Twitter Interview

He is a famous cricketer and requires no further introduction. What many of us may not know is that he is an author as well.

An avid reader, the books written by him are

• Beyond The Blues  
• Out of The Blue – Rajasthan’s Road To The Ranji Trophy  - recently launched in the market

Also Mr Aakash Chopra has started an e-store named www.CricBuy.com that will allow cricket fans to buy the branded cricket gear and that too at your doorstep...Great initiative taken for fans.

For more information about the renowned Aakash Chopra, one can browse his personal site cricketaakash.com

Jobzing.com would like to thank him for his time....

Q1: What is your definition of success?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - Being successful is being happy and satisfied. You may achieve the best in the world but if you're not satisfied with what you've got, you aren't successful. No, I'm not saying to be content with what you have and hence don't try to achieve more but even when you're dreaming and aiming higher, you must be satisfied with what you have.

Q2: Was Aakash Chopra always a thinking cricketer who is articulate and expressive?

[ Aakash Chopra ] -  Well, that's, perhaps, for others to answer. I've always been a reader and a bit of a writer. As the career and life progressed, it got noticed a bit more.

Q3: What have the last few years taught you?
 
[ Aakash Chopra ] -  If you keep doing the good work, if you're honest in whatever you do, everyone will recognise and appreciate your efforts. I've also learnt to stop worrying about things beyond my control and instead focus on what is.

Q4: What are the qualities you admire in others?

[ Aakash Chopra ] -  Humility and integrity. But then there's lot more in others to admire like their work ethics, determination, discipline, writers’ flair for writing, orators’ ability to articulate and so on.
 
Q5: “A cricketer, writer and analyst” what is the definition of a perfect job for you?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - Playing cricket during the day, analysing post the day's play and writing about it later in the evening. Life is bliss.

Q6: Is ‘work-life-balance’ an illusion?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - It isn't, provided you set your priorities right and also if you love what you're doing for living. Yes, you'll have to stretch every now and then but that's life.
 
Q7: "Leaders in all professions have certain qualities. What are the ones you would like to see in the leader for the Indian Cricket Team?"

[ Aakash Chopra ] - The ability to go down to every individual's level and communicate in the language they understand.
Since our cricketers come from various backgrounds, it's imperative to deal with them individually. Leader must know what gets the best out of every player.
 
Q8: How do you handle the celebrity status? Does it burden you?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - However cliche it may sound but being myself is my way of dealing with it. No, it isn't a burden but a responsibility and I never shy away from responsibilities. The love our people have bestowed on me, it's only just that I repay that.
 
Q9: What works as a stress buster for you?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - Reading, writing, watching movies or good programmes on tv and spending time with family.
 
Q10: Corporate world associates very closely to ‘Beyond the Blues’ but what is your advice for all to come ‘Out of the Blue’?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - My suggestion would be to not throw in the towel and keep believing that good things will happen. And they most certainly will. Have a dream and then give it your all to achieve it.

Q11: What are you doing to make this world a better place for all cricket lovers?

[ Aakash Chopra ] - I'm trying to tell them stories of cricketers with whom normal people can relate to. I'm trying, with my writing, to make them understand the nuances of the game and hence would allow them to appreciate the game and the players a lot more. Also I'm getting involved into cricket coaching program at school level. Last but not the least I've also started an e-commerce portal for quality and authentic cricket gear under one roof i.e www.cricbuy.com