‘A Life Less Extraordinary: My Journey through Politics, Passion, and Purpose’, which is a candid memoir of personal growth, embracing flaws, and finding peace in being oneself. by Lav Bhargava, is a self-reflective journey, sharing heartfelt anecdotes that blend humour with insightful introspection. Bhargava reflects on key moments and people that shaped his life, exploring themes like self-acceptance, karmic destiny, and wisdom.
Rather than a recounting of triumphs or regrets, the narrative focuses on the people and moments that shaped a life well-lived. The author muses on life’s deeper truths, touching on the subtle workings of karmic destiny and the limitations of human control. With warmth and honesty, the memoir traces the gradual arc towards contentment, highlighting the lessons learnt along the way.
Far from a conventional tale of success, this is a story of personal evolution— embracing flaws, unexpected teachings, and the wisdom that emerges over time. It is a testament to the enduring commitment to authenticity and the peace found in simply being oneself.
At a pivotal moment in his seventies, Lav Bhargava reflects on the many roles he has played—politician, actor, social activist, husband, father—offering an honest self-appraisal shaped by decades of public service and personal growth. This is his memoir.
Lav Bhargava has had a diverse career, holding political roles in both the Congress and Samajwadi Party. A social activist, he has also been involved in film and television as an actor and producer.
What factors, apart from triumphs and defeats, do you think shape a well-lived life?
Apart from defeats and triumphs in this journey of life, it is one’s social conduct, attitude and behaviour in family & societal settings that shapes a well-rounded life. Commanding the love, appreciation and respect of the people and helping those in need, working for the underprivileged, and socially & culturally relevant issues, for me, constitute a well lived life.
How would you describe the role of karmic destiny and the limitations of human control over life?
It is only when things go south, and one introspects on the ‘Whys’, ‘Ifs’ and regrets of life, does one realise that we as humans have such limited power over our lives and our destiny. There is something invisible always working on the side which is instrumental in deciding the course of our journey and the final destination.
This is where the preordained destiny induces us to take a path, we chose for ourselves. Here, one’s free will to act conflates with what is preordained that eventually leads to a path we are meant to tread.
Man’s actions alone are not potent enough to give favourable outcomes. There is always divine play in motion, of ‘Prarabdh Karma’ as the cause and effect of one’s actions in this or past lives that decides one’s destiny.
What one aspires to might not be delivered in the expected form or at the opportune time and what one wishes also may sometimes not be in the best interest of one’s own material and spiritual growth.
What, according to you, is true contentment in life?
Contentment does not arise from just ticking all the boxes on your life’s wish list for fulfilling all the family needs and worldly ambitions, it also emanates from the satisfaction you derive by concomitantly walking a path of selfless service towards society in one form or another. It is this kind of action that leads not only to contentment but makes one blissful in spirit- a convergence of spiritual awareness of positive thoughts and creative actions.
Contentment is in knowing this ‘Absolute Truth’ that leads to a life of ease and comfort with what ‘is’ rather than what one constantly keeps aspiring to. This insatiable and infinite desire is the enemy of peace and contentment, as are regrets an impediment to the process of self-evolution; A sort of denial in acceptance of what is meant to be.
On the other hand, gratitude for what ‘is’ and knowing that to be your preordained destiny leads to peace which one should strive to achieve. Regardless of the ups and downs, highs and lows of life, one must learn to accept the universal plan for the attainment of the higher self. To evolve spiritually is to consciously abstain from hurting or harming another human being intentionally, while performing all worldly actions and duties for one’s family & material benefits.
What viewpoint, do you reckon, is the best to maintain in times of crisis throughout life?
‘This too shall pass’ is the mantra. Lie low with patience and let the bad times roll, rest assured that better times will be around the corner. Completely surrendering to the All mighty at the time of crisis and maintaining a righteous conduct with faith and belief in the supreme will help you tide over this.
What makes ‘A Life Less Extraordinary: My Journey through Politics, Passion, and Purpose’ a must-read for people from all walks of life?
It would be too pompous of me to call my book a must read, what I can say with all humility is the experiences are real as is my journey to my current state of contentment and bliss. That should be enough reason for readers to want to read what is there for them in my memoirs, A life less extraordinary.
