The star who reads your stars

Sharmila Bhosale interviews Sundeep Kochar, the TV celebrity and astrologer, to demystify the divine science of astrology as well as the man himself

- Sharmila Bhosale

I must admit I have never been a believer in astrology. Not for me the sun signs or horoscopes or astral predictions.

We are talking about Sundeep Kocharfamed astrologer, life coach, poet, and TV celebrity who handles a multitude of grouses and a plethora of issues deftly with a mindful presence, attends to and answers queries with patience, and above all, calms irate residents with a dose of humour. He happens to be the chairman of my housing society in Andheri, Mumbai.

Piqued by his ability to calm the storm, move things forward with positivity, always lend a helping hand, energise people around him, engage with everyone, and through it all, maintain his equilibrium and sense of humour, I wondered whether the study and practice of astrology indeed makes him tick. Maybe there is something to astrology after all. So I decided to interview Sundeep and find out.

If our life is predestined, is there place for free will?

You cannot choose your parents, where you are born, or in what circumstances. All these things are out of your control. 70 per cent of your life is destiny. But I also believe in free will. Even if you are born with a silver spoon, it is up to you how you utilise the resources and opportunities that come your way. Someone who is laid back and not focussed or hard-working will waste that head start. In astrology, we say that things are karam pradhan': your deeds are more important than what you are born with. Consequently, there are so many people from good, wealthy families who haven't made it.