Har ek lamhe se tum milo khole apni baahein
Har ek pal ek naya samaa dekhe ye nigaahe
Jo apni aankhon mein hairaniyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum!”
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