Filmmaker Ashima Chibber opens up about her lifelong love for reading and how books have shaped her journey as a storyteller.
From Lean In to The Covenant of Water, she reflects on how the written word continues to inspire her work on screen.
The Book That Changed Her Perspective
Lean In as a Source of Courage and Creativity
Ashima Chibber, the director of Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, has a deep-rooted passion for reading and often finds inspiration for her storytelling through books.
Sharing her love for books, Ashima Chibber said, “I’m very fond of reading, books were my first introduction to stories, and every great film begins there.”
Her all-time favorite book is Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. Ashima Chibber explained, “It gave me the courage to own my ambition and lead without apology. Lean In gave me the courage to tell stories that matter, not just entertain. It pushed me to choose subjects that challenge norms and put women at the center.”
Dream Adaptation: The Covenant of Water
“As a director, it helped me lead from the front, not from the sidelines, and lead my film towards the National Awards,” she added.
When asked if there’s a book she’d like to see adapted for the screen, Ashima Chibber shared her admiration for The Covenant of Water. “It’s an epic, multi-generational story set in South India, filled with history, heartbreak, and healing. Its scale, emotional power, and rooted Indian setting would translate beautifully to cinema,” she said.
While audiobooks are trending today, Ashima Chibber believes they can’t replace the magic of physical books. “I don’t believe audio-visual content can replace books, just like a film can’t replace its screenplay. Books are the foundation,” she said.
“Even the National Award-winning film Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway began with the written word. Stories may evolve into films, but their soul is born on the page,” she added.
Have you tried audiobooks? “I’ve tried audiobooks, and I love them. In fact, I can’t fall asleep without a story playing in my ears, it’s my adult version of a bedtime story. It’s a beautiful way to let words paint pictures in your mind, even with your eyes closed,” Ashima Chibber concluded.
