Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood by Mohar Basu (Book Review: 4.75*/5) !!!

  

1st Book of 2026

1st Book of 2026

I remember going to the market with my mother every time we found a Salman Khan song from a new movie playing somewhere. We had an entire collection of cassettes featuring almost every movie Salman was part of during the 1990s and early 2000s. We still frown upon the day we had to give away that entire collection because CDs replaced cassettes and we could no longer find a cassette player in the market. With time, favourite actors changed, but the soft corner for my very first favourite actor still sits right at the front. Surprisingly, last year we even got to experience watching Salman Khan live on The Great Kapil Show sets, which felt like a dream coming true—one that we hadn’t even imagined dreaming about.

I had a wonderful start to my 2026 reading journey by picking up one of the finest biographies written on Salman Khan by Mohar Basu—the same author who won the Crossword Popular Choice Award last year for her debut biography on Shah Rukh Khan. To begin with, the entire package of the book—the hardbound cover, the embossed golden title, the printing quality, and Salman’s photograph on the cover—makes it extremely tempting to pick up the moment you enter a bookstore. I have kept it displayed on my study table for over a month now, simply because of the aura it carries.

Mohar Basu has structured this biography very intelligently to ensure it doesn’t read like a conventional life story. She does not follow a linear narrative starting from birth and moving chronologically forward. Instead, she picks defining moments and personality traits of Salman Khan and explores them in depth. With every chapter, she attempts to decode why Salman Khan is unlike any other Bollywood star and what truly makes him unique.

What stands out is that the author never appears biased in her narration, which makes her writing credible and compelling. She does not attempt to whitewash Salman’s personality; rather, she tries to understand—along with the reader—why he continues to be forgiven repeatedly and given chances unlike most public figures. She maintains a balanced approach while covering both his filmography and personal life.

Her chapter design reflects her deep understanding of reader engagement, especially in a book that runs over 300 pages. The narrative keeps you hooked without ever making you feel saturated. In fact, when I reached the last 50 pages, I slowed down intentionally just to spend more time with the writing. In IT, we talk about UX (User Experience), and in marketing, CX (Customer Experience). I genuinely believe Mohar Basu has introduced a new concept—RX, or Reader Experience—which she consistently prioritises throughout this book.

She takes us deep into the making and impact of Salman’s most important films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Wanted, Dabangg, Ek Tha Tiger, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The behind-the-scenes insights add freshness even to films we believe we already know everything about. Adjusting box-office collections for inflation further helps readers understand the true scale of Salman’s success and rising stardom.

The author frequently references her interactions with Salman Khan’s fans across the globe, sharing their personal stories of his impact on their lives. She also transparently acknowledges books, articles, and interviews she has referred to. I was glad to have already read the three books she frequently cites—Khantastic, The Three Khans, and Being Salman—which perhaps also proves how big a Bollywood lover I am—haha!

One generally assumes that any book on Salman Khan will heavily focus on his relationship with Aishwarya Rai. While that has been true in many accounts, Mohar Basu smartly limits this discussion, presenting essential facts without overindulgence. She articulately covers how Salman’s image suffered due to controversies and court cases without sensationalising them.

She dedicates chapters to his bodybuilding journey, which changed Bollywood’s perception of male physiques, and to his philanthropic work—highlighting how Being Human was simply a structured extension of values he practised since childhood.

What makes the book even more engaging is that the author occasionally lets her emotions as a Salman fan surface, making the narrative conversational and intimate—like discussing a shared admiration with a close friend. This book will remain a definitive reference for understanding why Salman Khan continues to inspire forgiveness, loyalty, and fascination. As they say, you may love him or hate him, but you cannot ignore him—and Mohar Basu’s research proves there is no better example of that statement than Salman Khan.

Overall, this book took me through nostalgia, excitement, emotion, curiosity, concern, inspiration, and amazement—sometimes all within a few pages. This explains why Mohar Basu’s books continue to sell despite their premium pricing. I give this book no less than 4.75 stars out of 5. It is a true page-turner. Right after finishing this review, I am picking up her biography on Shah Rukh Khan, and I sincerely hope she writes on other Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, and Hrithik Roshan as well.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Karma by Sadhguru (Book Review: 4.75*/5) !!!

