What do you think?
Rate this book
Open Book: Not Quite a Memoir
At five, she took the stage by storm as Indira Gandhi. At eight, she was bullied. At ten, she hit rock bottom. At thirteen, she discovered a personality development programme that changed her life forever...
From being an awkward teen in braces to becoming a sought-after master of ceremonies to successfully portraying the transgender Cuckoo on the hit Netflix series Sacred Games, Kubbra Sait has broken boundaries and made a name for herself. Her ordinary upbringing notwithstanding, Kubbra is an extraordinary woman who quickly learnt how to deal with the harsh ways of the world and shape her life successfully despite them. The bullying she encountered in school as a child helped her face nepotism in Bollywood, an industry known to favour its own, often at the cost of talented 'outsiders'.
Part memoir, part inspirational treatise, Open Book lays bare the struggles, achievements, joys and failures, and the many reinventions of a shy and anxious Bangalore girl who dreamt of making it in the competitive world of cinema.
From being an awkward teen in braces to becoming a sought-after master of ceremonies to successfully portraying the transgender Cuckoo on the hit Netflix series Sacred Games, Kubbra Sait has broken boundaries and made a name for herself. Her ordinary upbringing notwithstanding, Kubbra is an extraordinary woman who quickly learnt how to deal with the harsh ways of the world and shape her life successfully despite them. The bullying she encountered in school as a child helped her face nepotism in Bollywood, an industry known to favour its own, often at the cost of talented 'outsiders'.
Part memoir, part inspirational treatise, Open Book lays bare the struggles, achievements, joys and failures, and the many reinventions of a shy and anxious Bangalore girl who dreamt of making it in the competitive world of cinema.
- GenresMemoir
228 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2022
13 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 11, 2022
Memoirs have always been a hit and miss reading choice for me. Some are exceptional as they unspool an inspirational life with evocative prose. Others tend to be a mixed bag of extended Dear Diary entries, egotistical self-adulation rants or a medium to censoriously rage against people who have crossed the author’s journey to the top.
With this mildly rigid mindset, I admit that I would probably not have picked up Kubbra Sait’s OPEN BOOK with conscious volition. I only read this book because HarperCollins India was kind enough to send it over in exchange for an honest review.
And I would be hard pressed to say that this book shattered my preconceptions.
Kubbra Sait’s big, unabashed personality makes her a vivacious narrator. The chapters that held my interest were the ones devoted to her conflicted and nuanced relationships with her various family members. It was intriguing to learn how she mentally and physically prepared herself to do justice to her iconic character of Cuckoo in Sacred Games. There was an earnestness in these stories and it effectively draws in the reader.
I wish I could say the same for the ones that mapped her journey from a timid schoolgirl to an energetic Mistress of Ceremonies. She has the best of intentions and has rightly resorted to counselling to deal with her growing pangs, early trauma and constant struggle to carve her unique spot in the world. But as she shares her slowly but steadily gathered wisdom, it sometimes tends to sound trite and a tad “Pinteresty-Inspo-Board” in its execution.
Having uncharitably said that, I might just be the wrong audience for this book. It would be more suited for the chipper younger generation (especially in the entertainment industry) who are trying constantly and ambitiously to find their spot amongst the already twinkling stars and supernovas. Kubbra’s resilience, her staunch belief in herself and what she brings to the table, and her constant advice to keep listening, never stop learning and chase your ever-shifting dreams will hold the fledgling actors in good stead.
It may not have clicked with me but am sure there will be quite a few conflicted minds that find a bit of solace within the pages of Ms. Sait’s OPEN BOOK.
With this mildly rigid mindset, I admit that I would probably not have picked up Kubbra Sait’s OPEN BOOK with conscious volition. I only read this book because HarperCollins India was kind enough to send it over in exchange for an honest review.
And I would be hard pressed to say that this book shattered my preconceptions.
