Hello everyone,
Sorry for this delayed post. As you know, I am on twitter more often now (Chetan_bhagat). However, sometimes 140 characters are not enough to talk about all I want to say. It is November, and 3 weeks since 2 States came out. I thought I’ll share a couple of things that are occupying my mind these days.
1. 2 States response – I am overwhelmed by the response to 2 States. The quantity and quality of responses is at a higher level than any of the previous books. We’ve started displaying some of the fanmails on the homepage of this site (unless the reader chooses the privacy option). And you can see the feedback coming in. The book has touched a chord and connected across the country. To deliver to the expectations after three already successful books is, for me, the biggest achievement. This time the story was simple, in fact the title gives it away. It all came down to execution, and I’m fortunate God was on my side this time. It is still early days, but I can tell this story will travel far and wide and give me a whole new set of readers. The little red book is literally, everywhere.
2. 3 Idiots – I am sure you are as excited as me upon seeing the 3 Idiots promo (see post below). With a stunning star cast and an excellent director, we have all been waiting for it a long time. Just to be clear, 3 Idiots is based on Five Point Someone (and that is the official credit) but the plot is different. There are commonalities, some of which are seen in the promo – the engineering college, the three boys, the triple riding, the Prof on a bicycle and his beautiful daughter (!). The core conflict and the underlying messages about the education system are also similar. However, the film’s plot is quite different and does not follow the novel. That is a decision the filmmakers independently took well after taking the rights of the book. I personally felt the underlying message needs to reach people more than the exact rendition of the book, and hence I was fine with it. The book has been widely read in any case, the original source is there for all to see. I, from my side, am happy that my first story and its big idea inspired the biggest filmmakers in the country. However, it is their film and all accolades should go to them. I hope my explanation sets the expectations right among viewers so they can enjoy the film better.
3. What’s next and the big escape – This is the big question that I am seeking answers to right now. Will it be another book, another screenplay, a new column, more talks around the country, nothing at all? – I have no idea. I do know however, that I need a calm mind to decide all this. Hence, I decided to escape the limelight for a while. Fame and success, while sought after, have the power to disorient you and cloud your judgment. I left India and have come to Hong Kong, a place I am familiar with having spent 11 years here, but also anonymous. I will be here for a while, focusing on looking inside and trying to find out what I really want. A few answers are emerging. Once I have a bit more clarity, I will surely share them with you. I miss India, my family and readers terribly, but this detachment process is important for me.
4. Launches in other cities – because of the need to get away, I postponed the launches in various cities. However, I know I can’t be away from my readers too long, so will be organizing them in the next couple of weeks. The next few ones will be in the South – most likely Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. These will be followed by other cities, details of which I shall post when available.
5. A parting word – I want to end bysharing a small incident. The night before the release of 2 States, I was super tense. I went to the ISKCON temple in Chowpatty and met His Holiness Radhanath Swami, an American gentleman who moved to India several decades ago and devoted his life to serve God. I told him I couldn’t sleep because of the anxiety over the fact that there will be a million judgments on my work, both positive and negative, in the coming days. He told me this:
“Imagine there is a puddle. When it rains, the puddle is filled with water. When it doesn’t, the puddle dries up. Now compare that to the ocean. The ocean is so deep, it doesn’t matter if it rains above or it is dry weather. Your inner depth should be as much as the ocean, so you are not fazed by the external praise or criticism. For that, you must truly do work that is meaningful to you, have love in your heart for others and help people. And when you achieve inner depth, the external world’s rewards won’t matter to you as much.”
I don’t think I am as deep as the ocean yet. But I am trying. Meanwhile, I just felt I will share this with you, so you may apply it in some aspects of your life. Whatever happens outside, it doesn’t matter as much if there is a calm stillness in you.लोकः समासतः सुखिनो भवन्तु
(may all beings in this world be happy)
Love and Blessings,
Me
please dont take a long break as the youth is eagerly waitin for a new creation
Really excited to read 2 States for 2 main reason
1. Author
2. Chennai – Delhi
Could identify with every single ritual and all that was mentioned,as Ive seen it in countless TamBrahm marriages since childhood.U have a great narrative style.Invariably we know how the story would shape up, but its the narration and insight that keeps the readers chuckling..I loved ur description of MS Subbalakshmi’s Suprabhatam.The very sound of that wakes me up every morning when my boyfriend plays it in the car..There are countless gems in this book and I could go on..The Disney underwear,Pammi aunty etc…I loved Five Point Someone and for some strange reason i found the next two books not as thrilling as the first..With Two States,I felt the same thrill as I felt while reading Five Point Someone..have read it twice already.The book has been the subject of discussion at home for the past 3 days..Looking forward to some more interesting books from ur end..
chetanji,
it was really a nice concept…..i think itz really amazing the way u share ur own xperiences with us!!!!
and ur vieww abt writing was really appreciable … hoping a lot 4m u and yes waitin 4 3 idiots with fingers crossed!!!!!!!
hi, i just love your books, the way u write them especially..the two states is also nice.. i can relate so many things to my life.. i had an iit boy frd.. and all u guys think the same mostly,, and we were in chennai too.. i can relate to the novel so much..
Read all your 4 books, became a fan of you. I just loved 2 States. very impressive and captivating.
