When I think of Indian English literature that truly changed the way young readers engage with books, Chetan Bhagat’s name always comes first. His rise in the literary world is nothing short of remarkable. Starting out as an engineer from IIT Delhi and later an MBA graduate from IIM Ahmedabad, Bhagat seemed destined for a high-flying corporate career. He worked in banking for years, but his passion for writing transformed his path forever.

How It All Began

Chetan Bhagat’s debut, Five Point Someone (2004), was more than just a novel—it was a mirror to college life that many students could finally relate to. It captured friendship, struggle, and rebellion in a way Indian fiction hadn’t before. The book’s massive success proved that stories written in simple, accessible English could still be powerful. It also sparked a new reading culture among young Indians, many of whom picked up novels for the first time because of Bhagat.

The Consistent Bestseller

After that breakthrough, there was no looking back. Every new release became a national talking point. One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of My Life, 2 States, Revolution 2020, Half Girlfriend, and many others cemented his position as India’s bestselling author. What’s interesting is how many of his novels went beyond the page—3 Idiots, Kai Po Che!, 2 States, and Half Girlfriend were all adapted into blockbuster films. This crossover into cinema amplified his popularity and made his stories part of mainstream pop culture.

Expanding His Reach

Bhagat didn’t restrict himself to just romance or college stories. He experimented with thrillers like The Girl in Room 105, One Arranged Murder, and 400 Days. He also ventured into non-fiction with titles like What Young India Wants and India Positive, where he voiced his opinions on social issues and youth aspirations. More recently, he explored the self-help space with 11 Rules for Life, proving his versatility as a writer who understands what readers are looking for.

Publishing Partnerships

In the early years, Bhagat worked with Rupa Publications, who helped launch his career. But as his readership grew, he joined hands with HarperCollins India, a collaboration that has allowed his books to reach an even wider audience. HarperCollins has not only published his recent thrillers but is also backing his latest romance release. This partnership reflects how both Bhagat and the publisher share a vision of making reading more mainstream in India.

The New Release: 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story

Now, Bhagat is back with his upcoming novel, 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story, published by HarperCollins. This book promises to deliver what he does best—an emotional, contemporary love story with characters that readers can see themselves in. From what I’ve seen so far, it explores an unconventional romance between two people from very different worlds. Once again, Bhagat’s signature style of simplicity and relatability is at the forefront.

Why His Journey Matters

For me, Chetan Bhagat’s journey is inspiring because it proves that you don’t need heavy, complex writing to create impact. His ability to tell everyday stories in a language that feels natural has brought millions into the habit of reading. And with 12 Years, it looks like he is ready to connect with yet another generation of readers.