Chetan Bhagat Reveals Gulzar's Biggest Compliment: Wish I Could Write Like...

Chetan

Bhagat, one of India’s most popular authors, has often faced criticism for writing from a “male perspective.” In a recent interview, the author candidly addressed the trolling and judgments he encounters, especially before his books are even released.

Chetan Bhagat On Trolls Targeting His Writing

In an interview with Pinkvilla, when asked about people calling his latest book 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story a “male fantasy” rather than a mature love story, Chetan firmly responded, “How do I write a book then? Do I co-author the book with a woman? What is this nonsense? I have been writing for 21 years. If the story is not mature, it will not work. If I handle it in a creepy, vulgar way, it will just collapse.”He expressed frustration over being labeled gender-biased simply for being a man. “That’s classic stereotyping. These people tell me that I stereotype, but they are stereotyping me. They say that if a 45-year-old man writes about a 21-year-old woman, it must be a fantasy. But it is not my fantasy.”Bhagat also highlighted how challenging the writing profession can be. “It’s very difficult to be in the writing profession. I am very sensitive to people who write. There is no money. There is no fame. You work for years and you get nothing.”

On Writing Style and Audience Connection

Explaining his choice of simple language and relatable tone, Bhagat said he wants to connect with the wider audience: “My final presentation is very simple because I have to reach the common man. I talk in Hindi and present myself as a grounded boy. The way I talk, the way I mention tea — it makes people think ‘isko baja bhi sakte hai’ (he’s someone we can make fun of). And I’m successful, so they see me as someone who doesn’t deserve it because they have struggled in their writing careers. If I wasn’t Chetan Bhagat, I would have hated Chetan Bhagat.”ALSO READ: DYK Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Were Original Choice For 2 States Before Arjun-Alia? Reveals Writer Chetan Bhagat

Appreciation From Gulzar Sahab

Despite criticism, Bhagat revealed that he receives constant encouragement from legendary lyricist and writer Gulzar. “One person who routinely sends me messages, talks about my columns, and praises my work is Gulzar sahab. One of the first things he told my mother was, ‘I wish I could write like your son.’ Nobody who is doing so well and is as successful ever says that.”

Books Adapted Into Films

Several of Chetan Bhagat’s novels have been successfully adapted into Bollywood films, including Five Point Someone (3 Idiots), One Night @ The Call Center (Hello), The 3 Mistakes of My Life (Kai Po Che!), 2 States (2 States), and Half Girlfriend (Half Girlfriend).