Chase your passion. Rewards WILL follow” says star director S.S. Rajamouli at ASIFA IAD.

Money is a big motivator for most of us because it empowers us. But strangely, if you chase money, it tends to be evasive. Rather, go after your passion and watch money chase you instead. As students, you are all at a crucial juncture……it is time to make a firm choice between money and passion. You can’t have both. Each choice has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

If it is money that drives you, you’d probably be very happy in a job that meets your income targets and gives you the freedom to enjoy life with exuberant weekends, holidays and parties. But if you wish to follow your passion, you must be willing to sacrifice such pleasures. While this path is hard and demanding, the results though gradual will finally be fruitful with incredible financial rewards. But, perhaps, at that point, money would not really interest you.

Because, when you are passionate about something, you focus all your energies and strive to be the best at that you do. And you would never really care about sub-standard work even though it may be popular, the easy way out and very successful. That’s the true mark of a passionate professional….. aiming big, raising the bar and staying happy with what one does best.

As a fitting context for ‘mathalli’ (which means creeper) in the Telugu word ‘Kalamathalli’ (‘Mother Art’), the world of art needs support to survive and thrive. And the government, industry and related bodies are providing the support for young artists to grow. I urge all of you to utilize this support system to create your own path. It is your passion and hard work that ultimately decides your future.