Bollywood celebrities aren’t just masters of the screen — some of them have also turned their life experiences into unforgettable books. Whether it’s memoirs, humor essays, or wellness guides, these works go beyond fame to deliver wisdom, resilience, and creativity.
Here are eight Bollywood stars who have successfully turned authors, inspiring readers across India and the world.
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Unfinished (2021)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s memoir, published by Penguin India, became an instant bestseller in India and the US. In Unfinished, Priyanka reflects on her childhood in Bareilly, teenage years in the US, and rise to global stardom.
Her candid storytelling covers everything from losing her father to cancer, to navigating immigrant life in America. According to USA Today, her story resonates deeply with “children of immigrants chasing big dreams.”
👉 Why Read: An empowering reminder to pursue ambitions fearlessly, regardless of obstacles.
Book Link: Penguin India – Unfinished
2. Twinkle Khanna – Mrs Funnybones (2015)
Twinkle Khanna reinvented herself as a witty columnist-turned-author. Her debut, Mrs Funnybones, became India’s highest-selling book by a female writer in 2015, crossing 1,00,000 copies.
Literary critics praised her sharp humor and social commentary. Goodreads reviewers call her the “voice of the modern Indian woman,” balancing family, career, and society.
👉 Why Read: Laugh-out-loud essays on everyday Indian life with underlying truths.
Book Link: Goodreads – Mrs Funnybones
3. Naseeruddin Shah – And Then One Day: A Memoir (2014)
Acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah’s memoir covers his life “from zero to thirty-two” with raw honesty. He details his struggles, time at NSD and FTII, and relationships with theatre stalwarts like Ebrahim Alkazi and Om Puri.
As literary critic Jaya Bhattacharji Rose notes, Shah’s realization that “whatever I wanted to learn I’d have to do on my own” makes the book a blueprint for artistic resilience.
👉 Why Read: Honest insights from one of India’s greatest actors.
Book Link: Penguin India – And Then One Day
4. Rishi Kapoor – Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored (2017)
The late Rishi Kapoor’s autobiography, co-authored with journalist Meena Iyer, lives up to its title. He boldly admits buying his first award and shares anecdotes about Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood’s golden era.
Times of India praised it as a “no-nonsense entertainer” — much like Kapoor himself.
👉 Why Read: A candid, unfiltered look into Bollywood’s backstage world.
Book Link: TOI – Bollywood Stars Who Authored Books
5. Soha Ali Khan – The Perils of Being Moderately Famous (2017)
Soha Ali Khan, born into the Pataudi-Bollywood royal family, writes about being “famous, but not famous enough.” Her humorous self-reflection on finding her place in a celebrated family makes this book both witty and relatable.
👉 Why Read: A refreshing take on identity, privilege, and carving out one’s individuality.
Book Link: Elle – Bollywood Memoirs Worth Reading
6. Shilpa Shetty Kundra – The Great Indian Diet (2015) & The Diary of a Domestic Diva (2018)
Shilpa Shetty proves she’s more than an actress — she’s a wellness advocate. Her bestselling The Great Indian Diet (co-written with Luke Coutinho) emphasizes the nutritional power of Indian food.
Her follow-up, The Diary of a Domestic Diva, features quick recipes for modern families. Both books reflect her public image as a fitness role model.
👉 Why Read: Practical tips for health-conscious readers seeking balance between tradition and modern living.
Book Link: TOI – Bollywood Stars Who Are Authors
7. Kareena Kapoor Khan – Pregnancy Bible (2021)
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible, co-authored with Aditi Shah Bhimjyani, has been endorsed by nutritionists, gynecologists, and pediatricians. It offers science-backed advice alongside Kareena’s personal pregnancy journey.
Healthcare experts note it’s one of the first medically reviewed guides by an Indian celebrity, making it more than just a “star memoir.”
👉 Why Read: A comprehensive, reliable handbook for mothers-to-be.
Book Link: Indian Express – Celeb Authors
8. Emraan Hashmi – The Kiss of Life (2016)
Co-authored with Bilal Siddiqi, Emraan Hashmi’s memoir is a heart-wrenching account of his son Ayaan’s battle with cancer. Far from his “serial kisser” screen image, Emraan emerges as a devoted father sharing hope and courage.
👉 Why Read: An emotional, inspiring story about resilience and the strength of family.
Book Link: TOI Feature
Why These Books Matter
These celebrity-authored books prove that storytelling extends beyond cinema. Each one blends unique insights — from Priyanka’s global ambition to Twinkle’s wit, Naseeruddin’s artistic honesty, Rishi’s candor, Soha’s humor, Shilpa’s wellness wisdom, Kareena’s motherhood guide, and Emraan’s emotional courage.
Whether you want motivation, humor, health advice, or resilience, these Bollywood stars offer books that can genuinely change perspectives.
Quick Reference Table
| Author | Book Title | Genre | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Unfinished | Memoir | Dreams & ambition |
| Twinkle Khanna | Mrs Funnybones | Humor | Modern womanhood |
| Naseeruddin Shah | And Then One Day | Memoir | Artistic journey |
| Rishi Kapoor | Khullam Khulla | Autobiography | Bollywood insider life |
| Soha Ali Khan | The Perils of Being Moderately Famous | Memoir | Family & identity |
| Shilpa Shetty | The Great Indian Diet | Wellness | Nutrition & lifestyle |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Pregnancy Bible | Health/Guide | Motherhood |
| Emraan Hashmi | The Kiss of Life | Memoir | Family resilience |
