Success stories: Bollywood stars who have made their writing debuts

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From Sonali Bendre Behl to Shilpa Shetty Kundra, here's a look at some of the Bollywood stars who made their writing debut this year with a range of books that are being lapped up as eagerly as their films. Also, a memoir that offers a look at the life of actress Anu Aggarwal.

Ayushmann Khurrana

Cracking the Code (co-written by Tahira Kashyap)

Ayushmann Khurrana, who touched hearts with his debut film Vicky Donor in 2012, tells the story of his struggle and eventual success in Bollywood. Cracking the Code is an autobiographical account of his childhood and teenage years, first love and marriage. It traces his rise in the entertainment industry, which began at the age of 17, with his appearance on the Channel V reality show Popstars in 2001. More importantly, perhaps, the book has plenty of advice for newcomers trying to get a foot in Bollywood's door. By his own admission, the 31-year-old actor's wife, co-author Tahira Kashyap, (Souled Out; I Promise...) wrote most of the book.

Twinkle Khanna

Mrs Funnybones: She’s Just Like You and a Lot Like Me

True to its title, Twinkle Khanna’s debut book is a witty take on the daily grind of a working woman. An easy and brisk read, it is based on her column Mrs. Funnybones, published in an Indian English-language newspaper. Khanna – who quit the film industry in 2001 to marry superstar Akshay Kumar and pursue a career as an interior designer and candle-maker – steers clear of any big revelations about Bollywood but sings the praises of her husband, describing him as “the man of the house”. The only vestiges of her starry background appear when she talks of her idyllic school days, spent beating up actor Hrithik Roshan or telling filmmaker Karan Johar to run away from boarding school. The trivia is plentiful and bound to make you smile.

Sonali Bendre Behl

The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting

Sonali Bendre Behl, best known for her memorable performances in films such as Duplicate, Sarfarosh and Hum Saath Saath Hain, quit acting in 2004 to raise her family. Like all new mothers, she had a tough time when she set off on her parenting journey 10 years ago. She wanted to be both a traditional and yet modern parent to her son, Ranveer, whom she describes as an "incognisant martyr" in her experiments with parenting. When nothing seemed to work, she paused, took stock and decided to follow her instincts. Her debut book, The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting, is based on those experiences. The 40-year-old describes it as "an honest and sincere narration of my journey as a parent".

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

The Great Indian Diet (co-written with Luke Coutinho)

Bollywood's fitness icon Shilpa Shetty Kundra, 40, has just co-authored her first book, The Great Indian Diet, with renowned health coach and nutritionist Luke Coutinho (also the author of Eat Smart, Move More, Sleep Right). This isn't the first time Kundra has ventured into health and fitness. Her DVD Shilpa's Yoga is a bestseller and the world has followed the super-fit diva's yoga lessons on YouTube for many years. She lost the 20 kilograms she had piled on during pregnancy (her son was born in 2012) with a traditional Indian diet and yoga, all detailed in her book. She also hopes to pass on the wisdom of her forefathers and offers advice on eating local for good health.

From Aashiqui to oblivion – the life of Anu Aggarwal

Anu Aggarwal

Anusual: Memoir of a Girl Who Came Back from the Dead

Actress Anu Aggarwal is best known for her role in the 1990 romantic-­drama Aashiqui, after which she came to be seen as something of a one-hit wonder. Now 46, she disappeared from the public eye after making Return of Jewel Thief (1996), and this memoir aims to fill us in on what happened to her during the past 20 years. Her no-holds-barred, bold writing describes how she became the poster girl of Bollywood when Aashiqui became a runaway hit, and also details her near-death experience when she was involved in a car accident in 1999, which left her in a coma for 29 days and required three years of reconstructive surgery. The book also tells of her spiritual journey through yoga, which "transformed" her life.

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