Subhash Ghai's Favourite Books: Filmmaker on the Five Books That Changed His Life
Few filmmakers have shaped mainstream Indian cinema with the grandeur and sense of conviction of Subhash Ghai. Often called “The Showman” for his sweeping cinematic vision and crowd-pulling charisma, Ghai redefined Bollywood’s golden age with films like Karz (1980), Ram Lakhan (1989), Khalnayak (1993) and Taal (1999). A master of emotion and spectacle, Ghai’s stories often blend mythic structures with more contemporary drama, featuring protagonists who are torn between duty, desire and destiny. In fact, Ghai’s films draw on thematic undercurrents that echo the very books he now recommends: the tension between individualism and collectivism (The Fountainhead), the power of transformation (Atomic Habits), and the philosophical search for meaning (The Alchemist).
As founder of Whistling Woods International, a leading film school in Mumbai, Ghai’s bookshelf reflects the same instincts that guide his storytelling: a belief in personal growth, spiritual inquiry and creative rebellion. Whether it’s Osho’s call for inner revolution or Benjamín Labatut’s warnings about unchecked intellect, Ghai’s reading list reveals a mind perfectly tuned to both, the metaphysical and the modern.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
One that blends mysticism and adventure with “self-discovery and spiritualism,” as Ghai says, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a modern literary classic. It follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, driven by a recurring dream to seek treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Along his journey, he meets a gypsy, a magical king, a crystal merchant, an Englishman and a wise alchemist — all of whom help him understand his Personal Legend, or true purpose. Through trials across the desert and lessons on love and destiny, Santiago discovers that true treasure lies not in gold, but in discovering his true self — and the courage to follow his dreams. Coelho’s fable inspires people to trust their hearts and embrace the journey of life with wonder and faith.
One that blends mysticism and adventure with “self-discovery and spiritualism,” as Ghai says, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a modern literary classic. It follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, driven by a recurring dream to seek treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Along his journey, he meets a gypsy, a magical king, a crystal merchant, an Englishman and a wise alchemist — all of whom help him understand his Personal Legend, or true purpose. Through trials across the desert and lessons on love and destiny, Santiago discovers that true treasure lies not in gold, but in discovering his true self — and the courage to follow his dreams. Coelho’s fable inspires people to trust their hearts and embrace the journey of life with wonder and faith.
The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
Ghai deems The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut to be a “mixture of fiction and non-fiction”, one that explores the nuances of technology and artificial intelligence. It’s a genre-defying novel that looks at the brilliant yet disturbed minds that shaped the nuclear age, focusing primarily on the life of polymath John von Neumann. Blending fact and fiction, Labatut delves into the terrifying power of logic and the blurred boundary between genius and madness. Through first-person recollections, the book traces von Neumann’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project and the birth of modern computing, while probing the moral and philosophical implications of technological mastery. With haunting historical scenes and philosophical depth, The Maniac becomes a meditation on our current AI-driven age — where human irrationality might be the only thing saving us from our most “rational” creations.
Ghai deems The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut to be a “mixture of fiction and non-fiction”, one that explores the nuances of technology and artificial intelligence. It’s a genre-defying novel that looks at the brilliant yet disturbed minds that shaped the nuclear age, focusing primarily on the life of polymath John von Neumann. Blending fact and fiction, Labatut delves into the terrifying power of logic and the blurred boundary between genius and madness. Through first-person recollections, the book traces von Neumann’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project and the birth of modern computing, while probing the moral and philosophical implications of technological mastery. With haunting historical scenes and philosophical depth, The Maniac becomes a meditation on our current AI-driven age — where human irrationality might be the only thing saving us from our most “rational” creations.
