Chetan Bhagat’s journey from a mechanical engineering graduate to one of India’s most popular authors is nothing short of inspiring. He is the embodiment of how passion, persistence, and the courage to follow one’s dreams can lead to remarkable success.
Early Life and Education: Foundation of Success
Born on April 22, 1974, in New Delhi, Chetan was raised in a traditional Punjabi Hindu family. His father was a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army, and his mother, a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi. Chetan’s formative years were spent in a disciplined environment, which laid the foundation for his academic achievements. At Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, he developed a keen interest in writing, contributing jokes and articles to his school magazine.
Chetan went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, graduating in 1995. With a desire to understand the corporate world better, he further pursued a post-graduate degree in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), graduating in 1997. The combination of his technical and management education gave him a strong academic foundation, but little did he know that his true passion was not in engineering or business—it was in storytelling.
A Corporate Career with an Author’s Dream
After completing his MBA, Chetan joined the corporate world as an investment banker. He worked for companies like Peregrine Investments, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank. Despite his promising career in finance, Chetan’s passion for writing never left him. While working at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong, he started penning his first novel, “Five Point Someone,“ which was inspired by his own experiences at IIT. However, writing wasn’t easy. It took him multiple drafts and several rejections before Rupa Publications agreed to publish his manuscript in 2004.
In his early years as an author, Chetan faced challenges, but his persistence paid off. “Five Point Someone” became an instant success, selling over 100,000 copies and resonating deeply with young Indians. The novel’s success also attracted Bollywood’s attention, and it was soon adapted into the iconic movie “3 Idiots” (2009), directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan. The film became one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history and is regarded as a milestone in Indian filmmaking, bringing Chetan’s work into the global spotlight.
A Shift to Full-Time Writing: The Birth of a Literary Phenomenon
By 2009, Chetan had achieved widespread recognition, but he made the bold decision to leave his high-paying job at Deutsche Bank to pursue writing full-time. His next novel, “One Night @ the Call Center” (2005), continued his streak of success, and its adaptation into a film “Hello” was a commercial success, further cementing his position in both the literary and cinematic worlds.
Following that, Chetan authored “The 3 Mistakes of My Life” (2008), which was adapted into the film “Kai Po Che!“ (2013). This book, like his previous works, dealt with the aspirations and struggles of young India, and it resonated with readers who saw their own lives reflected in the characters’ challenges. The movie was well-received, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay in 2014.
Personal Inspiration and Further Success
Chetan’s writing is deeply influenced by his personal life, as seen in “2 States” (2009), which was inspired by his own inter-cultural marriage. The book’s theme of overcoming regional differences in a relationship connected with a wide audience, leading to yet another successful film adaptation in 2014. This time, Bollywood stars Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt brought the story to life on the big screen.
Chetan’s literary career continued to soar with books like “Revolution 2020“ (2011), “Half Girlfriend“ (2014), and “One Indian Girl” (2016), which were all commercial successes, making him one of the most widely read authors in India. His writing style—simple, accessible, and full of heart—struck a chord with millions of young readers across the nation.
Diversification: From Writing to Screenwriting and YouTube
Chetan didn’t stop at writing novels. He ventured into screenwriting and worked as a co-writer for the movie “Kai Po Che!” (2013), based on “The 3 Mistakes of My Life.” His writing also appeared in movies like “2 States” and “Half Girlfriend.” These films performed well at the box office, further establishing Chetan as a force to be reckoned with in both literature and cinema.
Chetan expanded his influence by becoming a YouTuber and launching a motivational podcast titled “Deep Talk with Chetan Bhagat.“ In the podcast, he invites accomplished individuals to share their life stories, giving young listeners valuable insights into success, failure, and perseverance. His YouTube channel has become a source of inspiration for thousands of young Indians striving to find success in their own lives.
Awards and Recognition: An International Spotlight
Chetan’s impact goes beyond India. In 2010, he was featured in Time Magazine’s list of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in the “Artists” category, a significant milestone in his career. He also received the Young Alumni Achiever’s Award from IIMA in 2018, which acknowledged his contribution to literature and entertainment.
In addition to these honors, he has won various accolades such as the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2014 award in the Entertainment category, and he was ranked 82nd on the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list in 2017.
Personal Life: Love, Family, and Challenges
Chetan’s personal life has been just as intriguing as his career. He married Anusha Suryanarayan, his college sweetheart from IIM Ahmedabad, and their love story inspired his novel “2 States.” The couple has twin sons, Shyam and Ishaan, who have grown up surrounded by the success and fame their father has garnered.
However, Chetan’s life has not been without controversy. In 2018, he publicly apologized after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced as part of the MeToo movement. He acknowledged his actions, expressed remorse, and made amends with his family and the concerned individuals. Despite this setback, Chetan continued to build his career, focusing on inspiring others with his writing and public presence.
Legacy: A Voice for Young India
Chetan Bhagat’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of passion. From a banker in Hong Kong to a bestselling author, his journey illustrates how one can carve a new path in life with determination. He has become a voice for young India, a mentor to millions through his books, talks, and online presence. Today, his influence continues to grow, and his success story remains an inspiration to aspiring writers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers everywhere.
