Chetan Bhagat ( pronunciation ; born 22 April 1974) is an Indian writer, known for his bestselling English-language novels about young urban middle-class Indians. Bhagat is also columnist for newspapers such as The Times of India (in English) and Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi), where he writes about the youth, career development and current affairs. In 2008, The New York Times cited Bhagat as "the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history".
Early life
Bhagat was born in Delhi to a Punjabi family. His father was an officer in the army (Lt Col) and his mother was a government employee in the agricultural department. He was married to Anusha Suryanarayanan , a Tamil Brahmin.
Literary work
Bhagat is the author of bestselling novels, and Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005), The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008), 2 States (2009), Revolution 2020 (2011), What Young India Wants (2012) and Half Girlfriend (2014). All the books have remained bestsellers since their release and four have inspired Bollywood films (including the hit films 3 Idiots, Kai Po Che!, 2 States). In 2008, The New York Times cited Bhagat as "the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history". Time magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Bhagat voices his opinion frequently at leading events. He quit his investment banking career in 2009, to focus on writing. He debuted as a screenplay writer with the 2014 film Kick.His new book Half Girlfriend has created quite a buzz before its release.
Bhagat has his columns in The Times of India and Hindustan Times. He was a judge on the Voice of India Star Anchor Hunt. Chetan Bhagat also hosts 7 RCR on ABP news, which began airing 11 January 2014. The show features a series of biographies of India's prime ministerial candidates.
"Two States" fame Chetan Bhagat for an interview of "Comedy Nights with Kapil"
Among his other activities, Bhagat is known to deliver speeches at programs organised by corporates, educational institutes, newspapers and media houses like Dainik Bhaskar, The Times of India and at other conclaves apart from writing columns for the same.
Publications
- Five Point Someone (2004)
- One Night @ the Call Center (2005)
- The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008)
- 2 States (2009)
- Revolution 2020 (2011)
- What Young India Wants (2012)
- Half Girlfriend (2014)
Awards and recognition
- Society Young Achiever' award in 2004
- Publisher's Recognition award in 2005
- Bhagat in Time magazine's list of World's 100 Most Influential People 2010
- Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay 2014- Kai Po Che
