8 Bollywood Memoirs That Will Leave You Inspired And A Whole Lot Wiser
When I was younger, I loved listening to and reading stories. And then when I grew up, I started loving people. Before you tag me as creepy, let me explain. I love getting to know people, listening to their stories, who they are, how did they reach where they are right now, what makes them happy/sad, and everything in between. It was this love for knowing people that got me inclined towards autobiographies and biographies. People often read it as a way to get inspired or learn something new, but I read it just for the story. I believe that what sets people apart and makes them unique is their stories and every story is worth listening/reading at least once. So, today, I’ve made a list of 8 memoirs written by Bollywood celebrities that you should not only read but get inspired from because their stories are as different as they are.
These 8 chosen Bollywood memoirs are written in a spectacular fashion and each has a different voice, vulnerability, candour, tone, etc. to it. They are stories that will give you a whole different perspective on not just their journeys but will also encourage you to understand why they are the way they are. I’m in love with them and I have a good feeling that you’re also going to love them.
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So, without wasting any more of your time, let’s look at these 8 Bollywood memoirs:
1. Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra Jonas
C’mon, you know I had to start the list with an actress that is every day inching closer to global domination (as is her dream). Through the many chapters of Unfinished, Priyanka Chopra Jonas tells a tale of her life starting from the small town of Bareilly to dominating one of the biggest film industries in the world, Bollywood and then making it big in the USA. And before you think that it is all about her work, let me tell you there are deets about her romance with Nick Jonas.
2. Sach Kahun Toh by Neena Gupta
The very charming and brutally honest Neena Gupta has undoubtedly changed the rules for older actresses. And if you ask me, there is no one else who could tell her story with so much honesty and grace as much as she could. And that is exactly what makes Sach Kahun Toh such a good read. In her memoir, she narrates the events that changed her life completely and shaped her into the woman and actor she is today.
3. I Have Never Been (Un)Happier by Shaheen Bhatt
I will be honest, this one by Shaheen Bhatt overwhelmed me. In I Have Never Been (Un)Happier, her raw confessions about her mental illness will make anyone feel things. The most favourite part of mine was the journal entries she shared at the end of each chapter. These journal entries date back to when she was 18 and was first diagnosed with mental health issues. If you ask me, this book is something that gives solace to all those who are struggling with their own battles and often have no one to share it with.
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4. The Perils Of Being Moderately Famous by Soha Ali Khan
Ever wondered what it is like to be born into a family that is filled with royalty and celebrated Bollywood stars? Well, if you want to know, check out Soha Ali Khan’s The Perils Of Being Moderately Famous. A memoir wherein she puts together a series of personal essays that talk about her journey of being recognised as an adjacent actor. Her book sheds light on her time as a student, banker, and actor. It is especially funny when she reveals the intricate traits of her family members.
5. Elephant In The Womb by Kalki Koechlin
Pregnancy time for no two women can be the same and so, the way they deal with it also differs. As for Kalki Koechlin, she dealt with her pregnancy with humour as her choice of weapon. Her book, Elephant In The Womb, records her journey to motherhood and the physical, emotional and mental rollercoaster she went through every single month.
6. The 12 Commandments Of Being A Woman By Tahira Kashyap Khurrana
What drew me to this book was the unfiltered way Tahira Kashyap Khurrana narrates her life and the challenges she faces. The 12 Commandments Of Being A Woman is filled with stories of jealousy, ageing, insecurity, and how she has overcome these struggles with the wisdom she has learnt along the way. The cherry on top is her sense of humour which makes this book a celebration of her journey as a woman of her own.
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7. The Best Thing About You Is You! By Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher, in my very humble opinion, is one of the most talented and wisest actors in Bollywood. His biography, The Best Thing About You Is You!, reflects that wisdom as he shares anecdotes from his life. Philosophically written the memoir gives a rather different perspective on self-discovery, death, success, and failure. To say it is inspiring in more ways than one would be to state the obvious.
8. Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored by Rishi Kapoor and Meena Iyer
Rishi Kapoor will always be etched in our minds as one of the most charming Bollywood actors as well as the most candid of them all. In the book that was co-authored by Meena Iyer, he tells tales of his father, and family members, and even reveals deets about his love affairs. His book also sheds light on his relationship with his wife Neetu Kapoor and his children – Riddhima Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor.
