Shekhar Kapur Explores Eternal Now And Source Of Thought
Acclaimed filmmaker delves into mind vs heart in a quest for the eternal.

Image: Instagram
Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, renowned for his trailblazing contributions to cinema, has recently offered his followers a glimpse into his introspective mind with a thought-provoking Instagram post. In his reflective caption, Kapur invites us to ponder a timeless question: Where do thoughts truly arise – from the mind or from the heart? With an artful mix of poetic expression and philosophical inquiry, he challenges conventional beliefs about the nature of thought and creativity.
Philosophy In Focus
Kapur’s musings begin with a simple yet profound query: “Where do thoughts arise? From the mind or from the heart?” He contrasts the deliberate, measured nature of thoughts curated by the mind with those that are spontaneous, intuitive, and eternal in character when born out of the heart. The filmmaker suggests that while rational, methodical thought is valuable, it is the heart’s instinctive flow that often gives rise to our most honest and creative expressions. Quoting Bob Dylan’s famous sentiment – ‘My best lyrics were written as fast as my pencil could write’ – Kapur reinforces the idea that raw emotion and intuition can capture fleeting moments of brilliance beyond the constraints of time.
Mind Versus Heart
In his post, Kapur remarks, “For me, my most honest thoughts come when I am out of the way, where what is written has merely passed through me.” This statement underscores his belief that the mind, with its constant deliberation and analysis, sometimes hinders the pure expression that emerges from a heart open to the eternal present. According to Kapur, while the mind measures time and time’s passing, the heart resides in the eternal now—a realm where creativity flows uninterrupted by the rigid boundaries of past and future.
A Cinematic Reflection
Kapur’s reflective state is not new to his vast body of work. Having directed iconic films such as Mr. India and earning accolades like the Padma Bhushan, his career has always been marked by a fusion of structured artistry and the spontaneity of emotion. His Instagram post, complemented by a serene, expansive landscape image reminiscent of a tranquil beach, echoes themes found in his films—a blend of visual storytelling and deep philosophical inquiry. The backdrop, featuring a calming coastal panorama, perfectly encapsulates the idea of the eternal now, where moments are infinite and every scene of life holds a poetic truth.
Reflections On The Eternal Now
At the heart of Kapur’s post is the concept of the eternal now. He muses that the heart does not belong merely to a single moment or to the constraints of time; instead, it is part of an infinite, ever-present state. While the mind is busy constructing reality through sequences of past and future, the heart, filled with compassion, empathy, and intuition, connects with a timeless quality of existence. This outlook encourages viewers to pause and embrace each moment fully, recognizing that true awareness is rooted in the present rather than in transient calculations or plans.
Art And Spirituality Collide
Beyond the metaphysical contemplation, Kapur’s insights offer a broader commentary on the nature of art and creativity. In previous posts, he has explored themes where the boundaries between the artist and the art blur—a notion that he revisits in his latest reflection. By alluding to the creative process as one where personal identity dissolves into the flow of expression, Kapur intimates that art and spirituality are inextricably linked. His narrative resonates with those who view creative expression as a divine act, one that bridges rational thought and deep-seated emotion.
A Thoughtful Conclusion
In a world brimming with distractions and incessant noise, Shekhar Kapur’s reflective post stands out as a sincere call to introspection. Whether one believes that thought is the product of logical reasoning or an outpouring of the heart’s intuitive wisdom, his words encourage us to acknowledge the value inherent in both processes. By merging his celebrated cinematic vision with a meditative exploration of creativity and time, Kapur provides a thoughtful reminder that life’s richest experiences often emerge when we allow ourselves to live in the eternal present.

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