  

24th Book of 2025

Whenever I feel that my life is not on the right trajectory, the one thing my mind, body, and every element within me naturally gravitates towards is spirituality. And the one go-to person I trust the most on this subject is Jaggi Vasudev—Sadhguru. His previous books have had a deep impact on me, such as Inner Engineering, Body, Mind & Spirit, Adiyogi, Death, and others. Finally, I picked up one of his most popular books, “Karma”, which carries the tagline A Yogi’s Guide to Crafting Your Destiny. This 336-page book was published in 2021, and I honestly don’t know how it took me four years to finally read and complete it.

 

This also marks my final book for the 2025 reading challenge of 24 books. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to complete this target than with such a soulful and spiritual read—one that added a new dimension and perspective to my thought process. We often use the word karma very casually, without reflecting on the deeper meaning and philosophy it carries. Sadhguru makes a sincere effort to explain how complex and layered the science of karma truly is, while simultaneously presenting it in a way that feels accessible and easy to grasp.

 

The narration and division of chapters are well executed, making it easier for readers to navigate the book without feeling overwhelmed. I read it in multiple sittings, and not once did I feel disconnected or lost despite the breaks. Kudos to both the author and the editor for maintaining such clarity and flow throughout the book.

 

Each chapter begins with a quote that is deep and impactful in its own way. These quotes gently push the reader to dive deeper into the chapter that follows. The way the book is structured reminded me of college textbooks—where we are first given the background, followed by definitions, and then gradually introduced to the complexity of the subject with each progressing chapter.

 

Sadhguru discusses karma from the perspectives of genetics and memory, which was particularly intriguing. It is surprising to learn how people from the same genetic lineage can experience certain benefits when even a few individuals within that lineage engage in karmic purification practices. Often, when Sadhguru begins a chapter, you may wonder how it connects to the book’s central theme—but as you keep reading, the connection unfolds naturally and convincingly.

 

He also provides context on how physical relationships contribute to bodily karma, explaining why ascetics traditionally avoid them in order to minimize karmic attachments. Similarly, he briefly explains why it is advised not to engage in multiple physical relationships. One entire chapter focuses on why the spiritual path must be walked alone—because only then can an individual fully work on releasing their own karma.

 

The Shankaran Pillai episodes are, as always, humorous and refreshing. In several chapters, there are sections titled Sadhana, which describe simple spiritual practices that can help release karma in everyday life. These sections add great value by emphasizing practical application rather than limiting the book to theoretical understanding alone.

 

Overall, this is one of the finest books by Sadhguru, offering profound insights into karma and various spiritual dimensions. I would rate this book 4.75 stars out of 5. It is definitely recommended.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Goa : Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas by Subodh/Kunal Ray (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

23^rd Book of 2025

Some books are not meant to be read in a hurry; they ask to be absorbed the way one absorbs a place—slowly, through layers of memory, emotion, and silence. Goa: Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas is one such book. It does not merely document art; it meditates on a land, its waters, and the long shadows of its history. When I had received this book, I had thought that I would finish it within 15 minutes because of 35-pages text and rest of it displaying the artwork of the author but when I started reading it, these 35 pages took an hour for me to read. It sounded so poetic and serene that I really felt that the whole Goa and its history, silence, peace and ocean are running in front of my eyes.

 

Subodh Kerkar’s Goa is not the postcard paradise we are conditioned to admire. It is alive, bruised, playful, and deeply introspective. Through paintings, installations, and experimental works, Kerkar turns Goa into a living archive—one where beauty and discomfort coexist without apology. The book gently reminds us that art need not always soothe; sometimes, its role is to disturb just enough to awaken thought.

