Introverts have a very obsessive personality. I’m no different. Out of my countless obsessions, one is: I’m obsessed about studying obsessive people.
Actors like Daniel Day-Lewis who wouldn’t get out of a wheelchair for months just so he could merge with the soul of the character of the paraplegic artist Christy Brown. Or writers like Robert Greene who wouldn’t write a single word on paper before a decade of research.
I used to wonder why I was attracted to these crazy mad weirdos. And the closest answer I have is that perhaps I saw a reflection of myself in them.
Today I want to share with you a story of another obsessive artist who has left a deep impression on my soul. Who taught me a lesson for a lifetime.
Popcorn ready? Let’s begin.
Last week I watched a movie called “Amar Singh Chamkila” (if you’re interested, it’s available on Netflix). Now, I’m not going to go into the details and spoil the movie for you. I’m just going to share the philosophical lesson I learned from that great artist.
Amar Singh Chamkila, better known as just “Chamkila” was an Indian folk singer from the state of Punjab. He rose to fame in the 80’s and became one of the best selling artists of all time. People called him the “Elvis of Punjab”.
In the first scene of the movie, Chamkila and his wife Amandeep (who was also his signing partner) are shot dead (no spoilers here as it’s a well known fact as it’s a biography).
The movie answers two important questions: How he rose to fame and why he was killed?
And you’d be surprised to know that the answer to both questions is the same: Chamkila was built different. He was a rebel.
Let me quickly tell you some backstory to set up the scene and then we’ll move onto the main lesson.
Chamkila got famous for singing “Vulgar” songs. Touching subjects that were considered taboo in the village culture. He gave words to what every man and woman were thinking but didn’t have the courage to express. He gave words to people’s feelings and they loved him for that (just like I do for introverts ;)) And they made him a star. Showered him with love and wealth.
But the world is a cruel place. And there will always be someone who doesn’t like you. A group of Sikh conservatives asked him to stop. They warned him that he’s ruining the youth of Punjab and if he doesn’t stop, he may have to face the consequences.
So, he tried. He stopped singing what he loved and what his audience loved and started singing devotional songs as told by the conservative groups.
But here’s the twist:
Whenever he went to perform in the Akhadas (a private concert for a few hundred people), his audience demanded to listen to his old songs. The vulgar ones. And as I always say, an artist is nothing without his audience. So… he obliged. He respected their wishes and sang the old songs. And everyone went wild.
But the conservative groups who warned him were watching.
And after listening to the same requests in the next few Akhadas, he decided to do what he loved and what his audience loved. He went all in. He was warned over and over again. But he fearlessly kept entertaining his audience.
And one day, right before his performance, he and his wife were shot dead.
The Lesson
Chamkila lived to serve his audience. Even when his life was in danger, he didn’t back down. He kept doing what he loved until his last breath.
It sure was a tragedy. He could’ve stopped. He had enough money to survive for the rest of his life. But he didn’t.
All introverts share the soul of Chamkila. You know you were born to stand out. Do things that people never even dare to do in their dreams. But we don’t.
Why?
Because most of us are too afraid. Too concerned about what will people think. So we just bottle up our gifts and follow the tried and tested paths of mediocrity.
I was no different. I lived that life for years. Holding myself back. Not speaking my mind. Not expressing my soul. And it destroyed me. Every living day became a burden. Until I could take it no more.
One day I decided, enough is enough. I had some savings and promised myself, I would not work for another person and that I would keep on trying until I went broke.
I finally listened to that inner voice that has been whispering to me for almost a decade. And trust me my friend, when you finally do, things start to change.
I don’t have words to describe how it happens or why it happens, but let me tell you this, your life will change.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’ve shared my real story and all the lessons that can help you discover your true power in my book “Born to Stand Out”.
There’s something magical in each and every one of you. And it has the power to competely change your life.
All you need is to trust yourself. For once, atleast give yourself a chance.
You just have one life. And you have the power to decide how you want to live it.
I know it’s scary. I know it’s hard to leave your cozy comfort zones and walk into the unknown. But deep in your heart, you know that’s what you truly want.
You want to explore the depths of your potential.
You want to express your gifts.
You want to live the life you’ve dreamed about all your life.
Try. Just for once. Try.
Trust me, you will know I was not wrong.
Stay blessed,
Karun