Ranvir Shorey’s love for reading has undergone some tweaking — from heftier books he has lately switched to short stories. Despite being busy on the professional front, this exuberant performer squeezes in time for reading…

Rediscovering reading

I got into the habit of reading watching my brother reading books during my young days. He is a voracious reader, though I am not such a keen reader. However, even now I try to keep in touch with reading books. In between, because of an overload of films, web series and short films, I could not carve much time for reading. I try to make it a point to read at least short stories now. Undeniably, working day in and out and also watching various content on different platforms, it had become so overwhelming, that I retreated to reading books again.

Current faves

Right now I am busy reading the anthology of short stories Buscan. I have developed a liking for reading short stories merely because you don’t get long periods of time to complete reading them. As I love reading, I have switched to short stories as we finish reading them faster and do not have to leave it in between, as we are also preoccupied with our work. Short stories are a quick fodder to the mind and keeps you occupied too.

Top genre

My interest in reading does not apply to any particular genre. Subjects that allure me, I get on to those books. I read a lot of non fictional stories as well but as I said now I have switched on to short stories. There is no specific topic; anything which may draw my attention from its cover and index itself is what I tend to pick up often.

All-time bests

My all-time favourite book is Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. The last book that I read which I still remember, is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. The story begins low key, however, no sooner does it unfold than it gets really gripping. It is all about an old man who decides to go and post a letter in the post box. He informs his wife about going out as he wishes to post his letter that he has written. He goes out and decides on a different plan — instead of posting it he decides that he will go and hand deliver it. This book wasn’t too serious but it also left an undying impression on me thus I still remember all the details mentioned in the story.

Getting to know Ghalib

I have read one or two autobiographies which are not of Indian origin. Lately I am also reading Ghalib, in Hindi as well as English translation. I am a bit slow in reading Devnagari so I have purchased this Ghalib book in both languages. English is easier for me to read and understand having been born in an English medium environment. [laughs]

In the genes

My son Haroon loves reading too. Also he is totally a dramebaaz guy. He does tell us that he loves acting because both his mother and father are actors. However, we wish he picks up some other profession.