Beyond the glitz, glamour, and box-office numbers, many Bollywood celebrities harbour a deep love for the written word. From penning novels and poetry to launching publishing houses and championing reading movements, several actors have revealed their intellectual side over the years. Here’s a look at the Hindi film industry’s lesser-known literary brigade.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Collector of Worlds
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known for his expansive personal library, reportedly housing thousands of books ranging from world literature to philosophy. His love for reading has often influenced his performances and the depth he brings to his characters. Khan has spoken about how reading Gabriel García Márquez and Ayn Rand shaped his worldview. Though yet to publish any work of his own, he’s confessed he maintains handwritten journals chronicling his journey in films and life.
Twinkle Khanna: From Actor to Bestselling Author
Twinkle Khanna, once a popular face on-screen, has reinvented herself as a witty and bestselling author. Writing under her nickname “Mrs. Funnybones,” she debuted with a weekly newspaper column that soon turned into a book deal. Her books Mrs. Funnybones, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, and Pyjamas Are Forgiving topped charts and were praised for their sharp humour and social insights. In 2021, she launched her own digital publishing house called Tweak Books to nurture fresh Indian voices.
Ayushmann Khurrana: Poet with a Mic
Known for his unconventional film choices, Ayushmann Khurrana is equally unconventional when it comes to his hobbies. A passionate poet, he often pens ghazals and Hindi-Urdu verses, sharing them with fans on social media. Khurrana’s poetry touches themes of love, loss, and fleeting fame. He has expressed his aspiration to compile his poems into a book someday. His literary flair also contributes to his songwriting, evident in his hits like Pani Da Rang, which he co-wrote.
Soha Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor Khan: Sisters with a Pen
Royal siblings Soha Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan have both tested literary waters. Soha authored The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, a humorous memoir reflecting on fame and identity, while Kareena co-wrote Pregnancy Bible, a comprehensive guide on motherhood. Both books received positive reviews and established the sisters as voices of relatability among urban Indian women.
Kalki Koechlin: Letters, Poems and Plays
French-Indian actress Kalki Koechlin has carved a niche in both cinema and theatre. Off-screen, she is an avid writer. Her published works include The Elephant in the Womb, an illustrated book on motherhood, and several poems that have featured in literary journals. Koechlin also writes plays, with stories often rooted in feminism, sexuality, and modern urban life. She believes writing helps her process complex emotions and characters.
Kabir Bedi: A Memoir from Hollywood to Bollywood
Veteran actor Kabir Bedi unveiled his life story, Stories I Must Tell, in 2021, recounting his international acting career and personal turmoil. The memoir became a bestseller and marked an emotional journey from Bollywood to James Bond fame and back. Bedi now spends time promoting reading among youth and is often seen at literary festivals across the country.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Adding ‘Author’ to a Global Resume
Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas surprised fans with her memoir, Unfinished, in 2021. The book offered personal anecdotes from her rise, from Bareilly to Hollywood. Chopra Jonas described writing as one of her most cathartic experiences. The memoir’s success has sparked rumours of a possible second book, focusing more on her entrepreneurial ventures and activism.
Growing Culture of Reading in Bollywood
With the rise of social media book clubs and celebrity endorsements, Bollywood stars are increasingly using their platforms to promote reading. Vidya Balan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and Hrithik Roshan have often spoken about their love for books. Actors attending the Jaipur Literature Festival and Authors’ Meet are no longer rare sights.
Beyond Box Office, Towards Bookshelves
While audiences recognise actors for their blockbuster performances, many Bollywood stars are quietly nurturing India’s reading culture. Whether writing humorous memoirs, heartfelt poetry, or curating their personal libraries, these celebrities are redefining stardom, not just by the films they act in, but by the stories they tell on paper. In a world driven by screen time, Bollywood’s bookworms are gently reminding fans that sometimes, the greatest adventures still live between the pages of a book.
By – Sonali