SHAH RUKH KHAN : Legend, Icon, Star by Mohar Basu (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

2165th BLOG POST

7^th Book of 2026

 

I remember getting intimidated by the writings of authors such as Ashwin Sanghi or Amish Tripathi because it became difficult to continuously speak highly about their books in every review without fearing that people might think I am biased. Something similar is now happening with me when it comes to Mohar Basu’s books as well. I had read Salman Khan’s biography written by her in January, just after its launch, and absolutely loved the way she handled the life of such a personality almost like a detailed case study. I immediately picked up her first book, “Shah Rukh Khan: Legend, Icon, Star,” which I read last week and once again found myself in awe of her narration style.

 

The book, published by HarperCollins, spans around 290 pages and is divided into several chapters. Mohar has crafted the chapters in such a manner that you never feel like rushing into the next one immediately after finishing the previous chapter. Instead, you feel like absorbing everything you have read, savouring it for a day, and only then moving ahead. I am generally a reader who likes finishing books in one go, but this book made me helpless in a good way—I could not read more than one chapter a day and would then narrate the entire thing to my spouse just to make her understand this fascinating personality called Shah Rukh Khan.

 

The author beautifully explains the impact of Shah Rukh’s childhood and the deaths of his parents on his personality, helping us understand why he is the way he is today. I never knew about Shah Rukh’s reaction to his mother’s death before reading Mohar’s description in this book. That chapter genuinely makes you feel for a young boy who had only just started building his life and standing on his own feet.

 

Mohar also explores his romantic love story with Gauri Khan, his wife of over three decades, and how their relationship was no less than a Bollywood film in itself. You begin to understand Shah Rukh Khan’s determination and never-give-up attitude through the way he pursued Gauri until her family eventually agreed to their marriage. The author also takes us down memory lane through his interactions with various actresses and explains why they often feel comfortable and secure around him. Shah Rukh Khan is always considered an example of how men should treat women—with dignity and warmth—and Basu ensures this aspect of his personality is highlighted beautifully.

 

Mohar helps us understand how audiences were longing for a new superstar after Mr. Bachchan’s break during the early 1990s. Amitabh Bachchan had given the nation the image of the “Angry Young Man,” whereas Shah Rukh Khan transformed the contemporary idea of superstardom through romance and charm. The author explains very well how Shah Rukh initially gained recognition through television serials like Circus and Fauji. Even after entering Bollywood, romance was not his initial identity, as many of his early characters in films like Baazigar, Darr, and Deewana had darker or grey shades. It was only after DDLJ that SRK became permanently embedded in the hearts and minds of Indians as the ultimate romantic hero—with expressive eyes, a charming smile, and his iconic open-arm pose.

 

The author takes us deep into the making of some of the most important films of SRK’s career such as DDLJ, Chak De! India, Zero, and Ra.One, making readers nostalgic while also revealing lesser-known details. One such revelation for me was learning how his first production house had failed—something I had no idea about. The courage Shah Rukh displayed by launching Red Chillies Entertainment just a year later is what makes such stories genuinely inspiring.

 

Mohar also extensively discusses Mannat and the emotional significance it holds for ordinary people who see it as a symbol of success. For many, Mannat represents the dream of an outsider arriving in Mumbai without backing and building an identity so massive that it can never be erased. The author also openly addresses how SRK has repeatedly faced criticism regarding his Muslim identity and political opinions, while continuing to stand tall through every phase.

 

The book is definitely written keeping Shah Rukh Khan’s die-hard fans in mind, but even someone who has never been a fan would enjoy reading it because it is not just about SRK’s life—it is also about the impact he had on a changing India that was embracing technology, branding, globalization, and new aspirations in the early 1990s. The way multiple generations within a family have continued loving him and his films speaks volumes about his longevity. Mohar also explains how SRK is perceived differently by boys and girls, which turned out to be another interesting observation. The book also contains some memorable dialogues and photographs of Shah Rukh that many readers may never have seen before.

