Should writing a book be an endeavor reserved for the privileged- Indian Celebrity Authors
In recent years, the trend of celebrities writing books has become increasingly common. From actors and musicians to youtubers, many have been inclined to writing novels, and self-help guides. But the question remains: Is this trend a literary advancement or a sales tactic that diminishes the worth of quality writing?
One undeniable advantage of celebrities turning to writing is the exposure they bring. Celebrities already have a massive audience due to their fame, which can help a book reach large audiences. For example, when a popular actor like Alia Bhatt publishes a book- Ed Finds Home, it attracts attention not only from her fans but also from readers who might not usually engage with literature.
In addition, celebrities often write books that resonate with their personal experiences. Autobiographies can provide fans with an inside look into their lives, revealing behind-the-scenes moments, challenges, and triumphs. These books are generally read by a fan who wants to know about the inside lives of their favorite celebrities. Stories like Soha Ali Khan’s Perils of being moderately famous or Priyanka Chopra’s Unfinished can be an inspirational and relatable read. These books are also offering insight into fame, mental health, relationships, and self-discovery.
Moreover, there are various Youtubers who are turning into authors. From hiring editors for their videos, one could never imagine they will hire professional editors for their book drafts. Be it Jay Shetty’s Eight rules of love or the upcoming romance novel of Prajakta Koli, published by HarperCollins-Too Good To Be True.
On the other hand, the phenomenon of celebrity-authored books also raises concerns about the authenticity of literary works. Many critics argue that a famous name alone does not guarantee success in the literary world. Some celebrities, particularly those who release books with little to no writing experience, rely on their fame and publicity machines. This has led to accusations of literary opportunism and a dilution of the value of books as meaningful works of art. Another criticism is that some celebrity books are largely ghostwritten, with the celebrity’s name printed on the cover with very little personal input. While the ghostwriting process is legitimate in many cases, it can feel pretentious to readers when a celebrity’s book is largely the product of someone else’s creativity.
Also the rush to publish also raises concerns about the broader literary industry. With celebrity books often dominating bestseller lists, established authors or new talent might find it more difficult to break into the market. One author works extremely hard on writing a book, and finding a good publisher and a market for his book. While the other just posts an Instagram reel with his book in his hand. This one reel makes him a fortune. It seems as if a book’s commercial success is tied more to the celebrity’s persona than the quality of the writing, and it is unfair to the people from the literary world. Even big publishers are also welcoming celebrity authors as it helps these companies in making large sales.
Ultimately, the question of whether celebrities-turned-authors are good or bad doesn’t have a simple answer. On one hand, they can bring new audiences to reading, offer inspiration, and provide insight into the celebrity’s life and experiences. On the other hand, it can feel like an oversaturation of celebrity culture that undervalues the hard work and skill that goes into crafting a truly compelling book. So, to make things equal, this oversaturation of celebrities and youtubers can be of some help to promote Indian authors through their channels.
Nonetheless this debate of celeb-books being good or bad has no end. The judge of the book is its recipient and for a book, a great public reception matters. This article concludes by suggesting that anyone who has a story to share should have the opportunity to publish it.