Kubbra Sait’s big, unabashed personality makes her a vivacious narrator. The chapters that held my interest were the ones devoted to her conflicted and nuanced relationships with her various family members. It was intriguing to learn how she mentally and physically prepared herself to do justice to her iconic character of Cuckoo in Sacred Games. There was an earnestness in these stories and it effectively draws in the reader.
I wish I could say the same for the ones that mapped her journey from a timid schoolgirl to an energetic Mistress of Ceremonies. She has the best of intentions and has rightly resorted to counselling to deal with her growing pangs, early trauma and constant struggle to carve her unique spot in the world. But as she shares her slowly but steadily gathered wisdom, it sometimes tends to sound trite and a tad “Pinteresty-Inspo-Board” in its execution.
Having uncharitably said that, I might just be the wrong audience for this book. It would be more suited for the chipper younger generation (especially in the entertainment industry) who are trying constantly and ambitiously to find their spot amongst the already twinkling stars and supernovas. Kubbra’s resilience, her staunch belief in herself and what she brings to the table, and her constant advice to keep listening, never stop learning and chase your ever-shifting dreams will hold the fledgling actors in good stead.
It may not have clicked with me but am sure there will be quite a few conflicted minds that find a bit of solace within the pages of Ms. Sait’s OPEN BOOK.
October 16, 2022
Open Book Not Quite a Memoir by Kubbra Sait
.
I have always been fascinated with people and their stories. There is a certain charm in knowing about the personalities that rose to success and achieved their goals. Also, there are tons of names you get in your mind when I ask you “Which Celebrity or Public Figure inspired you?”. You will have plentiful reasons to support your response, but in the current media era, there are hardly any substantial sources where you can learn about their life and validate your statements about them or at least know for a fact that there isn’t much difference between us.
Open Book is a well-written and engrossing memoir of Kubbra Sait, whom we know as a brutally varnished version of the truth on screen and in her interviews. In the book, she talks about her childhood, school life, family issues, mental impasses, being a victim of sexual abuse, coming out of that, doing a Microsoft job, discovering her purpose, and being the resilient and talented personality, she is.
After reading the book I can undeniably say that Kubbra has written a beautiful and amusing read. It has a perfect balance of charming expository and insightful notions spread across the book. In certain chapters of this book, I came across a few episodes of her life that were relatable and made me emotional. When I retrospect the situations she lived through, be it climbing the mountains or making her place in nepotism-induced Bollywood, I realised that her demeanor is like a warrior, who didn’t step back when things got hard or worked the other way. In the end, I just want to say that I had a lot of fun reading this book, it’s funny, charming, noteworthy, and beautifully narrated. I would like to recommend this book to everyone, who is in search of reading about a life that should be known & applauded.
.
I have always been fascinated with people and their stories. There is a certain charm in knowing about the personalities that rose to success and achieved their goals. Also, there are tons of names you get in your mind when I ask you “Which Celebrity or Public Figure inspired you?”. You will have plentiful reasons to support your response, but in the current media era, there are hardly any substantial sources where you can learn about their life and validate your statements about them or at least know for a fact that there isn’t much difference between us.
Open Book is a well-written and engrossing memoir of Kubbra Sait, whom we know as a brutally varnished version of the truth on screen and in her interviews. In the book, she talks about her childhood, school life, family issues, mental impasses, being a victim of sexual abuse, coming out of that, doing a Microsoft job, discovering her purpose, and being the resilient and talented personality, she is.
After reading the book I can undeniably say that Kubbra has written a beautiful and amusing read. It has a perfect balance of charming expository and insightful notions spread across the book. In certain chapters of this book, I came across a few episodes of her life that were relatable and made me emotional. When I retrospect the situations she lived through, be it climbing the mountains or making her place in nepotism-induced Bollywood, I realised that her demeanor is like a warrior, who didn’t step back when things got hard or worked the other way. In the end, I just want to say that I had a lot of fun reading this book, it’s funny, charming, noteworthy, and beautifully narrated. I would like to recommend this book to everyone, who is in search of reading about a life that should be known & applauded.
