JOIN USBhagat the optimist
Even the noiseless lounge does not offer him tranquillity. The intrusions are constant: phone calls, requests for an autograph or another hotel guest walking up to chat. The man in the middle of it all is surprisingly untouched. He exudes deep efficiency much like the global corporate leader he could so easily have been. It is evident his absorption of data is at a phenomenal level. Perhaps, nuances not so much. That is what his critics say. Those who love Chetan Bhagat swear by how he weaves fact and data into realistic fiction. It was but a matter of time before his non-fiction avatar would take centre stage as with his latest offering, India Positive: Simple Takes on India’s Burning Issues.
India Positive is a collection of essays with the author’s unique reinterpretation on subjects such as education, employment, Goods and Services Tax (GST), infrastructure, corruption and casteism. The book also includes tweets that touch upon current issues in contemporary India. The wide-ranging topics dealt with are all of significance this past year, be it unemployment or the systems of the economy and his voice serves as a manifesto for change.
The author reflects on the right directions to take in order to become a truly modern, progressive country. He expresses his belief that if we want to see reform, we — as citizens — need to be the solution. If our country is to shine we need to stand up and be ‘India Positive Citizens’.
Welcome to our city. Do you have a relationship with Bengaluru?
Benguluru is special to me as it has a lot of my readers. Some of my best book launches have happened in Bengaluru.
It is well known that you gave up a career in banking to write and spend time with your family. How has your fatherhood journey been?
I had twins at the same time as I became a writer. In a sense, my kids’ age is my own age as an author. I have learnt a lot as I went along, as I suddenly went from no kids to two kids. It is important for me to spend time with my family, as otherwise, my schedule can get quite hectic.
What does a typical day in the life of Chetan Bhagat look like?
I get up in the morning and have a long cup of tea. Then I go to the gym or a long walk. After that, I sit down for work. First I will do all the non-writing work like replying to people or doing any follow ups. After that, I write if I am in the process of writing a book. In the evenings I go home and we try to have dinner together as a family.
Tell us about your new collection of essays, ‘India Positive’...
These are, as the tagline suggests, simple takes on India’s burning issues. I want to explain what is going on in the country in a simple manner, offer solutions and overall, have a positive approach that seems to be missing right now.
What are the biggest takeaways from ‘India Positive’?
That we must love our country, but we must also accept its flaws — and work towards solutions.
Your politics is known to be right wing. Is the perception true? Are you politically inclined?
I don’t think so. I believe in being objective, and sometimes I might be in agreement with the right wing. That doesn’t make my politics right wing. To have impact, it doesn’t make sense for me to align with any one side.
How comfortable are you in Bollywood?
There is no Bollywood as such. I have been a part of many films and worked with several accomplished film-makers. In that sense, I am fairly comfortable.
After having more than your fair share of controversies, how do you respond to them?
I guess as a writer who gives his opinions on national issues, the occasional controversy is inevitable. I try to avoid them, but when they come I try my best to give my stance and then move away and not engage with it.
What are the three most important things you have learnt about life?
That there are no three things that are the most important! Life has different challenges at different times, and you have to learn to face them. But I guess taking care of your health, career and relationships would be amongst the important ones.
Do you look back on your journey as a writer and wish you had done things differently?
Not really. I wish I had learnt music and dancing maybe, as I really admire people who can do that. I wish I had picked up a sport. But other than that, I don’t look back. I just look ahead.
Is ‘The Girl in Room 105’ your best book yet?
That’s for readers and critics to say, and many have told me this. I am happy with the way the book turned out, but obviously I love all my books.
Is the fiction writer Chetan Bhagat at odds with the non-fiction persona?
Maybe it is different. I wear two different hats. The fiction writer is emotional and creative. The non-fiction writer is analytical and objective. It’s just two different parts of my personality.
What does the future hold?
I am an optimist. The future is bright and exciting for India.
Do you have a message for the readers of ‘Sunday Herald’?
Read more books. Reading is important and while watching videos on the phone is fun, nothing like reading a book!