Producer Chitra Vakil Sharma, known for her successful production ventures like Tandoor , Raktanchal, Bhram, and most recently Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, shares her profound insights on the intricate and multifaceted nature of happiness. Through a candid conversation, she delves into how happiness transcends mere success and encompasses a deeper emotional and psychological well-being.
Happiness, according to Chitra, is a complex and multifaceted concept unique to each individual. “Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept for every individual. It’s a different description. For me, a positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, satisfaction, and well-being makes me feel happy. Happiness is a state of being where one feels content, fulfilled, and experiences a sense of joy and well-being.”
She acknowledges that happiness has different levels. She says. “Happiness can have different levels, ranging from fleeting moments of pleasure to deep, long-term satisfaction. It’s a subjective experience that can vary in intensity and duration, influenced by individual perspectives, values, and experiences.”
Emphasizing the importance of peace and satisfaction, she states, “Peace and satisfaction are essential precursors to happiness. Peace provides a sense of calm and inner stability, while satisfaction comes from achieving one’s values and goals.”
Chitra also highlights a common misconception where people often mistake success for happiness. “Many people often mistake success for happiness. Success and happiness are not the same things, although they can be related. Success involves achieving goals or milestones, gaining recognition or accolades, accomplishing something significant, and reaching a certain status or position. Happiness, on the other hand, is a deeper and more subjective experience. While success can bring happiness, it’s not the only path to happiness. People can be successful yet unhappy, and conversely, happy without achieving traditional success. It’s essential to recognize and pursue happiness beyond external measures of success.”
Reflecting on her own life, she shares moments that brought her genuine happiness. “I am genuinely always a happy person, but yes, I have had moments of true happiness. I am an animal lover, so I remember when I was in my teens, I got my first pet. After insisting a lot to my parents, I think that day is a clear visual and the happiest day for me. Then, when I became a mother, I can’t express the happiness I felt. During COVID, I adopted a dog. I wait to go back home and play with Dorgy and Tanvi. I think every moment I live. All my successes, like buying my first house in Powai and starting my production house, make me happy.” she concludes.
Overall, happiness for Chitra Vakil Sharma is a dynamic and multidimensional concept that evolves over time, experienced in various ways and degrees. Her insights offer a profound understanding of how true happiness encompasses much more than mere success.