This World Book Day, celebrities share how reading books helps them. They also share their favourite book titles.
Megha Sharma
When I was in kindergarten or even before, I was very loyal to storybooks and I used to imagine while she read. That’s how I developed the habit of reading books. I love reading books. It’s great to have that habit because it stimulates your mind, ignites imaginative thoughts, and helps you understand different characters. This habit also benefits your work. I prefer reading fantasy fiction primarily because it teaches you a lot and actors should read fiction a lot. Fiction introduces you to various characters and their growth, and it expands your imaginative world and thought process. So, I am interested in reading fiction books and stories. Personally, I prefer hard copies over digital ones. I can’t read books online; I need physical copies. Additionally, I enjoy having a small library at home. I love collecting and reading books while sipping on hot coffee.
Deepali Pansare
I guess I started reading comics when I was 7 years old, thanks to my father. He always found time to read in his free time, and as children learn from their parents, it became a habit for me too. We still have a huge library at home. My favourite book is The Power of Subconscious Mind. I started reading it during the time of Covid, which was one of the most frustrating periods in people’s lives. However, as I delved into “The Power of Subconscious Mind,” I began to feel grateful for being alive and for the time I got to spend with my family, among other things. Eventually, everything changed; my misery turned into a blessing just by shifting my focus to the positive aspects of life. That’s why it’s my favourite. No, I still prefer buying hard copy books. I don’t get the same satisfaction from reading on a mobile device. I always keep a book in my bag, so reading on my phone is never on my mind.
Kunwar Amar
I reminisce about my journey with reading. It was in my childhood that I cultivated this habit, finding solace and wisdom in the pages of countless books. While I treasure many, one book that I really love is “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” written by Robert Kiyosaki. It offers a blueprint for achieving financial success and challenges conventional wisdom about money and wealth accumulation, inspiring readers to rethink their approach to personal finance and pursue financial freedom. In today’s digital age, while we consume more content online, the tactile experience of a physical book remains unmatched, offering a timeless joy that enriches our lives.
Gulfam Khan Hussain
You are literate; hence, you read. You read; hence, you’re knowledgeable. This is my quote. I’ve always been a curious soul, but I distinctly remember the moment I truly began reading. I used to be quiet in school, and some teachers assumed I didn’t know English. One of them handed me a 90-page copy of ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ to read. I finished it and returned it the next day. She realized I knew the language, and I realized I loved reading. Despite being a gadget freak, I still have a soft spot for “Rumpelstiltskin.”
Gurpreet Singh
Reading has been a part of my life since I was young, thanks to my parents who always encouraged me to explore different genres and authors. My favourite book is rooted in mythology, which I got into after watching TV shows like Ramayana and Mahabharata. These stories captivated me with their depth and complex characters, immersing me in their worlds. Aside from mythology, I enjoy suspense and drama books. Since entering the industry, I’ve also grown fond of reading plays. When it comes to digital versus hard copy reading, I find both have their perks. Digital reading is convenient and easy to access, especially when I’m on the go. But there’s something special about the feel of a physical book and turning its pages. I try to strike a balance, enjoying the ease of digital reading while still appreciating the tactile experience of holding a physical book.”
Charrul Malik
“The Secret” is my all-time favorite book. I can read it again and never get bored. The book suggests the notion that like attracts like, which means if you emit positive energy, it will be very beneficial because you will attract positive things to you. I think we all need to get back to reading; we have forgotten because of digital copies. It’s harmful as it causes harm to the eyes, and the feeling of holding a paper we have forgotten. We have indulged in digital so much that I think we should not switch to digital copies. I have had the habit of reading since childhood because my parents also had the habit of reading, so it started from childhood.
Ankit Bathla
There is a book by National Geographic named “Destination of Lifetime”. So that’s what I’m reading right now. It’s about, you know, the interesting destinations which are not very explored and not really on the Internet. And that will be very interesting for me because it brings me to a lesser-known fact, especially in the age of social media. I would love beer. I love the smell of paper and holding the book in my hand, which kind of brings fitness. For me, it brings back childhood memories and also I think the old days because we saw on social media flooded and the professional we are in we’re always on the phone. When I read a book, generally before bedtime it soothes my mind and gets back to my centre. The habit of reading is very old for me. As a kid I never used to read. In fact, I’m still not an avid reader. I prefer leaving at least a paragraph or page or two before I go off to bed. It is the best way to get a good sleep, and also avoid screen time before sleeping.
Namita Lal
I am passionate about reading. I have 5-6 books that I am in the process of reading. I love reading various kinds of books, especially spiritual ones. My favorite book is “What I Know for Sure” by Oprah Winfrey. I also enjoy “The Power of Now” and “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo. I have many favorites. I love buying books and listening to book reviews before purchasing them on Amazon. Additionally, I cannot read on the computer or mobile; I prefer hardcover or paperback books. I love the smell of pages. There are many authors I admire, like Deepak Chopra. I enjoy underlining and highlighting lines in books. Since I am in the film industry, I particularly enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies. Currently, I am reading Rajesh Khanna’s biography. My favorite biography is “Romancing with Life” by Dev Anand , which I revisit often.
Simple Kaul
Having a day like this is really nice. When I studied English literature, I started reading a lot more. One book that really caught my attention in college was “The Fountainhead”. It made me think about a lot of things and how they shape our views as we grow up. The author talks about love in a different way, saying it’s more about being selfish than selfless. It tells the story of an individualistic architect named Howard Roark and his struggle to maintain his integrity and artistic vision in the face of societal conformity. The book explores themes of collectivism, altruism,individualism, independence, and the pursuit of one’s own happiness. It critiques collectivism and promotes the idea of living according to one’s own values rather than conforming to the expectations of others. The book also explores the idea of spiritual leaders who love everyone, and there’s a main character who stays true to himself without saying much. When he does speak, it’s really powerful and gives us a clear picture of society. I picked it up because I enjoy fiction with philosophical themes..Even when I was busy with shoots, I made time to read. I used to finish books while on shoots, and I still bring books with me when I travel. I prefer reading physical copies over digital ones. It seems like nowadays, many of us spend more time on the internet than reading books.
