Why the Youths of India Are Obsessed with Chetan Bhagat’s Books

Chetan Bhagat’s Influence on Indian Literature

Chetan Bhagat, a prolific author of contemporary Indian literature, has a significant impact on the reading habits of Indian youth. He recently shared with ScoopWhoop that his books are easy to read, a quality that resonates with most Indian readers, especially the younger generation. The reason for this overwhelming popularity is multifaceted. The content is closely relatable, and young Indians can understand and comprehend it without much difficulty. This makes his books a favorite among those who are more inclined towards casual, accessible reading.

What Sets Chetan Bhagat Apart

While there are true literature lovers who might label his work as 'over-hyped' or 'overrated,' his commercial success is undeniable. One of the key reasons for this is his use of Hinglish (a mix of Hindi and English). This blend of languages makes his books more accessible to a wider audience, reaching people who might not otherwise engage with English literature. By writing in a style that is accessible and relatable, Chetan Bhagat has introduced many Indians to the joy of reading English literature.

Chetan Bhagat's approach to writing is not just to entertain, but to change. He knows what his readers will appreciate, and he writes accordingly. In a country where reading novels is not a common practice, particularly among educated Indians, his works have been a game-changer. This has particularly resonated with those who grew up in the 1990s, a generation that had limited access to books. For many, Chetan Bhagat was the first step towards discovering a love for literature.

Impact on Young Indian Readers

Personal experiences with Chetan Bhagat's books have shown a significant impact on young readers. For many, his books were a gateway to discovering other authors and genres. The story of one reader's journey with Chetan Bhagat is a testament to this. This reader, like many others, started with Chetan Bhagat’s works and then gradually moved on to other authors. This journey from Chetan Bhagat to Paulo Coelho, Sidney Sheldon, and beyond exemplifies the positive influence he has had on young readers.

For example, reading '2 States' in 2010 opened the door to discovering Paulo Coelho's works. It marked a pivotal moment in the reader's life, leading them to explore a range of other authors and genres. This trajectory of discovery is a common experience among many young Indians who have been introduced to literature through Chetan Bhagat.

Chetan Bhagat, with his relatable content and accessible writing style, has not only introduced many to the joy of reading but also laid the foundation for a broader love of literature. His influence in this regard has been significant, inspiring a generation of readers to explore and love books.

Conclusion

Chetan Bhagat’s works are more than just casual reads; they have played a pivotal role in shaping the reading habits of Indian youth. By making literature accessible and relatable, he has brought a new generation of readers into the literary world, opening doors to a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment. Chetan Bhagat’s books may not be considered literature by strict literary standards, but their impact on the lives of young Indians cannot be understated.