Quotes from Shweta Bachchan Nanda

Because it is only my brother and I who know what it is like to walk in the shadow and fill the shoes of larger-than-life parents. And I am biased, but even so, it is true - he does it with the kind of grace a lesser man wouldn't be able to.

There is something about hitting 40, the half- way mark that is heady and liberating, it runs away with you and you reach your 50s out of breath and wondering, 'Where was I going with that?'

I am as it is a very shy person, so for me to be able to have something bright and intelligent to say every time a microphone is thrust in front of me, it's very intimidating.

I enjoy the movies just as much as the next person, I owe my existence and privileged life to it. But I would rather pay for my ticket and watch it in a theater popcorn and cold drink in my hand than swim in the giant fishbowl that is the life of an actor.

Every one of us owes a debt to the people who have shaped our minds and influenced our thinking and very often reasoning. For some, it is a school teacher or then professor in college for others, it could be a family member, a character of a book or movie.

Unfortunately, neither of my grandfathers were alive by the time I decided I wanted to write a book. I wish I had asked them questions when they were around, but I was too young and it remains a regret to this day.

During my years in school, I did try to audition for and partake in school plays. Reason being I was not very inclined towards more physically challenging activities like sports.

Our collective consciousness is a giant train wreck, no one wishes anyone well anymore and the worst bit is its played out online for all of us to feed off and opine about.

I met my brother when I was a month shy of my second birthday - he came into this world in style. I believe my father popped champagne in the hospital corridors and made sure all the nurses got a sip.

You become adept at mixing different colours, looks and trends as you grow older.

I know it feels like time is infinite, it's the hubris of youth. Your 40s seem a lifetime away but really they aren't, ask me; I've been down that slippery slope.

So how did I find my voice? Motherhood. There is nothing like having your child dealt an injustice, no matter how small, that gives you all the courage in the world to stand up and put your foot down.

I know you think we are close because you follow me on Instagram and are privy to some of my life experiences. I may even have liked a picture or two of yours. Does that mean I want to be added to your group chat and get updates of you on holiday in Bora Bora in the middle of my night? No!

On a recent trip to New York, I bought myself a seriously denim jacket that my daughter begged to borrow. I refused! They are so cavalier with my stuff, the kids - Oh my god, I am turning into my mother!

We are appropriating cultures, lifestyles, and language irresponsibly and passing it off as authentic; that's what troubles me the most.

Another advantage millennials have over us Gen-Xers are the dads. They're engaged, involved and not afraid to strap on a Baby Bjorn.

I don't like fussy evening looks either. For starters, high heels make me miserable. I'll often pick a flowy dress or skirt. Androgynous looks are another favourite - so a man's suit, a tuxedo shirt, or tuxedo trousers with a tank top.

It is true everyone is going to enjoy their 15 minutes of fame, but they're going to have to sell their souls for it. For those who chase it, I hope it's worth the drama.

My mother has always been truthful and honest about my work. I rely on her opinion as it will be unbiased.

For isn't that what unconditional love is - sacrificing a little bit of your own happiness so someone else can have theirs?

I had been a zealous writer of journals my whole life, and beginning my newspaper column gave me a huge sense of purpose while enabling me to understand my own emotions by reading them in black and white.

Very few people spend time with themselves anymore. Which could be the reason why there has been an exponential rise in jerks. Do the world a favour. Stay in, you're not missing anything you can't make up for the next time round.

I once met a person three nights in a row and she told me the same story three times over. Unless you're discovering a new continent, there is no way you have anything new to tell people you bump into serially.

Being an actor and a successful one at that, is the stuff fairy-tales are made of, as you reach unimaginable heights. But it is a tough world and most people do not realise the personal sacrifices made to get to these lofty positions.