Twinkle Khanna is the woman of the moment. A self-confessedly failed actress blooming into a late but celebrated author is not what you’d usually expect from the daughter of star parents and a star wife. But then, Twinkle is breaking a host of other taboos both through her writing - she just released her second book The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad - and her candid quotes.
In the just concluded Times LitFest 2016, Twinkle gave us some insights into her reading habits, tackling Bollywood and feminism:
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Getting Hooked To Books
My father (Rajesh Khanna) was very fond of reading. It was something we did at our home. I don’t think it fits the way people think Bollywood works, but that’s who we are. By the time I was in my teens, I was reading science fiction. I had this maternal uncle who had cartons of books. It’s important to read because you have to fill your head with words.Twinkle Khanna, Author
The Weird Woman
Earlier, people said that I am weird. Now, the same people call that weirdness wisdom. I am wondering if those people are actually weird. I wrote half a book at the age of 18, and also had a collection of morbid poems. For many years after that, I didn’t even write a diary entry. I thought I’d write when I turn 60, but a friend moved jobs and the opportunity to be a columnist came by. That is how it all began.
Written In The Stars
My father believed in astrology. His astrologer had predicted that his daughter would become a writer someday. My father would nag me, but I didn’t write a word till he passed away. I wish he could see me now.
How Does B-Town Handle The Author?
They’re actually happy that I am writing all this instead of saying it to them at parties. That’s what I used to do earlier. They feel saved.
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The Topper
In class 10, I scored 97 per cent in maths, but when I told my mother (Dimple Kapadia) that, her comment was, ‘You weigh 97 kilos, lose some weight’. I then realised that we are a different family where such achievements aren’t appreciated.
On Feminism
People feel feminists are aggressive, men-hating women with a little moustache. I think it’s got a bad reputation because when feminism came into being, we were facing so much opposition that we had to be strident and aggressive. It’s not the case anymore. Today, it’s about gender equality, not neutrality. Anyone who doesn’t agree would be a bit of an idiot.
Being Smart
Akshay (Kumar) doesn’t read, so he’s a bad role model for bookshops. I’m well-read and smart, but he’s smart despite not reading. He’s street-smart. He is much better with numbers than me. His understanding of business and people is much more evolved...Ultimately, there is no definition for smartness, it’s just the ability to do what you want to do really well.
(Source: Times of India)