‘Books are like diamonds’

As a child, I was ready to lay my hands on anything and everything as I would love getting lost in a book. SMIRITI KALRA, ACTOR

Which books are currently on your reading list?

Right now, my list includes W. Somerset Maugham’s Collected Short Stories, Haruki Murakami’s Men Without Women and Good night stories for Rebel Girls.

Which was the best book you’ve read so far?

My father gifted me a book called A Father’s Book of Wisdom when I was little, and I hold it dear to this day. I also have this small little book named, Life’s Little Instruction Book, and I have books of quotes which I think have touched me.

Which genres do you enjoy reading? Which do you avoid?

I read anything that is an easy read or anything that is written with heart and love and doesn’t use too many fancy words. I read any book that I can connect with.

Which book do you think everyone should read at least once?

Well, I feel books are like diamonds — every diamond has its own unique quality and sparkle. The book my father gave me, A Father’s Book of Wisdom, has quotes from all over the world, and I treasure it the most, because I read a lot of quotes as a child and I remember them and I imbibe them in my life. Their teachings helped me in the course of time.

Which is your favourite fairy tale or folk story? Which childhood stories have stayed with you?

The Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairy tale. That one, and all the fairy tales my father told me are with me even today.

Which author would you choose to write your life story?

Smiriti Kalra would be the author who would write my story, because they say to pen something really wonderful you have to experience it. And who can experience my life better than me?