Chetan Bhagat — inspiring Bollywood
Author talks about 2 States and his longstanding relationship with the film industry.
Chetan’s previous books Five Point Someone and The 3 Mistakes of My Life have been adapted into Bollywood hits 3 Idiots and Kao Po Che!, respectively. PHOTOS: FILE
MUMBAI:
Four of Chetan Bhagat’s five novels have been adapted for the big screen; the latest is the Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer 2 States, which is based on his book 2 States: The Story of My Marriage.
The author shared that the film is dear to him because it draws inspiration from his own life. “The key plot is derived from my life, but there is fictionalisation and drama added as well,” he said.
Chetan played a key role in determining the trajectory of the film. He explained, “I was consulted on the placement of the producers, director and the main cast, and we came to a consensus on what works best. After that, it has been completely director Abhishek Varman’s show.”
The author, whose previous books Five Point Someone and The 3 Mistakes of My Life have been adapted into Bollywood hits 3 Idiots and Kao Po Che!, respectively, said that his affiliation with Bollywood has been in a professional capacity. “I come from a different background, and I have a life and career outside of Bollywood. Films are just one of the things I do,” shared Chetan.
At a time where the gap between the younger generation and literature seems to be widening, Chetan is a ray of hope. By letting his works turn into films, he has played a key role in filling the void. “I am not the only bridge [between the youth and literature]. However, I am lucky that readers look forward to my work. With 2 States, the expectations are sky high,” he said.
When asked if he will consider directing a film in the near future, Chetan said that he could, but it’s not a priority for him. He said, “If I can get to work with directors, such as Abhishek Kapoor and Abhishek Verman, there is no need for me to do that specialised role. As long as I can be part of great films, I am happy playing any role in them.”
Chetan, who was featured in Time magazine’s list of World’s 100 Most Influential People 2010, is presently working on his next novel, which is a rural-urban love story. We can’t wait to see what the bestselling author has to offer us next.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2014.
Four of Chetan Bhagat’s five novels have been adapted for the big screen; the latest is the Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer 2 States, which is based on his book 2 States: The Story of My Marriage.
The author shared that the film is dear to him because it draws inspiration from his own life. “The key plot is derived from my life, but there is fictionalisation and drama added as well,” he said.
Chetan played a key role in determining the trajectory of the film. He explained, “I was consulted on the placement of the producers, director and the main cast, and we came to a consensus on what works best. After that, it has been completely director Abhishek Varman’s show.”
The author, whose previous books Five Point Someone and The 3 Mistakes of My Life have been adapted into Bollywood hits 3 Idiots and Kao Po Che!, respectively, said that his affiliation with Bollywood has been in a professional capacity. “I come from a different background, and I have a life and career outside of Bollywood. Films are just one of the things I do,” shared Chetan.
At a time where the gap between the younger generation and literature seems to be widening, Chetan is a ray of hope. By letting his works turn into films, he has played a key role in filling the void. “I am not the only bridge [between the youth and literature]. However, I am lucky that readers look forward to my work. With 2 States, the expectations are sky high,” he said.
When asked if he will consider directing a film in the near future, Chetan said that he could, but it’s not a priority for him. He said, “If I can get to work with directors, such as Abhishek Kapoor and Abhishek Verman, there is no need for me to do that specialised role. As long as I can be part of great films, I am happy playing any role in them.”
Chetan, who was featured in Time magazine’s list of World’s 100 Most Influential People 2010, is presently working on his next novel, which is a rural-urban love story. We can’t wait to see what the bestselling author has to offer us next.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2014.