Eagerly waiting to watch 3 Idiots.
just finished reading 2 states now……………..I had bought it on last friday…..n know what…I couldnt resist myself from completing the book inspite of my exams scheduled to start soon………….its awesome……..I could visualise all the incidents narrated…….I was engrossed so much that I could feel the ups n downs in ur life,the climax really made me feel happy………keep this brilliant work going……..awaiting for ur next best selling novel….
Loved 2 states.
i think its your best work after 5 point someone.
thanks for everything, Chetan
Being a South Indian living in Gujarat i could connect a lot.
Also been recommending you to a lot of my friends and needless to say, they are quite satisfied…
3 idiots promo is good and i’m happy you clarified its nothing like the book otherwise i would have thrown my shoe at the screen if they had raped the book, seriously.
take care n congrats for the success!!
Being a Tamil Brahmin [Iyer] I was more than happy to have read 2 States. Great work Sir & continue this work of writing such good books.
Wow…reading 2 states was almost like reading my own life story. We even met at an MBA college (SIIB). Only the roles of the South Indian and North Indian are reversed. Anyways loved your book and you are an inspiration. Hope someday I get my books published like you.
Cheers Vaibhav
Hi Chetan…(calling you by your name gives more friendly feeling rather than Sir or Chetanji..)
first time on your blog..Nice to read it.
Sharing your feelings with us inspired me to share my feelings with you n all your readers…
I have been waiting for the movie 3 Idiots since long, probably just because it is based on Five Point Someone (I loved that story)
today for the first time I watched the trailer of 3 idiots and I felt that this movie won’t be as good as the book (may be because I was expecting the movie to be the same as the book.. n it doesn’t seem the same)
whatever… I am still gonna go to cinema hall to watch the movie..n i expect it to be good experience for me…
n thnx to this blog.. i came to know about 2 States. I am gonna read it soon…
Chetan, thanx for the wonderful books you have created for us…
Keep doing such incomparable work for us..
It took me 4 hours to complete your marriage story unlike to your other books may be because I am passing through the same stage and more so because I am now used to your books. Keep them coming. We need more motivations and more real life role models. My gf is already fan of Ananya and already planned to have goal is her life. Anyways, marry ME…
Hello chetanji i have just started reding your view it is extreamly alarming and awakaning,some body asked you regarding your next assignment,I can say that stock market movie with edutainment types of thing would be great.which will remind you of your investment banking career as well.
Started reading 2 states on a night thinking that I can read half the book and leave the remaining for the next day…..but couldn’t leave it just half way…. Worth sacrificing sleep!!!! Simple English n very well written….
But I doubt whether the youth will go for an inter-state marriage after reading the book…….they’ll get a clear picture of culture difference and how the difference of opinion among the families arise.
2 states is a Gr8 work n keep writing!!!!
Waiting for ur next book…………
Hello Sir,
I really like your blog very much and am a big fan of your books.I am waiting for the movie “The Three Idiots”. The way you write is simply outstanding. Best wishes to you and your family.
Cheers
Amrita
Congrats for success of 2 states,i loved it.
last part “A parting word” is really good.It really helps me to tolerate my current tense situation of submission in college.
Wao! Im speechless to describe this book Chetan. I thoroughly enjoyed 2 states. Absolutely hilarious with a powerful social message. I really enjoyed the small funny metaphors you had thrown into every page. Infact I underlined most of them to read and laugh out loud again. Thanks for such a wonderful treat.
Hi Chetan Sir
Finally I finished reading ‘2 STATES’ at 500 Hrs: 8th Nov 09..unfortunately I am not used to short comments/reviews..but at present the only thing I can say about the book : “ur best ever”.. I am soon going to post the Detailed review in 1)Ur mailbox 2) my blogsite http://bnr-films.blogspot.com..
KUDOS !!!
Hey Chetan , Five Point some1 was the first ever book read by me, As the Matter of fact i always used to think that Novels r too much to read n the Huge amount of pages wud really make me uncomfortable.i am not much of a patient Reader. But then my IIT pal Recommended me to read this Book, i thought of giving it a shot.N the Cover Page says it all. ” WHAT NOT TO DO AT IIT”.
I was So much into the book that i read it thrice. Also i had written in ur site that i wud like to c a image of 2 of ur frnds together at ur IIT dayz. Bt i have had no replies for it.
2 STATES i read it after a week it was released , i finished reading it in 3 dayz inspite of busy 12 hr schedule of work. My parents were astonished to see me read a book.N My dad literally started tellin me to Read Bhagavad Gita. Can u Beat that!!! Best part of ur Book ” LESS number of PAGES”. Next thing is its mainly Youth Oriented. People are sure to laugh cos it shows how articulate you are. I am really lookin forward to ur book. i would be really excited to read ur next phase of ur Life i.e Marraige.
Best parts in 2 STATES which i loved is
1.When ur Mother catches u up on Grad day n the tiff between ur wife’s parents.
2. The one Liner ” As if i have asked his POrn Collection Hideout” I mean It was like oh SNAP!!!!
3. Epilogue Amazing one…..
I m still Lookin forwrd to the image if u have one. Hopefully u wil post the link on Twitter n ur blog so all the HARDCORE fans of 3 IDIOTS n FIVE POINT SOMEONE love it.
KEEP IT UP CHETAN.
LOVE UR WORK.
Adios
hellloooooo……
2 states is reallyy doin well nd ny1 can link it with his/her own life….its lik jst watchin a masala movie……wen r u goiin to write another one plzzz lett me knw
luv nd success
megha