 

Overall, this is a wonderful book to spend your time with. Personally, I still found the Salman Khan biography slightly better written than this one—perhaps because this was Mohar’s earlier work and she naturally evolved further as a writer afterward. I had rated that book 4.75 stars, and for this one, I would give 4.5 stars out of 5. Definitely recommended for all Bollywood lovers.

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WRITING BUDDHA

BHAGAVAD GITA’S GUIDE TO CORPORATE DHARMA by Ashok Kumar Bhatia (Book Review: 3.25*/5) !!!

2164th BLOG POST

6th Book of 2026

In an era where corporate life often feels like a relentless race driven by targets, competition, and constant uncertainty, Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma attempts something both ambitious and refreshing—it bridges the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with the complexities of modern corporate ecosystems. Ashok Kumar Bhatia doesn’t merely interpret scripture; he translates it into a language that managers, leaders, and professionals can actually apply in boardrooms, meetings, and everyday workplace dilemmas. The book is published by Rupa publications in around 280 pages and will take some time for you to finish it - definitely not something that you can finish in a single sitting.

At its core, the book is not about religion—it is about decision-making, mindset, and inner clarity. Much like the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the corporate world is portrayed as a space filled with ethical conflicts, pressure, ego clashes, and constant choices between right and easy. Bhatia cleverly positions corporate professionals as modern-day Arjunas—capable yet conflicted—seeking direction amidst chaos.

The structure of the book is one of its strongest aspects. With over 50 concise yet thought-provoking chapters, it doesn’t overwhelm the reader but instead offers bite-sized reflections that can be consumed and contemplated individually. From topics like “The Risk of Sweating over the Small Stuff” and “Values: The Real Soul of Organizations” to “Ego: A Serpent or a Saviour?” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, the book maintains a fine balance between philosophy and practicality. Each chapter feels like a standalone lesson, yet collectively, they build a cohesive framework for what the author calls “corporate dharma.”

One of the most compelling takeaways is the emphasis on detachment. In corporate settings, detachment is often misunderstood as disinterest or lack of ownership. However, Bhatia redefines it through the lens of the Gita—encouraging professionals to focus on effort rather than outcomes. This subtle shift can be transformative. When one stops obsessing over results and instead commits to excellence in action, both performance and mental peace improve.

Another notable theme is the exploration of ego. In leadership and management, ego can both drive ambition and derail relationships. The book doesn’t demonize ego but rather encourages awareness—highlighting when it serves as a motivator and when it becomes destructive. This nuanced perspective makes the content relatable, especially for those navigating hierarchical and politically charged work environments.

The chapters dealing with stress, resilience, and inner connection are particularly relevant today. Corporate burnout is no longer an exception but almost a norm. Bhatia’s insights, rooted in spiritual philosophy, offer a calming counterbalance. Instead of prescribing quick fixes, he encourages a deeper introspection—urging readers to align their inner values with their external actions.

What sets this book apart from typical management literature is its humanistic approach. It doesn’t glorify hustle culture or aggressive competition. Instead, it promotes compassion, ethical conduct, and long-term thinking. Concepts like forgiveness, humility, and self-awareness are not presented as abstract virtues but as practical tools for better leadership and teamwork.

The inclusion of chapters on modern themes like Industrial Revolution 4.0 and corporate communication further strengthens the book’s relevance. It shows that ancient wisdom is not outdated; rather, it is timeless and adaptable. The author successfully demonstrates that the teachings of the Gita can coexist with—and even enhance—modern business strategies.

That said, the book may not appeal equally to everyone. Readers looking for hardcore business frameworks, data-driven strategies, or case studies might find it more reflective than analytical. The writing leans towards philosophical interpretation rather than structured corporate models. However, for those open to introspection and personal growth, this becomes its biggest strength.

