Kajol graced the book launch event at SIBF, on Sunday afternoon. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter

The 42nd edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed many Bollywood stars gracing the event. Veteran actor Neena Gupta came and inspired the Sharjah audience and shared tips on how to approach life. She spoke about her autobiography, while style icon Kareena Kapoor Khan mesmerised her fans with her presence and shared her journey of motherhood. Now the heart-throb of the 90s Kajol has also graced the book fair, on Sunday evening.  She was here to launch “Spreading Joy,” an autobiography of renowned UAE-based businessman Joy Alukkas.

Kajol is an avid reader herself and she looked excited to be at the book fair. She said while interacting with her fans who were waiting for hours to get a glimpse of her, “I am happy to be here at the SIBF.”

Dressed in traditional Indian attire Kajol, like always, looked ever graceful and full of energy. Very few Bollywood stars have moved a generation with their body of works and Kajol is one of them.  Starting from “Baazigar,” “Dilwale Dulhanya Leg Jayenge,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” and Fanaa, she was the most loved actor of her time.  She was simply a sensation.

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Praising Joy, she said, “I have been with him for around eight years as a brand ambassador, and I found him a very humble and a wonderful person.”

Praising the book she said, “I hope you all pick up a copy and read it for yourself and see what passion and hard work can do.”

We are living in a digital era, so when I asked her to comment on the importance of books, the star suggested, “If you want to grow in life then you have to pick up a book. There is no other way to grow in life except by picking up books.”

When Kajol asked Joy what readers can take away from the book and his advice for entrepreneurs, Alukkas revealed that passion and hard work were vital to succeed in a business. He also elaborated on how he beat odds to build 160 showrooms in 11 countries.

A symbol of humility and a man of few words, Joy while interacting with the audience said, “I wanted to share my journey and experiences with the people. I feel anybody can start their business and become successful in life. So my book is a humble attempt to inspire others to chase their dream.”

Joy added, “I learnt a lot of things from the Dubai experience as well as from my employees. Anybody can have a success story like mine if you have the passion. The book is an effort to share my journey so that others can learn from it. You will understand the hard work and pain that has gone into building my business. Future generations can learn business tricks and understand challenges through it. So happy reading and being inspired.”

The elder daughter of Joy, Mary Alukkas, while praising her humble father’s book said, “It is a real life story. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of her father who believed in converting his dream into reality. I am sure his work will inspire others.” She further added, “The autobiography is not just a book, it is a legacy. A legacy I am very much proud of being a part of.”

Praising her father, she said, “He has always been disciplined throughout his life and he is committed to his work.”

Wife of Joy, Jolly Joy Alukkas, spoke about the early days and she shared how her husband’s hard work paid off and how he has built this empire. Jolly spoke in her native language but the essence of her emotional speech could be felt all across the auditorium. The book not only traces his phenomenal entrepreneurial story, but also provides rare insights into an industry that was fragmented and unorganised. The book, written in collaboration with Thomas Scaria and Nidhi Jain, is available in English, Arabic and Malayalam.