You’ll always find a book in these celebs’ bags: Celebrities talk about their love for reading

Rinku Ghosh
I am not a habitual reader, but I like reading though, if the first 2, 3 pages catch on. Then I have to complete the book. I like to read fiction and autobiography. Books can never replace the internet. People who read books cannot get satisfaction by reading from kindle. I cannot even read my scripts on my phone or iPad. For me it is always the pages. I need to read from pages on my hand.

Shubhangi Atre
I love holding a physical book in my hands and smelling the pages. There’s nothing like the experience of reading a physical book; it can’t be replaced. I used to read a lot during college, but then I stopped. I picked it up again about five or six years ago, and now it’s something I really enjoy. I love sitting in a café with a good book, or even at home with some soft music playing in the background. Even though the reading culture has decreased, people should still explore the habit of reading. Books I’ve read multiple times include Journey of Souls by Michael Newton and Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. I love reading all kinds of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and philosophical works. It’s a beautiful time for me, and I cherish my 'me time' with a good book.  

Nitin Goswami
These days, I haven't had much time, but when I do have a break, I enjoy reading books. One book I've read multiple times is The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. After reading it, I changed my perspective on life, and it's very special to me. Besides that, I read a lot of motivational books by Osho and listen to his videos and audios. Nowadays, many people prefer online books, and while I understand the convenience, I still believe in the charm of physical books. The new generation often chooses technology like phones or Kindles, which offer multiple books in one device. Audiobooks are also popular and convenient, but for me, the feeling of holding a book, flipping through its pages, and smelling its scent is irreplaceable. I have never been satisfied with reading on a Kindle and prefer the physical book experience.
 
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi
I'm really fond of reading books. Once, my director for 'Turban Tadka' challenged me to create something memorable. At that time, my daughter was reading 'Mahatma,' which talked about Gandhi’s use of salt in the freedom struggle. This inspired me to create the jingle 'Namak Samak,' which became famous worldwide. I'm grateful that this book helped me conceive such a memorable concept. One standout book for me is my Culinary Book, which I often refer to for inspiration. I also read motivational books like 'Who Moved My Cheese?' and Ankur Warikoo 'Do Epic Shit' to stay motivated. I believe the culture of reading physical books will never die. Physical books allow you to underline important points and make notes, something digital formats can't provide as easily. Holding a physical book and making notes adds unique value. It’s like being a chef who enjoys real food rather than just pictures. A well-stocked library is a treasure trove of knowledge, and I cherish my own collection.

Manmohan Tiwari
Since I was in 8th or 9th grade, I have loved Hindi literature. I enjoyed reading the poetry and works of Hindi poets like Jaishankar Prasad and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. This led to my interest in writing and reading, which became my favorite activities. In the 9th grade, I started enjoying poems, and my curiosity about the poets behind them deepened my passion for literature. One book that I often revisit is '101 All Time Great Stories' by Deep Trivedi. I have read these stories many times, yet they never lose their charm. While some say reading is declining, I believe it's not dying but diversifying. People still love reading books, and they now have other options too. Social media and audiobooks add value, but they don't diminish the importance of physical books. The feeling of holding a book is irreplaceable. The earthy, musty smell of the pages is something audiobooks or digital formats can never replicate. It's a unique experience that I truly cherish.

Prince Dhiman
I am in love with reading books. I also have a big collection. I mostly love reading Hindi fiction novels. I did engineering, so books were always a part of my life. But during my theater days, I fell in love with the imaginary world.  The best part for me is that when you are reading a novel, everything you imagine while reading is your own imagination. You create everything. Yes, the story is by someone else, but you are creating a different version of it. And the thing is, it’s different for every reader,” he added.   He feels book reading culture is dying and said, “There are only a certain number of people who really put effort into buying a hard copy and reading it. Everyone is on their phone all the time. Sometimes I think what is so important about a phone is that it keeps you hooked up. It’s an addiction.  Book reading is pure. Like old music, nothing can replace the simplicity and aura of books. I don’t like using my phone for reading . The feel of a book in your hands is different. It can’t be expressed in words. Today also I was reading the book Yaar Papa by Divya Prakash Dubey.”  A book that you have read multiple times? “Aughad by Nilotpal Mrinal. What a fantastic book it is. Biranchi was and will always be the real hero of the story. And the demon will be Pabittar Das. No one can be fully trusted in this world except your parents. This novel teaches a lot. And also opens the gate of mind.

Saanand Verma
As for my personal journey, I am very fond of reading books. Growing up as a bookseller in Patna, with my father being a small-time book publisher, books have always been close to my heart. This passion for literature is in my blood. Despite my busy schedule, I always carry a book in my bag, finding moments to read while shooting. I wrote three detective novels as a teenager and have spent significant money building my personal library. One of my favourite books is 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari' by Robin Sharma, which I've read multiple times for its inspiration. It's unfortunate that the culture of reading physical books is declining due to the internet. There's something special about the scent of a physical book that digital formats can't replace. Nothing compares to the experience of holding and flipping through the pages of a book. This simple pleasure is irreplaceable.

Twinkle Arora
I love reading books. It wasn’t a big interest for me until the end of college when my curiosity for knowledge grew. "Many Lives, Many Masters" by Dr. Brian Weiss reignited my passion for reading. I always highlight important lines from self-help books and keep them for future reference. While digital options are available, I still prefer traditional reading with a book and marker in hand. Social media, although offering some benefits, often distracts from reading and intellectual growth. Despite having digital options, I enjoy the tactile experience of a physical book.

Ashutosh Clairvoyant 
Reading, whether it’s a book, magazine, or newspaper, is essential for growth. Audiobooks are useful but cannot fully replace traditional reading; they are like formula milk compared to pure milk. The quality of an audiobook depends heavily on the narrator. People often seek quick answers online instead of through books, but traditional reading offers 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. The younger generation relies too much on digital gadgets; I urge them to choose hardbound or paperback books for a more personal and enriching experience.