'Films on my books increase my reach'

Two of his books have been made into films, one of them the superhit 3 Idiots, while a producer is interested in his third book. Author Chetan Bhagat promises a fourth one next year.

Two of his books have been made into films, one of them the superhit 3 Idiots, while a producer is interested in his third book. Author Chetan Bhagat promises a fourth one next year and is happy that his work can be adapted to reach more people.



While Hello, starring Salman Khan, was based on his book One Night @ the Call Centre, box-office hit 3 Idiots was inspired by his book Five Point Someone. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, 3 Idiots had Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles.

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Chetan Bhagat

"My stories are very Indian, very middle class, funny, simple; so I think Bollywood is looking for stories now...3 Idiots success has shown they can be adapted successfully, so that's why it's happening and it's good for me because I want to reach as many Indians as possible. But I write in English; if I write in Hindi the reach increases," Bhagat told IANS in an interview.



Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala has apparently shown interest in making a film on his third book 2 States: The Story of My Marriage. The book is all about a girl from Tamil Nadu and a Punjabi boy falling in love and doing everything possible to make their parents come around and accept the relationship.

"It felt amazing because it was not something I expected. I think lots of Indians deserve it more. I guess they noticed that I have a big connect with the youth of the country, that I have done only through my books, so I think that's what really works," said Bhagat.

Asked if he had started writing his next book, the author said: "There will be a new book next year."

The 36-year-old doesn't rule out the possibility of writing a film script as well some time.

"I might write a script. It depends on the offer. Considering it...but not certain about it," Bhagat said.