Five celebs talk about the books that changed their lives

Books have a magical way of shifting our perspectives and sparking new beginnings. For these five celebrities, certain reads have played a pivotal role in shaping who they are today. From embracing creativity to finding inner peace, these books have been more than just a source of inspiration—they’ve been life-changers. Here’s a peek into the literary gems that have had a lasting impact on their personal and professional journeys.

Kamakshi Khanna, Singer – The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron 

This book has really been a great tool in my journey as a songwriter. I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to tap into their creative side. It reminded me that creativity flows best when we give ourselves permission to start small, embrace imperfections, and honour our passions. At a time when life urged me to lay low, it reconnected me to my first love, which is writing music, and to my inner child.

Santanu Hazarika, Multidisciplinary Visual Artist – 7 Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik

I read this book at a time when I was going through a lot of personal turmoil and was not in a very good place. It impacted me in a lot of ways, and nudged me to understand mythology in a more logical and refined way while also understanding the core of it. This book really changed my perspective on things. It was after reading it that I started making art, and I even created artwork inspired by the book and the things that it taught me. Oddly enough, that artwork went on to win the Redbull World Championship, which really changed my direction in life and my career forever.

Zahrah S Khan, Singer & Actress – The Greatest Secret by Rhonda Byrne 

This book profoundly changed my life by shifting my perspective towards positivity and awareness. It taught me to embrace my inner consciousness and understand that true happiness comes from within. It helped me process life’s challenges with clarity, enabling healing and personal growth. By focusing on the present moment and detaching from limiting thoughts, I’ve developed a more positive mindset. This awareness has transformed my relationships, reduced stress, and opened doors to endless possibilities, making my life more beautiful and fulfilling. It’s a guide to inner peace and self-discovery.

Jayesh Sachdev, Artist – If by Rudyard Kipling 

This poem became my compass, offering clarity in chaos and strength in doubt. It has been a guidepost for me since I was very young, teaching me how to handle both success and failure with grace. It has shaped how I approach challenges and has been a quiet reminder to trust myself, stay patient, and be resilient, no matter what life throws my way. It’s a blueprint for life—anchoring me in storms, inspiring me to rise stronger. It defined not just who I am but who I strive to be.

Gurfateh Singh Pirzada, Actor – Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl 

I came across this book many years ago, when I was struggling a lot more. It was at a time when I was still learning to act, so I was trying to figure out the way the industry in Mumbai works and how to crack auditions and films. And I think the whole journey to Canada, and then to Mumbai, had sort of scarred me a little. But when I read this book, I realised that no matter how difficult life might get, it goes on and we come back stronger. This book gave me courage, and the understanding that there are worse things happening in the world.

All images: Amazon.in 

This article originally appeared in the Jan-Feb 2025 print edition of Cosmopolitan India. 

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