From dropping out of college to performing in front of football legends, the story of Mr. Chaitanya Deshpande is a true inspiration for all those who dare to challenge traditional career pathways. In this engaging talk at TEDxPICT, Chaitanya takes you through the unexpected twists that led him from restless days of uncertainty to becoming a freestyle footballer and viral content creator. Football, being a niche sport in India, posed its own challenges, and the speaker sheds light on how he was able to focus on getting the most out of his passion. From convincing his parents by showing them tangible results to appearing on television and making them truly proud, the journey — which seems simple enough — isn’t so in most cases. He also enlightens us about how to make a career plan fail-proof, highlighting that weaknesses matter as much as strengths do. He shares his interest in content creation and how he was able to create the ‘Saadha Manus’ page, which gave a boost to his career. This isn’t just a success story — it’s a bold answer to the question: “What if I take the road no one else is willing to?” Get ready for a talk that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even take that leap you’ve been hesitating to make. Chaitanya Deshpande, popularly known as Saadha Manus, is a professional freestyle footballer and content creator from Pune, Maharashtra. Representing India on the global stage, he has showcased his skills in freestyle football and Panna, gaining recognition for his dedication to the sport.In his TEDx talk, Chaitanya will take the audience through his unconventional journey— choosing passion over convention, dropping out of college, and overcoming societal and financial challenges to pursue freestyle football full-time. He will shed light on the struggles of gaining parental approval, monetizing a non-traditional career, and staying motivated in the face of uncertainty. Through his story, he will emphasize the power of perseverance, self-belief, and vision in breaking barriers and carving one's own path to success. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx