Writer Chetan Bhagat Turns Feminist

Chetan Bhagat turns feminist with his latest book, or was he always one?

- Rukma Saluja

Chetan Bhagat is in his shorts, not quite ready for us. But he seems un fazed and offers us a cup of tea. Seeing a refusal hovering, he coaxes us gently, “It’s ready.”

He’s talking about feminism. Really? First thing in the morning? Actually not, if you consider that’s the central theme of his latest offering, One Indian Girl, out this month and said to have broken all pre-order records on Amazon. Written in the first person from the female protagonist’s point of view, it is about issues that women face at the workplace and in their relationships, particularly if they are successful. This must surely have been difficult. Even before the book hit the stands, basis only the teaser, there were reports that Kangana Ranaut had shown an interest in playing the lead protagonist in its film adaptation.

“It was difficult, but more than anything, I learned a lot about the way women think and the issues they face. There’s a subtle sexism they have to face on a daily basis.” Wow. It helped that he has a legion of friends who are women. He shared the manuscript with them and they put him on track when he wasn’t getting it right. With his male friends he talks about professional stuff, but with his women friends, it is a different equation. “I can admit that I’m nervous about the release of this book. I wouldn’t say that to a male friend. There’s an ego involved there. But a woman will understand and empathise.”