5 books that Bollywood star Aditi Rao Hydari recommends and why they should be on your reading list
Aditi Rao Hydari is one of the most talented actresses and has proven her acting prowess time and again with her powerful performances. From making headlines with her 'gajgamini' walk in Netflix's to her poignant portrayal of a small-town girl struggling with her sexuality in Ajeeb Daastaans, the star always finds herself in the limelight! But did you know other than being a talented actress, she's also very well-read!
During a recent interview, the actress was asked what kind of genres she likes to read to which she replied that most of her favourite books are very dramatic ones! She also shared some of her most loved books.
Take a look at the short clip:
If you are a book lover and Aditi's must-reads have caught your attention, let us give you some idea of what the books are about. Keep reading to learn about 5 of her favourite books and why you should absolutely add them to your TBR (to be read) list!
Aditi Rao Hydari recommended books
Published in 1989 by Penguin Books, the book tells the story of four Chinese immigrant families who come together to form a club called 'The Joy Luck Club' and play the Chinese game of mahjong, in San Francisco. The book is divided into four sections, like a typical game of mahjong where each of the four families' mother-daughter duos, barring one mother who has already died, share their own stories while playing the game for money. The novel explores the nuances of a mother-daughter relationship while also shedding light on respecting one's cultural heritage.
Originally published in Spanish in 1982, the story tells the tale of the Spanish Trueba family's four generations. With the theme of magical realism, the story takes you along the post-colonial upheavals of Chile while drawing from actual historical incidents. While details of fictional characters who have been inspired by real political figures are never explicitly confirmed, enough parallels are drawn for the reader to get a fair grasp on the matter. A must-read for all those history buffs out there, the book is sort of written like a diary and is the story is written from the perspective of the two main protagonists.
Published in 2003, the mystery novel takes you along the ride with 15-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone. Christopher, a gifted mathematician with some behavioural difficulties, starts investigating the murder of his neighbour's dog and the investigation leads him to his mother whom he had long thought dead. The interesting read will keep you hooked till the very last page. What starts as a murder investigation, transforms into a heartwarming tale of overcoming loss with a hope for a brighter future.
Another book by Amy Tan, the novel is another in the author's list that deals with accepting one's cultural identity. Originally published in 1991, the story is set in two different timelines, the '90s San Francisco and the Second World War-hit China. The story details the plight of the war crimes inflicted upon the Chinese woman during Japan's brutal occupation of the country while also sharing how and why many moved to San Franciso when they could. A tear-jerker, this novel is definitely for the faint of heart.
First published in 2012, the crime thriller was also been made into a supremely successful movie starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, with the same name. The novel takes you along the wild journey of Nick Dunne, who is being held responsible for the disappearance of his wife Amy. A marvellous read for all those who enjoy suspense, the novel is written with the narrative alternating between Nick and Amy. A page-turner through and through, the book will keep you guessing what is actually going on and will make you question everything you thought about the characters in the beginning!