The language is simple, accessible, and conversational, making it suitable for a wide audience—from young professionals to seasoned leaders. You don’t need prior knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to understand or appreciate the insights. The author ensures that the essence of each concept is clearly conveyed without becoming overly technical or preachy.

In conclusion, Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma is not just a book—it is a guide to navigating the inner and outer challenges of professional life. It reminds us that success is not merely about climbing the corporate ladder but about doing so with integrity, balance, and awareness. In a world obsessed with outcomes, this book gently nudges us back towards purpose.

If you are someone seeking clarity amidst corporate chaos, or simply looking to bring more meaning into your professional journey, this book is definitely worth your time. I will give this book 3.25* out of 5. A perfect gift in corporate on Secret Santa parties.

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WRITING BUDDHA

BINDESHWAR PATHAK A Renaissance Man by Awadhesh Kumar Sharma (Book Review: 3.5*/5) !!!

2163rd BLOG POST

5^th Book of 2026

Sometimes I really get surprised by how little we know about personalities who have done so much for our nation and its people. While picking up biographies, I ensure that I also select books on individuals about whom I have not heard before. This made me pick up a book on Bindeshwar Pathak, who is considered one of the first people to take up the task of improving India’s sanitation system and ensuring that toilets are built everywhere so that no one has to defecate in the open and manual scavenging activities are reduced to zero. The world noticed India’s toilet program in 2014, but someone like Bindeshwar Pathak had been working on this mission since the 1970s being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

 

The book, written in around 200 pages by Awadhesh Kumar Sharma and published by Rupa Publications, benefits from the author’s opportunity to interact directly with the subject of the biography. This made it easier for him to understand the background stories and what led Bindeshwar Pathak to make this the mission of his life. The book discusses how Pathak always felt sympathy and sadness for people who were not treated equally right from his childhood. The author then takes us through his early years, where his ethics and moral practices are highlighted, helping us understand how he processed things internally.

 

He closely observed society’s attitude toward untouchables and people involved in manual scavenging. When he himself stayed with the scavenger community and witnessed their struggles and living conditions, it deeply moved him. This led to the founding of Sulabh International, which later became one of the world’s largest sanitation NGOs, working toward installing double-pit technology toilets across India. This innovation helped generate fertilizer for plants while simultaneously removing the dependence on human beings for cleaning waste on a daily basis.

 

Pathak’s visionary spirit was evident from the fact that he not only worked to stop such degrading practices but also ensured the rehabilitation, empowerment, and social inclusion of those affected by them. His philanthropic outlook extended beyond sanitation, as he also worked for widows, children, environmental causes, and renewable energy initiatives.

 

His Sulabh Sauchalaya mission did not just resolve the primary sanitation problem but also led to the creation of several related initiatives, such as the Sulabh Biogas Plant, water hyacinth utilization techniques, thermophilic aerobic composters, effluent treatment technology, duckweed technology, purified drinking water initiatives, the International Museum of Toilets, biofertilizers, health centers, research and development laboratories, the WASH campaign, SISASSS International School, and the Sulabh Sahitya Academy. Sharma briefly discusses all of these, providing valuable insights into their scope and impact.

 

In the final section of the book, the author explores Pathak’s views on religion, spirituality, creativity, and philanthropy, which reflect the multidimensional personality he was. His poems and the intention behind writing them are explained beautifully by Awadhesh, providing a meaningful conclusion to the book.

 

Talking about the drawbacks, I must say that the first two-thirds of the book primarily focus on a single theme, and the author tends to over-explain certain segments, which begin to feel repetitive after some time. I believe the author could have included more unique incidents from Pathak’s life that would have provided deeper insight into how such a personality thinks and makes decisions. This aspect is largely missing from the book, except in one or two instances. Similarly, how he managed his work and family life being so busy is also completely excluded from the narrative.

 

Overall, I must say that the book inspires hope and belief in how one individual can bring enormous change to society and the world by taking issues close to heart. I would give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA