INFOBOX

Chetan Bhagat is best known for his popular and relatable novels that resonate with the youth of India. His notable works include Five Point Someone (2004), which became the basis for the blockbuster film 3 Idiots, and One Night @ the Call Center (2005), adapted into the movie Hello. Other widely acclaimed novels include The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008), 2 States (2009), and Revolution 2020 (2011). He also ventured into non-fiction with books like What Young India Wants (2012), Making India Awesome (2015), and India Positive (2019), where he voiced opinions on national issues. His later fiction works such as Half Girlfriend (2014), One Indian Girl (2016), The Girl in Room 105 (2018), One Arranged Murder (2020), and 400 Days (2021) continued his streak of bestselling titles, many of which were adapted into successful Bollywood films.

Early Life and Education

Chetan Bhagat was born into a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi. His father served as a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army, and his mother worked in agriculture and government jobs. Bhagat was a bright student and attended Army Public School in Delhi.

He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Later, he pursued an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, where he was recognized as the “Best Outgoing Student.”

Corporate Career

After his studies, Bhagat worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong for nearly a decade. Though financially successful, he felt creatively unfulfilled. He began writing novels during his free time while still working in the corporate world.

Entry into Writing

Chetan Bhagat’s debut novel "Five Point Someone" was published in 2004. It was based on the lives of three IIT students and their struggles with academic pressure. The novel became a bestseller and connected strongly with Indian youth. It was later adapted into the Bollywood hit film "3 Idiots" (2009), although the film took creative liberties.

His second novel, "One Night @ the Call Center" (2005), also became highly popular and was adapted into a film titled Hello.

Notable Books and Adaptations

Here are some of his most famous novels and their adaptations:

Five Point Someone (2004)
– Adapted into the movie 3 Idiots

One Night @ the Call Center (2005)
– Adapted into the movie Hello

The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008)
– Adapted into the movie Kai Po Che!

2 States (2009)
– Based on his own love story; adapted into a film of the same name

Revolution 2020 (2011)
– Set against the backdrop of the education system and politics

Half Girlfriend (2014)
– Adapted into a movie in 2017

One Indian Girl (2016)
– Focuses on feminism and societal expectations

The Girl in Room 105 (2018)
– A departure from romance to a thriller-mystery genre

400 Days (2021) and The Girl in Room 105, One Arranged Murder (2020) continue his fiction writing into thriller and mystery themes.

Writing Style and Impact

Bhagat’s novels are known for their simple language, realistic characters, and youth-centric themes. His books have sold millions of copies and are especially popular among Indian college students and young professionals.

While critics often debate the literary quality of his work, his influence in making reading a popular habit among Indian youth is undeniable.

Columnist and Motivational Speaker

Apart from fiction, Chetan Bhagat writes columns in English and Hindi newspapers on youth issues, education, national development, and politics. His columns appear in The Times of India and Dainik Bhaskar.

He is also a motivational speaker, regularly invited to speak at educational institutions, corporates, and even government forums. His talks focus on success, goal-setting, relationships, and confidence-building.

Awards and Recognition

Named by Time magazine in 2010 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World"
Several of his books have been adapted into successful Bollywood films
Acknowledged for making English fiction popular among Indian readers

Personal Life

Chetan Bhagat is married to Anusha Suryanarayan, whom he met at IIM Ahmedabad. Their intercultural love story inspired his novel "2 States". The couple has twin sons.

Legacy and Influence

Chetan Bhagat is credited with transforming India’s reading culture. He democratized English fiction by writing for the common Indian reader. While his writing often attracts mixed critical reviews, he remains one of India’s best-selling authors and a pop culture icon.

Famous Quote by Chetan Bhagat

“Don't be serious, be sincere.”

“Be so busy improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.”

(FAQs)

1. Who is Chetan Bhagat?

Chetan Bhagat is a bestselling Indian author, columnist, and motivational speaker known for novels like Five Point Someone, 2 States, and Half Girlfriend.

2. What is Chetan Bhagat’s educational background?

He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.

3. Which of Chetan Bhagat’s books have been made into movies?

Books like Five Point Someone, 2 States, The 3 Mistakes of My Life, and Half Girlfriend were adapted into successful Bollywood films.

4. Is Chetan Bhagat married?

Yes, he is married to Anusha Suryanarayan, whom he met at IIM Ahmedabad. They have twin sons.

5. What is Chetan Bhagat known for?

He is known for writing relatable, youth-focused novels in simple English, many of which are bestsellers and have inspired Bollywood adaptations.

6. Does Chetan Bhagat write non-fiction too?

Yes, he has written non-fiction books like What Young India Wants, Making India Awesome, and India Positive, focusing on social and political issues.