Four Novels and an Author - Reviewed by Amita Sarwal By now almost everyone who is into Bollywood films has seen – or is waiting to see – the highly triumphant 3 Idiots loosely inspired by and loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s first novel Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT.
Of course, the movie and Chetan Bhagat have generated much unnecessary controversy. Claims and counter claims from the producer and director of the movie as much as from the author flew freely in the media. But let us not go into that. End result - the book and the movie have both become unmitigated successes.
Banker-turned-novelist 36-year-old Chetan Bhagat has carved a niche as a favourite author among readers, the younger generation in particular in India – and abroad.
What has created this phenomenon? Simple. Bhagat’s stories move fast, make for easy reading – and deal with the problems and lifestyle all youngsters identify with – peer and parental pressures, and additional stress of succeeding at their studies and getting suitable jobs. Intertwined into the story line of the books is the present and recent past which provide the masala. There is cricket which Indians are passionate about to religion and fanatic political parties which even the youngsters have a decided view on – and reminders of tragedies like the Bhuj earthquake. Plus settings of India’s two most renowned institutions – IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad. There is love and romance and parental opposition to be fought and overcome. All these are experiences which any one of Bhagat’s younger and older readers could have lived through.
His books which spell almost instant success have sold impressionably high number of copies each – but more significant is the fact that all four titles were snapped up and have been / are being made into films.
A negative some might consider is the similarity between the books – the style, the language, the characters. Five Point Someone, published in 2004, is semi-autobiographical about Chetan Bhagat’s days at IIT Delhi. As he says it is not about how to gain admission at this prestigious institution – nor does it tell you what to do once you are in – but what not to do there. Bhagat’s sense of humour comes through in his conversations and as the story moves fast the language is typical of collegiates in the Indian capital – or in this case perhaps it is how IITians speak.
There are the three main characters – Hari, Alok and Ryan – who despite being from totally diverse backgrounds are bound by a deep friendship. It is about Neha whom Hari is obsessed by, and about her father the Dean of IIT. It is also about professors who believe in the ability of their students and want to help give them a chance to succeed despite their low scores. The second novel, One Night @ the Call Center, gives an insight into the throes of the much-misunderstood and little known lives of the youngsters who work at these BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing), literally burning the midnight oil while the rest of the country sleeps.
This schedule is known to kind of upset their normal lives and routines. Reports from those working in call centres, Bhagat sure has inside information on the environment and work ethics in these places. But why did the author resort to such an incredible ending? Hello! – the movie based on this book – was released, seen, and forgotten in the twinkle of an eye despite being loaded with an impressive cast led by Salman Khan.
The next release, The 3 Mistakes of My Life, is my favourite and perhaps his ‘heaviest’ book in terms of content despite déjà vu flashes of the first novel. What is worthy to note is the unique style in which the story starts with an email to the author from the main character on the verge of a suicidal bid. Similarities between the first book and this abound. Govind, an average character around whom the story revolves has again has two best friends, reminiscent of Five Point Someone. Govind’s affair with his friend’s sister is believable, and there is the mention that this story is based on real life incidences. Again, plausible.
The fourth book 2 States: The Story of My Marriage released last year continues from where Five Point Someone ends. Again autobiographical, it is Bhagat’s account of how he (a Punjabi) met his wife (a Tamilian) while both were studying at IIM Ahmedabad. Another fast-paced book in what is now the well-know Bhagat style, it continues with wooing Ananya (Anusha is his real-life wife) and her family. His hardcore Punjabi relatives in Delhi are as entertainingly described as are his tradition-bound in-laws-to-be in far away Chennai, the second of the two states. Like all his books this too has a ‘they-lived-happily-thereafter’ ending. While many may not like Chetan Bhagat’s style of writing – none can dispute that he has the makings of a winner.
A delicious blend of simple, colloquial English, interesting boy- or girl-next-door characters, sprinkling of humour and descriptions we all experience and are familiar with in our daily lives – and above all his publishers (Rupa & Co.) have priced the books affordably right (Rs. 95). It is intriguing that the writer has included numbers in all the titles of his books five, one, three and two.
Is it a numerology thing? A superstition? Whatever – it doesn’t really matter as it seems to work magically for Bhagat! For those of you who haven’t read them – I recommend do read them. Just for the sheer enjoyment of the characters, the scenario, and the storylines.
