Should I shift to another equity fund?

I am investing Rs 1,000 per month via an SIP in HDFC Equity Fund since last three years. But the fund has not been performing well since the last one year. Can I shift to another equity fund which is performing well?
--Nikhil Sinnarkar

Apoorva Vora, Founder and CEO, Finolutions WealthCare LLP, responds:

I believe that there is a factual error. Contrary to your belief, the fund you are referring to is a top quartile performer in the last one year. Fundamentally, you cannot (and should not) chase the performer as top performers keep changing. This is the nature of investments. Have patience and give time to your investments rather than trying to time your investments.