What makes Chetan Bhagat a success

Young readers love him, critics hate him but there's hardly anyone who doesn't know Chetan Bhagat. He touches life of almost every Indian either through his books, newspaper columns, TV appearances, social media or association with Bollywood. At 40, Bhagat is the most-selling author in the country -- his next book, Half Girlfriend that comes out on October 1, is going to have a first print run of two million copies, a record in India. And though many times he trends all for the wrong reasons, one can't deny his popularity on Twitter with more than three million followers. Here the author talks about his work, critics, dreams and personal space...

Family man
Bhagat has never been shy of narrating his life stories. His love story crossed Rs100-crore mark when it was made into a Hindi movie. But what does he think of himself as a husband? "I am alright, I try to take care of people and I also give people space. My wife says things with me are never boring. At the same time, I can be too immersed in my work and become too busy to give enough time at home. I find it hard to rate myself, but I would give myself a B+ in Husbandry!" he laughs. He loves spending time with his 10-year-old twins Shyam and Ishaan. "I treat them as friends, and little individuals in their own right. I have more flexible working hours so sometimes I can be there for them unlike other fathers working in corporates, and I consider that a big perk of my job."

Filmy duniya
Many say that almost every Chetan Bhagat book can be made into a movie, point in question being Hello, 3 Idiots, Kai Po Che! and now 2 States. "I guess I always had a plot-driven, fast-paced stories style that suits Bollywood. However, I still write the stories I want to write, and even do a lot of non-fiction columns and motivation talks that have nothing to do with Bollywood. Films are one aspect of the work I do, and though highly visible, does not dominate my other areas of work," he says adding that he doesn't believe his books are essentially filmy. "If that was the case, the books would not do so well on a stand alone basis. If the books didn't have substance on their own, why would people buy and read them?" he asks.

Books vs movies
Unlike Hollywood, Hindi film industry lacks books-based movies. Bhagat agrees that that there isn't enough content that is suited for films. "Also, the English to Hindi transition is not so easy. Finally, it is a cultural thing, where filmmakers have not looked to literature so much. Of course, all this is changing now and now you see several films inspired or based on literature," he says. However, when asked if he would write another script after Kick, he says "I want to release Half Girlfriend and take a long creative break. I have had a busy year with 2 States, Kick and now Half Girlfriend. I want to focus on myself and my fitness for a while, and then see what I want to do. I might script, small chance of directing and almost no chance of acting!" he says.

Writer No. 1!
The New York Times called him the 'the biggest selling English language novelist in India's history'. "I smile for a second on the inside and then forget about it. Praise and criticism, I don't let either stick to me much. Perhaps I am the biggest selling writer, someone has to be, and by some freak chance I became the lucky one. It doesn't make me the biggest. Nobody is the biggest. Am normal sized. In every way. Now stop thinking more than you need to!" he reacts.

Thappad vs pyar
Bhagat says that his past keeps him grounded. "I had simple beginnings in a middle class household and I have seen days of struggle. I also have respect for people who don't have much in life. Hence, there is no way I can feel superior to others. I may have become a bit less approachable given my work but deep down am still the same - a middle class boy from West Delhi with rather big dreams." And what he has to say about those who pan his writing style? "My stories and the language is simple, yes. But it isn't Hinglish. Also, what is light is the ease of reading. The stories have a deep message and that is why people remember them even after years. Still, if the critics feel I fall short of something vital as a writer, I accept their view. What to do? God has only given me so much talent," he says smiling.

Getting inspired
"I alternate between my own life experiences and from what I see around me. For instance, Half Girlfriend is based on my travels in Bihar and not really connected to my life. I don't want to write about myself much, though I have found those stories tend to become quite popular too, like 2 States," he says. The popular writer thinks that he has improved with time. "I think I have a better grip on the flow of words than five years ago, so that might improve further. I also might write in the self-help space."

Kitaabi baatein
Bhagat believe that India lacks reading culture, and that's why the youth doesn't like to read as much as they should. "They read light books, or books that will help them, or textbooks. I think we don't have a reading culture. We need to keep reminding people to read books in the era of electronic distractions," he says. And what about he being the youth icon? "I never claim that. Journalists phrase the question like that and when I answer it, they say look he is so full of himself trying to claim himself a youth icon. I am not. I am flawed, crazy, can be stupid and am no saint to be given the title of youth icon. The only thing I have is an ability to dream and fight for that dream. If you are okay with an icon like that, sure add me to the list," says the writer.