 

What makes this collection compelling is the artist’s refusal to separate aesthetics from responsibility. Alongside lyrical representations of houses, boats, and coastal life, there exists an unflinching engagement with darker chapters of Goan history—colonial violence, the Inquisition, and the exploitation that arrived with foreign rule. Yet, Kerkar never allows the narrative to become heavy-handed. There is wit, irony, and even playfulness—most memorably in works that reimagine historical figures through absurd, almost childlike symbolism.

 

Kerkar’s gaze is observant and democratic. Fisherfolk, food, shells, laterite, sand, and sea are all granted equal dignity. His choice of material—terracotta, crochet, ink, light, even living oysters—blurs the line between art and environment. The ocean is not a backdrop here; it is a collaborator. Nature breathes through these works, reminding us that culture and ecology are inseparable.

 

Reading this book feels like walking barefoot along a beach scattered with memories—some warm, some sharp. It urges the reader to look again at Goa, beyond tourism and nostalgia, and to recognize it as a space of resilience and resistance. In doing so, Goa: Subodh Kerkar’s Canvas becomes more than an art book; it becomes a quiet philosophical statement on place, identity, and the enduring power of creative dissent.

 

It has been for the very first time that I have read a book based on painting where the author’s intent and approach is mentioned first and then the book is full of his artwork that speaks for itself. The book made me feel like visiting author’s museum in Goa as well. If you have ever travelled to Goa or it’s your favorite destination like me, please get this book as your coffee table favorite. I give this 4.5* out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Rabbit in the Moon by Meena Arora Nayak (Book Review: 3.25*/5) !!!

  

22nd Book of 2025

Some books do not rush to impress; they sit quietly beside you, like a wise elder, waiting for the reader to slow down. The Rabbit in the Moon by Meena Arora Nayak is one such book. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Panchatantra, it brings back stories many of us may have heard in fragments during childhood, yet presents them with a freshness that feels both comforting and relevant.

 

The book retells two powerful tales: The Tale of How the Bedbug’s Selfishness Cost the Louse Her Life and The Tale of How the Rabbit in the Moon Saved His Relatives. Though simple on the surface, both stories gently unfold deeper truths about life, choices, and consequences. The author’s language is lucid and unpretentious, allowing the moral to emerge naturally rather than being forcefully stated. This makes the reading experience meditative rather than instructional.

 

What stands out is how effortlessly these ancient stories mirror modern realities. The tale of the bedbug and the louse is a quiet reminder of how reckless behavior, impatience, and selfish ambition can destroy not only the wrongdoer but also the innocent. It speaks subtly about the dangers of bad company and poor judgment—lessons that remain painfully relevant in today’s fast-paced, outcome-obsessed world.

 

On the other hand, the story of the rabbit offers a soothing counterbalance. It celebrates intelligence, calm thinking, and moral courage over brute strength. The rabbit’s wisdom becomes a metaphor for leadership rooted in compassion and clarity, reminding readers that true power lies in presence of mind rather than physical dominance.

 

Meena Arora Nayak deserves appreciation for preserving the soul of the Panchatantra while making it accessible to young readers and equally meaningful for adults. The Rabbit in the Moon is not merely a children’s book; it is a gentle pause, a reflective read that invites us to look inward.

 

In a world that constantly urges us to run faster, this book softly asks us to think wiser—and that, perhaps, is its greatest strength. The biggest drawback of the book is its cost- Rs. 250 which I believe is quite much considering it has just two short stories for little Kids. Publishers must think something about this. Overall, I give this book 3.25* out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Platoon Under the Moon by Delshad Karanjia (Book Review: 4.25*/5) !!!

  

21st Book of 2025

Another book by Delshad Karanjia was finished within half an hour, with a smile on my face. Another set of six tales based on the character of Mullah Nasruddin felt like reading funny WhatsApp messages shared by a friend. There are many books written for children with the intention of teaching values or lessons, but Delshad’s attempt here highlights why it is equally important to tell stories to children purely for fun, without attaching any strong educational agenda to them.

