Episode 180: Interview with Chital Mehta, author of Have You Seen Romit?

“Have you Seen Romit? is a gripping, intensely moving portrayal of a woman whose ferocious love for her children ends up clashing with how others expect her to behave. I loved spending time with the rule-breaking Usha and with the complicated world Chital Mehta has conjured. Vivid, fresh, and resonant.”—R. O. Kwon, author of Exhibit and The Incendiaries

With a review like that, it’s clear that you must pick up a copy of Have You Seen Romit? by Chital Mehta. For this episode, Chital sat down to discuss her inspiring writing and publishing journey: from the first seed of an idea to the fully realized book. It was absolutely riveting to hear her candid and refreshing reflections on the process of bringing this book to life. We also talked about her unforgettable protagonist, Usha, and the extraordinary challenges she faces in her desperate search for her son. This novel is a stunner and I couldn’t put it down.

Chital, I cannot thank you enough for joining me, I cannot wait to see what you create next!

Chital recommends: Names Have Been Changed by Yu-Mei Balasingamchow; Scavengers by Kathleen Boland. Chital has been influenced by the works of Jhumpa Lahiri; Jai Chakraborti, Colum McCann; Steve Almond. R.O. Kwon is the author who selected Chital as the winner of the 2025 James Alan McPherson Prize.