Chetan Bhagat, a name synonymous with contemporary Indian literature, has become a powerful voice in both fiction and non-fiction. Known for his bestsellers that tackle the complexities of youth, love, and ambition, Bhagat’s work resonates with millions of readers worldwide. Whether it’s Five Point Someone, 2 States, or The Girl in Room 105, his stories capture the pulse of modern India with remarkable simplicity and depth.
Beyond his literary success, Chetan is also a celebrated public figure, a columnist, and a motivational speaker. His unique ability to blend narrative with social commentary has made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary Indian culture. In this interview, we dive deeper into his creative journey, his thoughts on the changing literary landscape, and what’s next for a writer who has consistently redefined storytelling in India.
1. What inspired you to start writing, and how has your writing evolved over the years?
I was inspired to write because I wanted to tell stories that reflected the aspirations and struggles of India’s youth. During my engineering days, I realized that relatable, simple narratives were missing in Indian literature. Over time, my writing has evolved to include deeper societal themes. While I started with light-hearted stories about friendships and love, I now strive to explore contemporary issues that challenge readers to think and reflect, all while keeping my storytelling engaging and accessible.
2. How do you strike a balance between writing for entertainment and addressing serious societal issues?
The key is relatability. I use humor, drama, and romance to keep readers engaged while weaving serious societal issues into the narrative. Entertainment draws readers in, and then the themes make them reflect. For instance, The 3 Mistakes of My Life entertains with friendship and ambition but subtly addresses communal harmony. I believe the best stories are the ones that entertain while leaving readers with something to think about.
3. Which of your books do you feel has had the most impact on readers, and why?
Five Point Someone had the most impact because it resonated with a generation grappling with academic pressure and parental expectations. It redefined Indian fiction by showing that everyday stories could be compelling. However, The 3 Mistakes of My Life and Half Girlfriend also struck a chord with readers by addressing themes like communal harmony, inequality, and the power of dreams. Each book connects differently with readers, depending on their personal experiences.
4. Can you walk us through your creative process while developing a new novel?
I start with an idea or a theme that excites me, often drawn from real-life observations or societal issues. Then, I create characters who feel real and relatable. I outline the plot to ensure the story has a clear structure but allow space for spontaneity. The first draft is rough—it’s about putting ideas on paper. The magic happens during revisions, where I refine the narrative, sharpen the dialogue, and make the story as engaging as possible.
5. How do you deal with criticism, both as a writer and as a public figure?
Criticism is part of the journey, and I’ve learned to embrace it. Constructive feedback helps me improve, while unwarranted negativity reminds me to stay true to my voice. As a public figure, it’s important to filter out noise and focus on the bigger picture: the readers who connect with my work. Not everyone will appreciate my perspective, but that’s the beauty of being a writer—sparking conversations, even if they’re polarizing.
6. How do you manage to connect with young readers across different generations?
I stay in touch with the evolving aspirations, struggles, and interests of young people through conversations, social media, and observing societal trends. While technology and culture change, the core themes of love, ambition, and identity remain universal. By addressing these timeless emotions while reflecting the current reality, I ensure my stories resonate with readers across generations.
7. Your stories often touch on relationships and human dynamics. What do you find most challenging about writing such themes?
The biggest challenge is portraying relationships authentically while keeping them engaging. Human dynamics are complex, and writing them requires a balance of emotional depth and relatability. It’s also important to avoid clichés and show characters growing through their relationships. Ensuring that readers connect with the emotions and conflicts in the story is always a delicate task.
8. How do you incorporate humor into stories dealing with serious topics?
Humor is a way to make serious topics more palatable. It lightens the tone and makes heavy themes accessible. I often use situational comedy or characters with quirky traits to add levity. The idea is to show that even in the darkest moments, life has its lighter, absurd, or hopeful sides. Humor also helps create an emotional balance in the narrative.
9. What role does your personal experience play in shaping your characters and narratives?
My personal experiences provide the foundation for many of my stories. Growing up in a middle-class Indian family, studying at IIT, and working in corporate jobs gave me firsthand insights into ambition, relationships, and societal expectations. While my stories aren’t autobiographical, the emotions and challenges my characters face often reflect my own journey and observations.
