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What is Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Reading Currently?
From retellings of the classics to insights on faith and love, this is what's on the star’s bookshelf this month.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has often mentioned in old interviews that she once dreamed of becoming a librarian. While the actor’s not busy filming her next movie, she can often be found curled up with a good book. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kapoor Ahuja shared a long list of the books that she; her husband, Anand Ahuja; her sister, Rhea Kapoor; and their parents were reading at the time, on Instagram. Her caption revealed that the Kapoor-Ahuja clan often share their current reads on the family group chat, fostering a shared love for literature.
Kapoor Ahuja shares her favourite reads of the month with The Hollywood Reporter India.
James by Percival Everett
A widely read retelling of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, James by Percival Everett is written from the perspective of the enslaved black character, Jim. His escape coincides with that of Huckleberry Finn, and they embark on their famous journey down the Mississippi river together. While Finn seeks freedom from his abusive father, Jim runs away upon hearing of his sale to a man in New Orleans. The journey is arduous; he’s sold to the minstrel troupe, oppressed and exploited. However, overcoming all odds, he teaches himself to read and write and eventually leads a revolt at the Graham farm to free enslaved people, before reuniting with his wife and daughter. Despite the dark and disturbing themes of the original book, James is funny — it underscores a sense of humour and compassion while offering a powerful take to Twain’s classic tale.
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Faith: 40 Insights into Hinduism by Devdutt Pattanaik
Devdutt Pattanaik’s Faith: 40 Insights into Hinduism answers 40 questions about Hindu philosophy in an attempt to simplify the faith. From understanding the rituals the followers practise to idol worship, casteism, vegetarianism, prayer and divorce — the book encompasses a wide range of subjects that blend curiosity and contemporary relevance. Divided into four sections — Belief, Customs, Scriptures and History — the book delves into a deeper understanding of abstract concepts like karma and gender dynamics. The tenets of Hinduism, its view on life and death, and the history of the faith are detailed in an easy and engaging manner. Pattanaik’s view of one of the world’s most practised and oldest religions is one that’s inclusive, diverse and empathetic.
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
The perfect summer romance, Funny Story by Emily Henry proves that opposites do attract — especially when they have something unfortunate in common. It follows the life of a children’s librarian, Daphne, whose fiancé, Peter, falls in love with his best friend, Petra. Daphne eventually moves in with Petra’s ex, Miles, whom she believes to be the only one who can understand her complicated situation. Miles is nothing like Daphne, but while sharing their sorrows (or drowning in them) they come up with a plan. It’s simple, pretending to be a couple to make their exes jealous, but ends up being a lot more than that.
To read more exclusive stories from The Hollywood Reporter India's February 2025 print issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest book store or newspaper stand
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