 

Of course, the narration, story structure, and language still help students learn the art of storytelling, writing, and visualization. However, the author’s primary intention—to simply make children laugh through these stories—is what makes this book special. In this collection, Mullah Nasruddin’s six tales are crafted in a way that showcases how cleverly he outwits both the good and the bad people in society.

 

Through two of the stories, we see how he troubles his teacher and a shopkeeper, while another story humorously conveys how he makes the host of a party realize that people should be valued more than their rich attire. The story that shares the book’s title is another amusing take, highlighting how Mullah sometimes chooses not to use his brain at all.

 

The illustrations are well done and can also encourage children to draw and add their own colours. These are stories that children will not only enjoy reading but will also eagerly share with their friends, spreading laughter all around. I give this book 4.25 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Birbal and the Cannibals by Delshad Karanjia (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

20th Book of 2025

2025 has been a year of nostalgia and revisiting my childhood. I find myself picking up children’s books and, before gifting them to their future owners, ending up reading them myself. This time, I read “Birbal & the Cannibals,” which consists of four tales of Akbar and Birbal, beautifully rewritten and narrated by Delshad Karanjia. I am truly in awe of both the author and Aleph Publications for bringing these timeless stories back for the new generation.

 

All four stories in this book primarily highlight Birbal’s intellect and wit in an optimistic manner, making it an engaging read as one sees how he proves himself time and again. In one story, Akbar becomes furious after getting injured during a hunting expedition. However, the very same incident later saves him, and Birbal’s clever explanation of how these events ultimately helped both of them makes Akbar bow to him once again in respect.

 

In another story, the jealousy of the court members towards Akbar’s favoritism of Birbal is portrayed well. This leads to a situation where they are challenged to identify the real mother tongue of a man who can fluently speak multiple languages. When no one is able to determine his native language, Birbal comes up with a completely unique method to reveal the truth, once again proving in front of everyone why he is unmatched.

 

Similarly, one of the stories depicts how Birbal breaks a friendship to ensure that both the parents of the children involved are happy, so that the children can focus on their careers. This episode clearly reflects his sharp-mindedness and practical wisdom. The final story revolves around a painting competition between Birbal and Akbar’s brother-in-law, based on the theme of peace. Birbal’s artwork appears to be completely opposite to the theme at first glance, but the way he explains his perspective highlights the philosophical depth of his thinking. This story also helps children understand the deeper meaning behind art and creativity.

 

Overall, this book stands out as one of the best children’s books published by Aleph in recent times. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Fearless Schoolboy by Delshad Karanjia (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

19th Book of 2025

I have just completed reading Aleph Publication’s children’s book titled “The Fearless Schoolboy”, written by Delshad Karanjia. This is a short anthology consisting of four tales featuring Mullah Nasruddin. The book includes four different stories with Mullah Nasruddin as the main protagonist, portrayed through a humorous caricature where he acts smart in some stories and completely plays dumb in others. However, all the stories are designed to provide entertainment along with a meaningful message, helping children understand important life lessons through simple examples and storytelling.

 

The four stories included in this book are Cha and Chat, No Shortage of Advice, Preacher’s Block, and Planning Ahead. The first story did take me some time to adjust to the author’s writing style, but the remaining three stories completely engaged me as a reader. The second story, No Shortage of Advice, lives up to its title perfectly. It cleverly highlights how people never stop giving advice or pointing fingers, no matter what you do. The humorous tone of the story keeps the reader hooked throughout.

 

The third story, Preacher’s Block, is another amusing take on how the protagonist behaves lazily while performing his duties, assuming that no one is monitoring his actions. This continues until he is finally reprimanded. The moment an ultimatum is given, the sudden shift in his behaviour, driven by fear, leads to a funny and satisfying conclusion.

 

The fourth and final story, Planning Ahead, is once again a humorous tale where the protagonist follows his master’s instructions like a robot, without understanding the context. This blind obedience ultimately results in a laugh-out-loud ending.

 

Overall, this book is a great choice for children to enjoy light-hearted reading while also developing a sense of humour along the way. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA