BOOKed!: From fiction to motivational books, celebrities talk about their love for reading
Memorable jingle: Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi
I am really fond of reading books. Once, the director of Turban Tadka challenged me to create something memorable. Inspired by my daughter’s book Mahatma, I created the jingle Namak Shamak, which became famous worldwide. I’m grateful to that book for inspiring such a memorable concept. I also read motivational books like Who Moved My Cheese?. The culture of reading physical books will never die.
Poet within: Manmohan Tiwari
Since I was in 8th or 9th grade, I have loved Hindi literature, especially the poetry of Jaishankar Prasad and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. This passion led me to pick up writing and reading as my favourite activities. In 9th grade, I started enjoying poems and exploring the poets behind them. One book I often revisit is 101 All Time Great Stories by Deep Trivedi, which never loses its charm. While some say reading is declining, I believe it’s diversifying. People still love reading, with social media and audiobooks adding value but not replacing physical books.
No replacement: Prince Dhiman
As an engineering graduate, books were always a part of my life, but my passion for the imaginary world grew during my theatre days. When you read a novel, your imagination brings the story to life in a unique way. Sadly, book reading culture is dying; few people buy and read hard copies. Phones have become an addiction, but nothing replaces the simplicity and feel of a book. I recently read Yaar Papa by Divya Prakash Dubey. A favorite book I’ve read multiple times is Aughad by Nilotpal Mrinal. It teaches valuable lessons and opens the mind, with Biranchi as the hero and Pabittar Das as the demon.
Simple pleasure: Saanand Verma
Growing up in Patna as the son of a small-time publisher, books have always been close to my heart. Despite my busy schedule, I always carry a book in my bag and find moments to read in-between shooting schedules. I wrote three detective novels as a teenager and have invested significantly in my personal library. One of my favourite books is The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma, which I’ve read multiple times. It’s unfortunate that the culture of reading physical books is declining due to the Internet. The scent and feel of a physical book are irreplaceable, offering a simple pleasure that digital formats can’t match.
True passion: Twinkle Arora
I love reading books, which became a significant interest for me at the end of college. Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss reignited my passion for reading. I highlight important lines from self-help books for future reference. Despite digital options, I prefer traditional reading with a book and a marker. Social media, while beneficial, often distracts one from reading. I cherish the tactile experience of a physical book.
Deeper knowledge: Ashutosh Clairvoyant
Reading books, magazines or newspapers is crucial for growth. While audio books are useful, they can’t fully replace traditional reading. The quality of an audio book depends on the narrator. People often seek quick answers online, but books offer deeper knowledge. Young adults should read impactful books like The Fault in Our Stars and The Alchemist. The unique joys of physical books, from their smell to the memories they evoke, are irreplaceable. I urge the younger generation to choose hardbound or paperback books for a more enriching experience.
Line wise: Rinku Ghosh
I am not a habitual reader, but I enjoy reading if the first few pages capture my interest. I prefer fiction and autobiographies. Books can’t replace the internet, and reading on Kindle or other digital devices doesn’t satisfy me. I can’t even read my scripts on my phone or iPad — it’s always about holding the pages in my hand.
Great charm: Nitin Goswami
These days I don’t have much time, but when I do I enjoy reading books. One book I’ve read multiple times is The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, which changed my perspective on life and is very special to me. I also read a lot of motivational books by Osho. While many people prefer online books for convenience, I still believe in the charm of physical books. For me, the feeling of holding a book, flipping through its pages and smelling its aroma is irreplaceable.