Being born in a prominent and celebrated family name, Twinkle Khanna‘s life was already a dream come true story for any human. Yet her hunger and passion to learn and pursue varied aspects in her career not only show her commitment to excellence but also her versatility in delivering the best and her dedication towards her longing. Beyond her career projects, she was also seen taking a stand for various social issues, menstrual hygiene and awareness being one among them.
Twinkle Khanna, better known as Tina Jatin Khanna, is the daughter of renowned actor Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. She is a multifaceted personality with her calibre in acting, writing, and interior designing, a film producer and a columnist.
Khanna began her acting career with a notable debut in the 1995 film “Barsaat,” which came as one of the highest-grossing films of that year. Later, she graced the Bollywood screen with various Hindi films, including “Uff! Yeh Mohabbat” and “Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai.” She also played a pivotal role in the film “Baadshah,” alongside Shahrukh Khan.
Venturing beyond Hindi cinema, Twinkle Khanna also got into Telugu cinema with the film “Seenu” in 1999. However, finding her true passion for writing, she made a decisive shift in 2001, bidding farewell to her acting career after her final film, “Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega.” This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, where she would go on to establish herself as a successful author and columnist.
Recently, she has been in many discussions following the launch of her latest book, “Welcome to Paradise,” on November 23rd. The event showcased not only her literary prowess but also a witty exchange with her husband, Akshay Kumar.
During the launch, when Akshay Kumar playfully inquired about the relevance of men, given that all the major characters in her books are females, Twinkle responded with her characteristic humour. She quipped, “No, you need dessert, right? To be happy,” playfully emphasizing the indispensable role men play in our lives—they add sweetness and joy. She went on to express her gratitude for the immense support provided by her husband throughout her journey. This charming dialogue not only added a delightful touch to the book launch but also highlighted the playful and supportive dynamics within their relationship.
Reaching this point in her career took years of determination and hard work. While her love for writing persisted from the start, she gave tangible form to her literary and writing skills in 2015.
This milestone was marked by the launch of her first book, “Mrs Funnybones,” in the same year, instantly becoming a bestseller and earning her the esteemed title of India’s highest-selling female writer. Subsequently, she released other works, including “Pyjamas Are Forgiving,” published by Juggernaut Publications.
Seeking to enhance her skills and reach new heights, she pursued a master’s in fiction writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2022. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, underscoring the notion that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s true passion and love. Her outstanding performance in her final dissertation earned her an exceptional distinction.
In addition to her literary achievements, Khanna serves as a columnist for both Daily News and Analysis and The Times of India. Her multifaceted contributions continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on aspiring writers and enthusiasts alike.
She contributes towards a multitude of social causes, especially for women, including women’s empowerment and menstrual awareness. She launched a digital media platform named Tweak Media for women that supports different causes revolving around them. She has advocated the cause of menstrual hygiene quite a few times, and for the same, she has partnered with Save the Children, promoting the concept of menstrual hygiene among slum communities and children.
For her eminent and influential voice, she has been invited by the University of Oxford, wherein she gave a speech on menstruation. She was also invited to speak on an eminent panel at the United Nations in New York, and she appeared on the BBC World Impact show to discuss menstrual hygiene and sanitation around the world.
Though she had no professional background in interior designing, her curiosity and hunger to work on something new made her pursue interior designing, and she opened an interior designing store named White Window in Crawford Market, Mumbai. She immersed herself in a hands-on learning approach, taking insights from an experienced architect and seamlessly applying that knowledge to her projects. Her determination was particularly evident during the days of her pregnancy, as she dedicated herself to mastering the intricacies of designs and maps using Computer-Aided Design (CAD). This dynamic blend of practical learning and tenacity underscores her commitment to excellence in her field. With her skills and abilities, she worked on the houses of some of the greatest celebrities, including Rani Mukherjee, Tabu, and Kareena Kapoor, back in 2008.
Due to her brilliance in interior design, she also mentors the International Institute of Fashion Designing’s Academy of Interiors.
With her unending zeal to pursue and discover various facets of her career, she has shown that courage and passion can make you indelibly successful. She is someone who believes in being witty and humorous and doesn’t believe in the concept of taking life way too seriously, which adds to her personality by making her a perfect balance of craft and humour. Her story is a true testament to hard work and works as a source of inspiration for many.