Alia Bhatt ventures into storytelling with her debut children's book, joining the ranks of actors-turned-authors.
Actress Alia Bhatt is embarking on a new journey as a storyteller with the release of her debut children's picture book. Announcing her plans to develop a series for young readers, she introduced ‘The Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds A Home,’ inspired by her kidswear brand, Ed-a-Mamma. This book, illustrated by children's book artist Tanvi Bhat, marks the beginning of her literary adventure. Alia, who has a 19-month-old daughter named Raha, established the Ed-a-Mamma brand in 2020, specialising in kidswear and maternity wear. Let's delve into the world of other actors who have ventured into writing.
Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had spent nearly a year undergoing treatment in New York in 2018. In 2017, Rishi Kapoor released his memoir, ‘Khullam Khulla,’ which he wrote with his characteristic brutal honesty and frankness. The memoir, true to Rishi Kapoor's candid style, does not shy away from discussing his father's affairs, his own temptations and crushes on Bollywood actresses, and the quirks his wife Neetu had to endure.
Ayushmann Khurrana, a multitalented actor and writer, has made his mark in the literary world with his insightful book ‘Cracking the Code.’ Beyond his cinematic successes, Khurrana's book explores his personal journey, detailing his struggles and triumphs. His narrative serves to inspire readers to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams with resilience and authenticity.
In 2015, Twinkle Khanna released her first non-fiction book, ‘MrsFunnybones,’ which became a bestseller and established her as India's highest-selling woman writer that year. Khanna followed this success with her second book, ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad,’ a collection of short stories, one of which was inspired by social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham. This story was later adapted into the National Award-winning film ‘Pad Man,’ which aimed to dispel taboos around menstruation. In 2018, her third book, ‘Pyjamas Are Forgiving,’ further cemented her status, making her the highest-selling female author in India that year according to Nielsen BookScan India. Her fourth book, ‘Welcome to Paradise,’ released in 2023, received critical acclaim and topped the Nielsen BookScan fiction list, as well as the Crossword bookstore bestseller list.
Emraan Hashmi, known for his intense on-screen presence, shared a deeply personal narrative in his memoir ‘The Kiss of Life.’ The book recounts his son's battle with cancer, offering a raw and heartfelt account of courage, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child. Hashmi's memoir delves into the emotional journey of facing his son's illness, providing readers with an intimate look at the resilience and strength of their family.
Naseeruddin Shah, the versatile actor, captivated readers with his memoir ‘And Then One Day.’ This sparkling account of his early years, 'from zero to thirty-two,' chronicles his extraordinary journey from a feudal hamlet near Meerut, through Catholic schools in Nainital and Ajmer, to achieving stage and film stardom in Mumbai. With remarkable frankness and objective self-assessment, Shah narrates his struggles to earn a living through acting, his experiments with the craft, his love affairs, early marriage, and the highs and lows of his career.
