#WorldBookDay: Reading books has helped us stay calm during the pandemic, say TV celebs

On the occasion of World Book Day today, celebs, who are bibliophiles, tell us how their reading habit kept them sane and grounded amid the pandemic.

The Kumkum Bhagya actress shares, “While I was not shooting for Kumkum Bhagya due to the lockdown last year, I spent the majority of my time reading many novels. I read interesting books like The Rules of Contagion by Adam Kucharski, during this period. I also suggested to my friends and followers to read books like The Passage, The Twelve and The City of Mirrors, all by Justin Crown, A collection of stories by Ted Chiang and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Actually, good books are my comfort zone, I love drifting into the world created by the authors and I feel every emotion of the characters.”

The Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye shares, “I love to read biographies, mysteries and thrillers. Instead of increased screen time, you can keep your mind busy in a creative process by reading a book. It helped me during the pandemic. I am currently reading Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson.”

The Happu Ki Ultan Paltan actress shares, “I have been a bookworm since childhood, and that has still not changed. I turn to reading during any challenging and stressful time and the pandemic was one such. It continued to keep me grounded and sane in the most demanding times. Reading has been my constant companion. A few of the books I read are Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh, The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, Sadhguru’s Engineering, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri and, of course, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.”

The Tera Yaar Hoon Main actress shares, “Various books have inspired me and showed me the right path during the time of pandemic, but two that have helped me change my thought process are the Bhagavad Gita and The Secret. Whenever I feel low and lost, I randomly open any page of The Secret and start reading it. Unfinished, by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is the book I am currently reading. I am inspired by Priyanka’s journey and the strength she has shown to the world."

The Udaan actor shares, “Books have always been my best friend. I like to read non-fiction and prefer reading biographies, inspirational and spiritual books. From Rajesh Khanna, to Karan Johar and Sachin Tendulkar, I have read biographies of many famous personalities. During the lockdown, I also read a lot of books on poetry and shayari, and it kept my mind busy. I think everyone should read a book, because it not only reduces stress but also improves brain function.”

The Bigg Boss 9 contestant shares, “The entire lockdown can be defined by the books I have read. They kept me mentally balanced and helped me build a positive approach to all that we were going through. From re-reading many of my favourite authors, like Jeffrey Archer, Daniel Steel and Ken Follet, to revisiting books that I have grown up reading, including the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Chronicles of Narnia, and picking up The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Dream Big, by Bob Goff and Own it, by Oprah Winfrey; all of these books have been great stress busters throughout this dreaded phase.”

The Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Hai actor shares, “During the lockdown, I had a great time reading various books and Thiaoouba Prophecy by Michel Desmarquet had a significant impact on me. I like reading non-fiction and usually pick up books based on the subject I feel I need to know more about. My go-to book will always be God Talks with Arjuna – The Bhagavad Gita, by Paramhansa Yogananda.”