Bharat Ke Jalte Prashan by Osho
Bharat Ke Jalte Prashan by Osho is a provocative and insightful collection that delves into India’s most pressing social, political, and economic issues. With his characteristic boldness, Osho challenges the nation’s outdated traditions, rigid social structures, and stagnant political institutions. He argues that these systems, once relevant, now hinder progress and transformation. Rather than offering conventional solutions, Osho calls for a deeper, more personal revolution — emphasising that true change begins within the individual. He urges readers to cultivate self-awareness, question inherited beliefs and break free from societal conditioning. In confronting India’s burning questions, that remain unsolved accroding to Ghai, Osho doesn’t just analyse the nation’s problems — he pushes for a new consciousness that could ignite real and lasting change from the inside out.
Bharat Ke Jalte Prashan by Osho is a provocative and insightful collection that delves into India’s most pressing social, political, and economic issues. With his characteristic boldness, Osho challenges the nation’s outdated traditions, rigid social structures, and stagnant political institutions. He argues that these systems, once relevant, now hinder progress and transformation. Rather than offering conventional solutions, Osho calls for a deeper, more personal revolution — emphasising that true change begins within the individual. He urges readers to cultivate self-awareness, question inherited beliefs and break free from societal conditioning. In confronting India’s burning questions, that remain unsolved accroding to Ghai, Osho doesn’t just analyse the nation’s problems — he pushes for a new consciousness that could ignite real and lasting change from the inside out.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
“Small things matter,” Ghai says. Atomic Habits by James Clear is a practical, science-backed guide to habit formation and lasting change. The book emphasises that small, consistent improvements — just one per cent better each day — can lead to remarkable results over time. Clear outlines a simple system called the Four Laws of Behaviour Change: make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. These principles help build good habits and break bad ones effectively. Rather than focusing solely on goals, Clear urges readers to create systems and shift their identity — becoming the type of person who naturally embodies the habits they desire. Rooted in behavioural science and full of actionable insights, Atomic Habits is a powerful manual for personal transformation.
“Small things matter,” Ghai says. Atomic Habits by James Clear is a practical, science-backed guide to habit formation and lasting change. The book emphasises that small, consistent improvements — just one per cent better each day — can lead to remarkable results over time. Clear outlines a simple system called the Four Laws of Behaviour Change: make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. These principles help build good habits and break bad ones effectively. Rather than focusing solely on goals, Clear urges readers to create systems and shift their identity — becoming the type of person who naturally embodies the habits they desire. Rooted in behavioural science and full of actionable insights, Atomic Habits is a powerful manual for personal transformation.
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Individualism is superior to collectivism. Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead follows Howard Roark, an uncompromising architect whose devotion to individualism challenges a conformist world. Expelled for defying tradition, Roark pursues architecture with integrity, clashing with those who value popularity over principle — including former classmate Peter Keating and critic Ellsworth Toohey. Roark’s intense relationship with Dominique Francon is both passionate and destructive, shaped by shared disdain for mediocrity. As Roark fights for creative freedom, he faces legal and social ruin after dynamiting a compromised housing project. Yet in court, he delivers a powerful defense of artistic integrity and self-worth. Vindicated, Roark rises again, symbolising Rand’s ideal of the creator as hero. The novel remains a provocative statement on independence, ambition, and the cost of greatness.
Source : Hollywoodreporterindia.com
Individualism is superior to collectivism. Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead follows Howard Roark, an uncompromising architect whose devotion to individualism challenges a conformist world. Expelled for defying tradition, Roark pursues architecture with integrity, clashing with those who value popularity over principle — including former classmate Peter Keating and critic Ellsworth Toohey. Roark’s intense relationship with Dominique Francon is both passionate and destructive, shaped by shared disdain for mediocrity. As Roark fights for creative freedom, he faces legal and social ruin after dynamiting a compromised housing project. Yet in court, he delivers a powerful defense of artistic integrity and self-worth. Vindicated, Roark rises again, symbolising Rand’s ideal of the creator as hero. The novel remains a provocative statement on independence, ambition, and the cost of greatness.
Source : Hollywoodreporterindia.com