Twinkle Khanna Reveals Akshay Kumar's 'Mat Kar' Is His Sole Writing Contribution
Author and former actress Twinkle Khanna has humorously disclosed that her superstar husband Akshay Kumar's "only contribution" to her flourishing writing career is the phrase "mat kar," meaning "don't do it." In a candid statement, Twinkle explained that when she discusses potential topics for her columns, Akshay often advises against delving into certain issues, making this his primary input into her literary work.
Navigating Writing and Personal Reflections
On World Book Day, Twinkle offered insights into her perspective on writing and life. She emphasized that her role as an author is to encourage readers to reflect on visible societal factors, which are often obscured by personal conditioning. This approach, she acknowledged, might provoke discomfort or be deemed offensive, but she remains committed to unraveling layers of conditioning—both in others and herself—through her writing journey.
Twinkle, who has authored notable books such as Mrs Funnybones, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, and Welcome to Paradise, highlighted that her contributions to literary spaces are what truly matter. She draws inspiration from her experiences as a young actor, particularly observing gender inequalities, which she only fully comprehended later in life. This blend of cinema and literature has profoundly shaped her narratives.
Literary Influences and Family Background
Twinkle attributes her affinity for poetry and language partly to her late father, veteran actor Rajesh Khanna. She recalled a childhood memory where his playful use of language—correcting her request to be "picked up" from school by saying he would "fetch" her instead—set her parameters for linguistic creativity. Growing up in a family of avid readers, with her sister Rinkle Khanna being an even more voracious reader, Twinkle's love for books was nurtured from an early age.
Reflecting on her younger self, Twinkle admitted that she read more extensively at age 20 than she does now. If she could offer advice to her 20-year-old self, it would be to persist in her pursuits and complete a book she started at 18—a project she has attempted three times but remains unfinished, possibly due to its emotional proximity hindering her ability to translate feelings onto the page.
Favorite Reads and Literary Recommendations
Twinkle shared an enthusiastic list of her favorite books, showcasing her diverse literary tastes:
- Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove – a beloved novel she cherishes.
- Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things – a work she has reread multiple times.
- Kiran Desai's The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny – highlighting contemporary fiction.
- Haruki Murakami's Men Without Women – exploring complex narratives.
- Octavia E. Butler's feminist science fiction – praised for its groundbreaking themes.
- Ursula Le Guin's works – celebrated for their imaginative depth.
- Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories – admired for their poignant storytelling.
- Classics by F. Scott Fitzgerald and P.G. Wodehouse – reflecting her appreciation for timeless literature.
Standing before her bookshelf, Twinkle humorously noted the endless possibilities, emphasizing her passion for reading and writing as integral parts of her identity.
