Twinkle Khanna, who is now a celebrated author and popular talk show host, once faced a turbulent journey during her early years in Bollywood. Despite working alongside megastars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Ajay Devgn in the 1990s, her acting career didn’t reach the heights many expected. Most of her films underperformed at the box office, leaving her with a string of disappointments instead of hits. What seemed like a glamorous start quickly turned into a phase of professional uncertainty for the young actress trying to carve her place in the film industry.
Opening Up About Failure
At the 2025 Tweak India Summit, Twinkle shared the stage with Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan—known for her work in social initiatives—and Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. When the panel discussed the subject of failure, Twinkle reflected on her own early experiences. She admitted that her initial years in cinema were marked by public setbacks.
According to her, acting wasn’t something she was naturally suited for, and the criticism that followed made her resilient. Instead of being weighed down by her failures, she chose to view them as stepping stones. Twinkle compared them to trampolines—challenges that allow her to bounce back stronger each time. This outlook, she said, became her personal formula for handling professional and personal obstacles.
A Career She Never Truly Desired
Twinkle has often been outspoken about how her journey into acting wasn’t born out of passion but persuasion. Her mother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, played a major role in encouraging her to follow the family’s cinematic path. For the unversed, Twinkle is the daughter of Dimple Kapadia and superstar Rajesh Khanna.
In one of her earlier interviews, Twinkle revealed that she had originally planned to appear for the Chartered Accountancy entrance exam, an unconventional choice for someone from a film family. However, her mother insisted she try her luck in movies while she was still young, assuring her that she could pursue her true interests later in life. Following that advice, Twinkle entered Bollywood, debuting with Barsaat in 1995 alongside Bobby Deol. She went on to feature in films like Baadshah, Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, and Jaan, but success remained elusive.
Reinvention as an Author
After leaving films behind, Twinkle reinvented herself in the literary world—a decision that completely transformed her career. In 2015, she published her first book, Mrs Funnybones, a witty and humorous take on modern life. The book became an instant bestseller, crossing over one lakh copies in sales and earning her the title of India’s highest-selling female author of the year. She followed this success with two more acclaimed works—The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad and Pyjamas Are Forgiving, both praised for their wit, insight, and emotional depth. Through her writing, Twinkle established herself as a sharp, observant voice in contemporary Indian literature.
A Multifaceted Personality
Beyond writing, Twinkle continues to explore new creative territories. She co-hosts a talk show titled Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle, where the duo engages in candid and thought-provoking conversations with notable personalities. Her journey—from a struggling actress to a respected author and host—illustrates her ability to turn setbacks into opportunities. Twinkle Khanna’s story stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the courage to embrace one’s true calling despite early failures.
Opening Up About Failure
At the 2025 Tweak India Summit, Twinkle shared the stage with Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan—known for her work in social initiatives—and Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. When the panel discussed the subject of failure, Twinkle reflected on her own early experiences. She admitted that her initial years in cinema were marked by public setbacks. According to her, acting wasn’t something she was naturally suited for, and the criticism that followed made her resilient. Instead of being weighed down by her failures, she chose to view them as stepping stones. Twinkle compared them to trampolines—challenges that allow her to bounce back stronger each time. This outlook, she said, became her personal formula for handling professional and personal obstacles.
A Career She Never Truly Desired
Twinkle has often been outspoken about how her journey into acting wasn’t born out of passion but persuasion. Her mother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, played a major role in encouraging her to follow the family’s cinematic path. For the unversed, Twinkle is the daughter of Dimple Kapadia and superstar Rajesh Khanna. In one of her earlier interviews, Twinkle revealed that she had originally planned to appear for the Chartered Accountancy entrance exam, an unconventional choice for someone from a film family. However, her mother insisted she try her luck in movies while she was still young, assuring her that she could pursue her true interests later in life. Following that advice, Twinkle entered Bollywood, debuting with Barsaat in 1995 alongside Bobby Deol. She went on to feature in films like Baadshah, Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, and Jaan, but success remained elusive.