Memoirs by Indian celebrities which will inspire you to achieve more in life

While fiction books are a great escape and adventure, memoirs and autobiographies can be far more inspirational. They tell the true tale which makes all that the author achieved so far more reachable to the reader. A good memoir doesn't gloss over the truth, which also helps humanise the person it's about, for most are celebrities of their fields and they are often deified. Here are some memoirs by Indian celebrities from various fields that will inspire you:

While this book doesn't tell of her life as a progressive line of incidents like a traditional memoir does, it tells of her areas of growth. It talks about her family, her fitness journey, her positive attitude and her struggles. Bedi also opens up about her insecurities and other negative feelings and how she dealt with them.

Photo: Penguin India

This heartrending book is a must for every cricket fan. In it the famous cricketer reveals not just the high points of his career and the training that got him there, but openly shares the pain and fear of his darkest moments. He opens up about his parents’ divorce, his battle with cancer, his insecurities and how he overcame everything.

Photo: RHI

The former President of the country has written many books but this autobiography stands out for it tells how a boy from Rameswharam who took jobs to pay his school fees became a renowned scientist and the Indian President. His outlook is one of the most beautiful things about the book, how he found so many incidents in his life to be teaching moments and how he always acted with passion.

Photo: Universities Press

This book might contain one of the most inspiring stories in the book. This Olympic medallist has bought India much pride. She had to struggle through a lot of opposition to even be allowed to continue her passion and this book reveals how difficult her road was. It's not only inspiring on a personal level but eye-opening to how culture and even bureaucracy can come in the way of those deserving.

Photo: Harper

Written in a conversational tone, this book is easy and enjoyable to read. The iconic actor shares his life experiences and lessons in a way where he hopes to inspire those reading it. His writing is honest and shows a self-awareness people don't always possess. It's witty and enlightening.

Photo: Hay House India

This memoir tells of the hard work and commitment that helped make Mirza the world's No. 1 in women's doubles. It tells of how she started playing and training at a young age and takes us through some of her most memorable matches. She opens up about the physical and mental trauma she had to endure and how her family and friends helped her through it all.

Photo: HarperSport

This book should be a part of feminist reading across the world, for it highlights how strong sexist sentiments still ruin lives. Phoolan Devi's story is simply written but doesn't gloss over any horror she faced or witnessed. The book shows the reality of rural India and politics and is a must read for anyone in the country.

Photo: Sphere

This famous actor looks back at his life with wit and humour. It takes us back to his roots and shows us how he found his way into Bollywood from his humble beginnings. It focusses on his journey and growth so those interested in learning a lot on specific movies might not find it as engaging

Photo: Penguin India

She entered the Indian movie industry at 16 and had a seemingly glamourous life. This book takes us through the glamour and all the strife behind it. She speaks of her eating disorders and her relationship with her body, of her cancer battle and her spiritual journeys, of all the people she's loved and hated and how they helped her on her way. It's moving and honest.

Photo: HarperCollins

Having been successful in several careers and often under the public eye, Milind Soman loves to inspire people and this book bares all. It takes you through his whole life, never gloating over the low points. It's well written and draws you in like a story for there is a lot of emotion, romance, humour and even drama in his tale.

Photo: Penguin India