December 10, 2022
Kubbra Sait was not an unknown face to me, she was an unknown personality. I have had saw her in some pictures of media here and there, sometimes her Instagram pictures or in some news articles, but have never seen any movie, advertisement, video, interview, or work to say at all, and so when this book got published, what intrigued me was the title, "Open Book". And then I asked for it, got it, and read it.
Open Book by Kubbra Sait is her memoir, which on the cover itself she says is "not quite a memoir" which you see getting evolve through the journey of the book.
The book talks in detail about her equations with her mother, Yasmin Sait, who have a deep impact on her personality, decisions, and where she is today, her father, Zakaria Sait, and with her brother, Danish Sait, and talks about the sibling's relationship. The part when Kubbra was talking about Danish's mental health, even though very subtly and in few words was such a fragile moment while reading that it took me a long time to just pause the book and reflect upon it!
From talking about the continuous shifting of schools because of the system and how she was treated there, going to Dubai and her first professional portfolio,
and making her way in the film industry, acting methods and portraying Cuckoo in Sacred Games and getting into her character, trolls, and social media, dating various guys and learning from that relationship, and the part where she talks about tight hugs which are my favorite, she talks in detail about each phase of her life and what she learned through them and that lessons are something which as a reader will affect you.
The only thing to keep in mind while reading the book is the factor of individuality and generalization. What worked for her might not work for you and what did not work for her might work significantly for you. And so, while reading, do consider and keep in mind who you are as a person, the difference in context, situations, and scenarios, and you are good to go ahead with this. And after reading this book, I am much intrigued to watch her movies, interviews, and her other works as well! A book I'll definitely recommend. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Open Book by Kubbra Sait is her memoir, which on the cover itself she says is "not quite a memoir" which you see getting evolve through the journey of the book.
The book talks in detail about her equations with her mother, Yasmin Sait, who have a deep impact on her personality, decisions, and where she is today, her father, Zakaria Sait, and with her brother, Danish Sait, and talks about the sibling's relationship. The part when Kubbra was talking about Danish's mental health, even though very subtly and in few words was such a fragile moment while reading that it took me a long time to just pause the book and reflect upon it!
From talking about the continuous shifting of schools because of the system and how she was treated there, going to Dubai and her first professional portfolio,
and making her way in the film industry, acting methods and portraying Cuckoo in Sacred Games and getting into her character, trolls, and social media, dating various guys and learning from that relationship, and the part where she talks about tight hugs which are my favorite, she talks in detail about each phase of her life and what she learned through them and that lessons are something which as a reader will affect you.
The only thing to keep in mind while reading the book is the factor of individuality and generalization. What worked for her might not work for you and what did not work for her might work significantly for you. And so, while reading, do consider and keep in mind who you are as a person, the difference in context, situations, and scenarios, and you are good to go ahead with this. And after reading this book, I am much intrigued to watch her movies, interviews, and her other works as well! A book I'll definitely recommend. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
July 13, 2024
Open Book: Not Quite a Memoir by Kubbra Sait is a splendid account of life in its truest being. Kubbra, meaning the “big one” in Arabic was certainly destined to make it grand and purposeful while following the path paved by destiny and a lot of hard work.
Personal accounts from childhood be it schooling years or discovering oneself beyond books, adolescence, struggles at home and professionally have carved a Kubbra Sait who is brave enough to accept her mistakes and grow through them. The little things that are cherished, the fights and struggles of earning a spot for oneself, relationships that define love in its varied forms grace the journey of our multi-talented author’s life in the most impactful ways.
One often comes across situations which are difficult to be in let alone navigate through them. Here it’s the acceptance of the reality that makes one decide a course of action, for Kubbra these situations have occurred frequently persuading her to become a stronger and better human while mending the trauma that comes with the brave decisions that may not always be pleasant to undertake.
