4 literary cameos you missed in Bollywood movies

Indian Express

7 days ago

(Written by Kaashvi Khubyani)
Books are not always read out loud in movies. Sometimes, they just sit quietly in the background- in someone's hands or next to a cup of coffee, but they still say a lot. In Bollywood movies, where everything is big and dramatic, these little book moments can feel surprisingly personal. They often tell us what a character is feeling or searching for. Here are four such times where books made quiet but powerful appearances on screen.
Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha is all about figuring out who you really are, even if the world forces you to be someone else. In one scene, Ved (Ranbir Kapoor) gives Tara (Deepika Padukone) a copy of Catch-22– a book about a man stuck in a confusion and frustration. It's not just a random choice. The book reflects Ved's own struggle with living a life that doesn't feel like his. Just like the story, Ved feels trapped and the book quietly says so.
When Rani (Kangana Ranaut) takes a solo trip to Paris after getting heartbroken, she takes something special with her- The Alchemist. The book is about chasing your dreams and finding your purpose and that's exactly what Rani ends up doing. As she discovers new places and new parts of herself, the book becomes her travel companion. It accompanies her, reminding her that she's stronger than she thought she would ever become. She steps out of her comfort zone and slowly lets go of who she was. She begins to find her own 'Personal Legend,' not in the form of love or marriage but in reclaiming herself.
Black tells the story of Michelle (Rani Mukerji), a girl who can't see or hear and her teacher (Amitabh Bachchan), who helps her find her way in a world. The film is inspired by Helen Keller's life and in one important scene, Michelle is seen holding Keller's autobiography. The book doesn't just appear as a reference, it's a symbol of hope. It becomes a reminder that words can be felt even when they can't be heard and that even the most silent journeys are still full of voice.
Since Dil Bechara is based on The Fault in Our Stars, it makes sense that Kizie (Sanjana Sanghi) is shown reading the original book early in the film. It's a small yet emotional moment- a look at the story it's retelling. Like the novel, the movie is tender and heartbreaking. By showing the book on screen, it feels like the characters know they're part of something bigger, a story that so many people have cried over and connected with.
The next time you're watching a movie, notice the books that characters are reading or even just keeping nearby. They're placed in the scene for a reason. Books in films might not always have dialogue, but they do speak. Whether it's about identity, love, growing up or healing, these quiet literary moments add something special and often, something deeply human.
(The writer is an intern with indianexpress.com)