Drama days
I started reading when I got into National School of Drama (NSD). I developed an inclination for reading then, before that I hadn’t really much-read anything beyond school and college books. At that time I mostly read books on theatre or plays.
Inspirational reads
Instead of a favourite book, I would say I like reading autobiographies. I find them very inspirational and they have had a huge influence on me. I loved A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s autobiography (Wings of Fire) a lot — it was a very inspirational read. Sometimes I also read fiction, but it’s mostly short stories (by Jeffrey Archer). I don’t actually have the patience for longer novels.
Reading on set
Frankly, when you are shooting you have a lot of time in between scenes. So I try to get my fill of reading then — but sometimes I also watch a movie. Otherwise, there is no particular time that I have allotted for reading.
Book recommendations
Social media is a huge platform and many times I have got recommendations from there. For example, you are following somebody on Twitter or other such platforms and they speak about a certain book, which might catch your eye – that is mostly how I get suggestions for my next pick. Sometimes, I also randomly pick up a book from the airport if a title interests me or I like the book description.
E-book versus physical book
Physical book — I am old school that way…
Currently reading
I am planning to read The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Vikrant Khanna.
Book adaptation I loved
Namesake. I loved both, the book and the film.
A book adaptation I wish I was a part of
I would say 3 Idiots and I would love to play Madhavan’s character.
From book to screen
I would love to see some stories from my book, Crime Patrol, being adapted for the big screen.
Classic I claimed to have read
Devdas…I have seen the film, but I have lied about having read the book!
Recommended reading
I again wouldn’t name a particular book, but I would say read autobiographies of any person from any field that you like (sports, politics, theatre, etc). They are very inspirational and have a tremendous impact on you.