This beautiful book is an honest, sincere and witty read that inspires the reader through and through, while adding to admiration for the author who bore it all with gratitude and grace.
I highly recommend this book, please don’t miss it! 🤍
Personal accounts from childhood be it schooling years or discovering oneself beyond books, adolescence, struggles at home and professionally have carved a Kubbra Sait who is brave enough to accept her mistakes and grow through them. The little things that are cherished, the fights and struggles of earning a spot for oneself, relationships that define love in its varied forms grace the journey of our multi-talented author’s life in the most impactful ways.
One often comes across situations which are difficult to be in let alone navigate through them. Here it’s the acceptance of the reality that makes one decide a course of action, for Kubbra these situations have occurred frequently persuading her to become a stronger and better human while mending the trauma that comes with the brave decisions that may not always be pleasant to undertake.
This beautiful book is an honest, sincere and witty read that inspires the reader through and through, while adding to admiration for the author who bore it all with gratitude and grace.
I highly recommend this book, please don’t miss it! 🤍
May 31, 2023
'Open Book:Not Quite a Memoir' is the account of the life and experiences of the talented actress-turned-author Kubbra Sait. It is the story of a Bengaluru girl battling through ups and downs with persistence and hard work to achieve the status where she's now.
Sait writes her book looking at her past which feels like reading a journal. 'Open Book' is an honest representation of Sait's life navigating through her relationships with herself and with her surroundings, change of schools, adolescent mistakes, and bravery. When you think of Kubbra Sait apart from the aspect of an actress, she seems like the most stunning individual and self-made person.
More than a memoir, it is a self-help book that empowers you for upcoming struggles and growth even through the most rough patches of life. The beauty of this book is that it feels like a lively narration, subtly witty and so much honest that it feels overwhelming.
A journey of a woman that you will cherish living with her through these pages. Highly recommended.
Sait writes her book looking at her past which feels like reading a journal. 'Open Book' is an honest representation of Sait's life navigating through her relationships with herself and with her surroundings, change of schools, adolescent mistakes, and bravery. When you think of Kubbra Sait apart from the aspect of an actress, she seems like the most stunning individual and self-made person.
More than a memoir, it is a self-help book that empowers you for upcoming struggles and growth even through the most rough patches of life. The beauty of this book is that it feels like a lively narration, subtly witty and so much honest that it feels overwhelming.
A journey of a woman that you will cherish living with her through these pages. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2022
The book shows the courage and resilience of Kubbra and her family against all odds. Each family member is sacrificing for the others and enduring pain and suffering secretly. Kubbra teaches us so much about hard work, never give up attitude and just the love for work. She took up every job that came her way and never regrets anything of her past. She is a self made woman and an inspiration to all who just give excuses for things not working out.
March 10, 2023
Kubbra Sait bares her soul open in this courageous and valiant book, unpeeling the layers and making it raw, real, and relatable. She tells things in an honest manner and makes the readers relate to her personal story. The language is unique and one can see the vulnerability gaining strength in Kubbra's unique language.
December 27, 2022
She wrote this memoir during lockdown. Simple read, not too great. She rose to fame because of one special character portrayed by her in a series on Netflix. Give it a read, if you are a fan of memoirs because one can learn something or the other from everone's life.
April 24, 2025
A smooth read. The actor goes through her ups and downs. At times, feels a bit preachy. Some passages are more genuine. It feels more like a project out of boredom during pandemic than anything else. Can be skipped.
August 7, 2022
Kubbra’s life is super interesting.
It was easy & fun read.
Loved it.
It was easy & fun read.
Loved it.
September 25, 2022
It was really easy book to read, writing style was good
September 27, 2022
Okayish
November 10, 2022
what a fabulous read - 🕊️🕊️
I breezed through the book in a day - it's written so well and almost makes me feel I have known the author forever - highly recommended
I breezed through the book in a day - it's written so well and almost makes me feel I have known the author forever - highly recommended
January 28, 2023
Familiar, relatable.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews