Chetan Bhagat is in a very happy space. Apart from his books selling like hotcakes, they are getting adapted into B-Town blockbusters too. And his popularity among the youth is only increasing by the day. However, Bhagat, who was in Vadodara to deliver a motivational talk at an exhibition, says, "I don't feel I have arrived yet. The day I manage to reach everyone, including rural India, I would feel happier. It has been less than 10 years since my first book came out and I feel as if my journey has just begun. I am delighted that my books have entertained people. But the ultimate test for a writer is whether he can change people's thinking. I believe that you don't need to be an intellectual to understand the country's problems!"
On a more serious note, he says that it wasn't always a very smooth ride for him. "My first book had been rejected by nine publishers. One of them told me that Indians don't read books and my book won't even sell 1000 copies! Another told me that being a techie, I should write textbooks. Then, while my books were being turned into Bollywood films, cynics said that someone who writes in English will never be able to connect with the masses. But I never gave up on my passion. To be successful, it's important to know how to handle failures," he says.
With a smile, he adds, "People support you when you don't need it, and they are with you when you are successful. I remember that when Hello (based on Bhagat's novel) didn't work at the box-office, there were all kinds of people who came up with suggestions on how it could have been made into a better film!"
He adds, "Films have a huge reach and it's great that my books are being turned into movies. The best part is that they are being made by really passionate directors.
Talking of his association with Gujarat, he says, "I have learnt a lot from Ahmedabad. And in Vadodara, I have enjoyed my visits to the M S University. I feel that there's a lot that the nation can learn from Gujaratis. India would be a better place to live in if the spirit of entrepreneurship and courage to take risks spreads outside Gujarat too! I feel that Gujaratis are a little shy when it comes to telling the world what they have achieved. But now, everyone is taking note of it. Probably, Gujarat is the only state where parents don't stop their kids from pursuing business and families don't look for a 'settled' groom for their daughters, who has a 'fixed' job!" He adds, "The best part is that I met my wife in Ahmedabad. So, this state always holds a very special place in my heart. And next time, I would love to be invited to Vadodara during navratri!"
On that note, he signs off.
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