AN AWARD winning career coach, trainer and blogger, Hira Ali examines challenges women face on their road to professional success with Her Way To The Top - A guide to smashing the glass ceiling. The empowering book written by her has been described as a must-have coaching companion for women leaders and female executives. She moves beyond identifying problems and empowers readers with real solutions to help them break the glass ceiling. Hira Ali chose 10 empowering books she loves.
The Confidence Code:One of the few books that influenced the content of my own book. This book is an informative and practical guide to understanding why many women suffer from confidence issues. It includes research in genetics, gender, behaviour and cognition, with examples of successful women in politics, media and business. It provides great scientifically backed research.
Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office:Dr Lois Frankel shares 101 self-sabotaging behaviours and habits women learn as girls, which could possibly be holding them back in the workplace. These include words and phrases they use, body language and other limiting behaviours. This book makes women aware of sub-conscious behaviours that might damage their careers and provides effective tips that will enable women to claim their corner office.
How To Win Friends & Influence People:Dale Carnegie gives a wonderful insight into developing lasting relationships. Most of his tips and strategies are very relevant, applicable and stick in your mind wherever you go, whoever you meet or whatever business you are in. You will learn how to deal with people in a manner, which makes you likeable and agreeable.
Secret Thoughts of Successful Women:I learned so much about impostor syndrome from this book and found the exercises relatable. The advice given in the book can be taken up by both men and women who want a deeper dive into this syndrome, overcome procrastination and banish negative thought patterns. You realise that you are not alone and there are so many more who experience the exact feelings you do, which in itself is a powerful realisation.
Lean In:One of the earlier books I read that focused on internal challenges and how women hold themselves back. Sheryl (Sandberg) draws on her experience of working in some of the world’s most successful businesses and explores what women can do to help themselves, and how small changes in their lives can effect change on a universal scale. A must read for anyone who cares about a gender inclusive society.
7 Habits Of Highly Effective People:This is a timeless classic you don’t mind dipping into from time to time. This book has sentimental value attached to it as my late father passed it on to me when I was a teenager. It offers great strategies for addressing both personal and professional problems, which can be put to use.
Gorgeous – How to look and feel fantastic everyday:Adele’s book, as the title says, really does make you look and feel gorgeous. The issues highlighted are relatable and the solutions
provided are practical and uplifting. There are actionable strategies and a wealth of information all packed in one entertaining book. I have read many diet books, but this really addresses the core triggers and provides valuable tools and insights, which will stay with you for years to come.
Invisible Women:Another book from which I have quoted research in my own book. Caroline Criado Perez shows us how, in a world largely designed for and by men, we are systematically ignoring half the population. It exposes the explicit and implicit discrimination and bias that exists from government policy and medical research to technology, workplaces, urban planning and media. The eye-opening read forces you to look at this institutional bias from a fresh perspective.
Critical Conversations:A fantastic book which teaches you how to interact in crucial situations, whether it involves partners, children, parents, manager, boss, strangers or friends. It draws our attention to defining moments that shape our lives, relationships and world. The book provides you with tools to prepare for high-stakes situations, transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue, make it safe to talk about almost anything and how to be persuasive instead of abrasive.
Let Her Fly:The fantastic memoir by Ziauddin Yousafzai, the proud feminist of dad of Malala, and yet another amazing reviewer of my book. One of my favourite quotes from the book is, ‘Ask me not what I did, but what I did not do. I did not clip her wings’. The warm and beautifully written book shares the story of a man who has been fighting for equality for decades, first for his daughter and then for girls across the globe.
Hira Ali is an author, writer, speaker and executive coach. Hira’s book Her Way To The Top - A guide to smashing the glass ceiling is out now. Visit Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @advancing you
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.