Celebrities Share Their Favorite Hindi Reads On Hindi Diwas

Raviraa Bhardwaj
One must-read is Gillu by Mahadevi Verma. This touching story explores the emotional bond between a woman and a small squirrel, beautifully capturing themes of love, empathy, and loss. Gillu stands out because of its simplicity and emotional depth. It highlights the unspoken connection between humans and animals, resonating deeply with those who appreciate themes of compassion and caregiving. In today’s fast-paced world, Gillu reminds us of the power of empathy, care, and forming connections beyond ourselves—values that are timeless and much needed.Gillu exemplifies the beauty of Hindi literature, and on Hindi Diwas, it serves as a reminder of how language can bridge emotional and cultural gaps, encouraging a love for Hindi through stories that touch the soul.  Also my father is not only a huge support in my life but also an incredibly talented lyricist. He actually wrote the lyrics for my first music video, Jiyoon Kaise, which was released with Zee Music Company. Having him be a part of that project made it even more special because it was my first music video ever. It felt like a beautiful collaboration between us, blending his lyrical creativity with my performance. Knowing that the words I was performing came from my father made the experience so much more personal and meaningful. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish. Jiyoon Kaise holds a special place in my life for a completely different reason. My father wrote the lyrics for it, but what makes it even more meaningful is that he wrote it for my mother, pouring all his emotions into the words. Knowing that the song carries the love and feelings my father has for my mother makes it incredibly personal, and performing it felt like honoring that beautiful connection between them.

One must read Hindi novels. They not only spark imagination but also allow you to create your own interpretations of the story. When you read Hindi literature, you engage with the rich cultural essence of the language. In today’s world, Hindi remains crucial, even as more schools adopt English as the medium of instruction. We cannot forget the impact of Hindi in Bollywood films, which cater to audiences of all ages. While Hindi and English are often blended, Hindi remains essential as our rashtra bhasha (national language). Hindi is like a mother to us—a beautiful language understood across India. From television shows to music, Hindi is at the heart of it all, and we cannot escape its influence.

It’s difficult to choose just one must-read book, as there are so many great ones. However, I could recommend the one I’m currently revisiting: Yayaati, written by Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar and translated into Hindi. It is considered one of the classics of Marathi literature, retelling the story of King Yayaati from the Mahabharata. Through its various characters, the novel explores themes of selflessness, love, and pride, with a particular focus on how greed and lust can drag a person into the depths of moral decay. Interestingly, after watching a recent film, Maharaj, I was reminded of Yayaati and began reading it again. Anurag Kashyap’s character in the movie suffers a fate somewhat similar to Yayaati’s. The novel touches on themes that remain relevant across time, as they reflect fundamental aspects of human nature.We are fortunate to live in a land where Hindi serves as a language that connects people across regions. While each area speaks it with its own unique accent and regional inflections, it remains a tool of communication that allows us to understand one another. Some may find the evolution of the language frustrating, but Hindi is like a river that flows through the country, bending and adapting to express the diversity of its people. It binds us together, despite the multitude of languages we speak.

Anupama Solanki
One must-read book in Hindi literature is Godaan by Munshi Premchand. Godaan is a timeless masterpiece that explores the struggles of the rural poor in pre-independence India. Premchand’s ability to depict the hardships, hopes, and humanity of everyday people is both touching and profound. His characters are deeply relatable, and the story brings to light issues of social inequality, caste, and the complex moral dilemmas faced by individuals. Godaan remains relevant today as it deals with themes of social justice, economic disparity, and the conflicts between tradition and modernity, issues that continue to resonate in contemporary society. Even today, many rural communities face similar struggles, and Premchand’s portrayal of human emotions and ethical questions offers valuable insights into how these challenges persist and evolve. Hindi is a language that beautifully bridges the heart of India. Hindi Diwas is not just about celebrating the language, but also about appreciating its rich literary heritage. From poetry to cinema, Hindi has given us a medium to express our deepest thoughts and emotions. We should continue to promote and embrace Hindi not just as a means of communication but as a medium that binds us together.