10. How do you perceive the role of masculinity in modern Indian society?
Masculinity in India is at a crossroads. Traditional roles are being questioned as men are encouraged to be more emotionally available and supportive. The idea of being a “provider” is expanding to include being a partner and ally. This shift is positive but requires men to unlearn years of conditioning, which can be challenging but is necessary for a more inclusive society.
11. What do you think is the biggest challenge men face today in redefining traditional notions of masculinity?
The biggest challenge is societal conditioning. Men are often expected to suppress emotions and conform to rigid stereotypes of strength and success. Breaking free from these expectations while navigating a rapidly changing world is tough. Vulnerability and emotional openness are seen as weaknesses, but embracing them is essential for personal growth and healthier relationships.
12. How do you think men can better contribute to gender equality and a more inclusive society?
Men can contribute by being allies—listening, learning, and supporting women in all spheres of life. At home, sharing responsibilities and challenging stereotypes is crucial. At work, mentoring and promoting diversity can create more inclusive environments. Most importantly, men must reflect on their biases and unlearn behaviors that perpetuate inequality.
13. Do you believe the portrayal of men in literature and media needs to change? If so, how?
Yes, men are often depicted as either hypermasculine heroes or emotionally distant figures. We need nuanced portrayals that show men as empathetic, vulnerable, and capable of growth. Literature and media should challenge stereotypes and highlight the evolving role of men in society, encouraging healthier, more balanced identities.
14. What was the biggest turning point in your career as a writer?
The success of Five Point Someone was a game-changer. It showed that relatable stories could resonate with a wide audience and marked the beginning of contemporary Indian fiction. It gave me the confidence to pursue writing full-time and cemented my belief that ordinary stories could have extraordinary impact.
15. How do you juggle your roles as a writer, public speaker, and screenwriter?
Time management is key. I dedicate focused hours to each role and ensure I prioritize tasks based on deadlines. Writing remains my core passion, but public speaking and screenwriting allow me to explore other dimensions of storytelling. Balancing these roles is challenging, but the variety keeps me motivated.
16. What advice would you give to aspiring authors in India?
Write authentically and persistently. Don’t chase trends—focus on stories that reflect your voice. Be prepared for rejection but don’t lose heart. Build a routine, read widely, and understand your audience. Most importantly, believe in your story and write for the love of storytelling, not just for success.
17. How has your background in engineering and business influenced your approach to storytelling?
Engineering taught me structure and problem-solving, which helps in plotting stories logically. Business school gave me insights into human behavior and societal trends, enriching my characters. Both fields made me a keen observer of life, allowing me to write stories that feel relevant and grounded in reality.
18. What’s next for you—any upcoming projects or themes you are exploring in your future works?
I’m working on a novel that explores the intersection of technology and relationships, a theme I find increasingly relevant. I’m also exploring non-fiction to address issues like modern Indian masculinity. Additionally, there are exciting projects in screenwriting, including adaptations of my books for film and OTT platforms.
19. What are the challenges that you feel men often have to face in today’s modern society?
Men face the challenge of balancing traditional expectations with modern realities. They’re expected to succeed professionally while being emotionally present in relationships. Societal pressure to conform to outdated notions of masculinity makes it harder to embrace vulnerability and growth. Addressing mental health openly is another significant hurdle.
20. How do you balance work and life?
I prioritize family time and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Fitness and mindfulness practices like yoga help me stay grounded. Weekends are for unwinding, and I consciously unplug from work. It’s about being present in the moment, whether at work or with loved ones.
21. What are your fitness goals, and how do you work on achieving them?
My goal is to stay fit, energetic, and mentally sharp. I follow a mix of cardio, weight training, and yoga. Consistency is key, so I schedule daily workouts, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. I also focus on a balanced diet and ensure I get enough rest.
22. What’s on your desk?
My desk is minimalist—just a laptop, a notebook for jotting ideas, pens, and a coffee mug. I keep a couple of books for inspiration and a small memento from my IIT days as a reminder of my journey.
23. What are your favorite five tech products?
My Kindle for reading on the go.
Noise-canceling headphones for focus and creativity.
A fitness tracker to monitor health goals.
My laptop for writing and brainstorming.
My smartphone for productivity apps and social media.
24. What’s in your gym bag?
A water bottle, a change of clothes and a towel.
25. Could you suggest some books that every man must read?
Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson.
11 Rules of Life by Chetan Bhagat (if I can recommend my own!)