The Writer of the Masses: Chetan Bhagat and His Path to Success

Chetan Bhagat is an Indian author, columnist, motivational speaker and screenwriter. Born on 22nd April, 1974, Bhagat rose to fame with his first novel “Five Point Someone” which was adapted into the famous movie, “3 Idiots”.

With a degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Bhagat is not the quintessential writer.

His passion for writing drove him to give up his job as an investment banker and turn to writing full-time. He often writes columns for Indian newspapers and international publications like The New York Times.

Books Written By Chetan Bhagat

With the very first book that Chetan Bhagat wrote, Five Point Someone, there was a sense of excitement for his next book. From the beginning, there was something about his writing style that made him different from other writers and that appealed to the masses. Maybe it was the simple writing with a very Bollywood type story (No surprise here as most of his books were made into films!) that got the attention of people.

Chetan Bhagat has also seen a lot of flak from certain sections of society who believe that his writing is not upto the standards and is in no way ‘literature’. Despite all that is said about him, Bhagat has continued writing books consistently. Additionally, his books have not failed to impress people and kept the buzz going!

Five Point Someone (2004)

This was the book that started it all for Bhagat. A simple story that was the plot for the movie 3 idiots, the book is a good debut attempt.

One Night @ the Call Center (2006)

The book was converted to another movie called ‘Hello’ and maybe this was not the finest work by Bhagat, but a fun read nevertheless.

The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008)

The plot for the movie Kai Po Che! was based on this. The story has lots of heavy moments and is an emotional rollercoaster.

2 States (2009)

The book was converted into a movie with the same name and is a fun read. This is the kind of book you pick up lightly one day and can finish it in a few hours.

Revolution 2020 (2011)

By this time, a consistency in the writing pattern can be seen and the story becomes predictable. But, the sheer anticipation of Chetan Bhagat’s book keeps up the hype.

Half Girlfriend (2014)

Another book with a plot that was converted into a Bollywood movie with the same name. The moral of the story? Love wins!

One Indian Girl (2016)

With a storyline that resembles a lot of what has already been written, Bhagat attempts to add the Indian touch to it and manages to do quite well. The book is light read and well written.

The Girl in Room 105 (2018)

With this book, Bhagat attempts something different and is successful at it. The first book in this series that follows a mystery thriller story along with Indian politics and stereotypes makes it an amazing read.

One Arranged Murder (2020)

As the Keeshav- Saurabh mystery continues, the plot thickens and the book is an interesting read.

400 Days (2021)

The third book in the series, the book is a great read and keeps the readers interested. With your eyes glued to the pages, you will hate that it ended too soon.

Other than these, Bhagat has also tried his hands at Non-fiction and written 3 books titled-

What Young India Wants (2012)
Making India Awesome (2015)
India Positive (2019)

With the slow shift of people reading from their tablets or phones, most of the books by Chetan Bhagat are now also on Kindle and can be easily downloaded and read.

Audiobooks by Chetan Bhagat

We are constantly rushing from one place to another and what’s our constant companion? Our phone and headphones, right!

Podcasts and audiobooks are the new books and the writers have made sure to stay relevant by jumping on this ship. Chetan Bhagat’s One Night at a Call Centre can be now enjoyed as an audiobook.