10 Best Chetan Bhagat Books to Read

Several of Chetan Bhagat books have gained widespread recognition both as novels and for their film adaptations. He is one of India’s best-selling authors, known for his novels that touch upon the aspirations, challenges, and societal issues faced by modern-day Indians. While individual preferences might vary, here’s a list of Chetan Bhagat’s books in the sequence of their publication:

Chetan Bhagat Books List

1. Five Point Someone (2004) – The story follows three friends, Hari, Ryan, and Alok at IIT Delhi, a prestigious engineering college in India. They struggle with the rigorous academic pressure, relationships, and their futures. The title refers to their consistently low grade point averages. It inspired the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots.”
2. One Night @ the Call Center (2005) – Set in a call center in Gurgaon, the story captures a night in the life of six call center employees. Their routine night shifts take a turn when they receive a call from God, leading them to introspect on their personal challenges and problems. This novel was adapted into the Bollywood movie “Hello.”
3. The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008) – Set against the backdrop of cricket, business, and religion in Ahmedabad, the story follows three friends: Govind, Ishaan, and Omi. Their entrepreneurial venture faces challenges from societal disruptions and personal dilemmas, revealing the three titular mistakes of their lives. The Bollywood movie “Kai Po Che!” was based on this novel.
4. 2 States: The Story of My Marriage (2009) – Krish, a Punjabi boy, falls in love with Ananya, a Tamilian girl, at IIM Ahmedabad. The story traces their journey of convincing their orthodox families for their inter-cultural marriage, addressing the cultural differences and familial expectations in India. It was adapted into a movie titled “2 States.”
5. Revolution 2020 (2011) – Based in Varanasi, it’s the tale of three childhood friends, Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti. While Gopal and Raghav both love Aarti, their lives take different paths — Gopal becomes a rich man using corrupt means, whereas Raghav becomes a journalist advocating for revolution.
6. Half Girlfriend (2014) – Madhav, a boy from Bihar, falls in love with Riya, a girl from Delhi, during their time at St. Stephen’s College. Madhav’s limited English-speaking skills lead to complexities in their relationship. Riya suggests a ‘half-girlfriend’ status, setting the stage for love, longing, and linguistic barriers. The story was turned into a Bollywood movie of the same name.
7. One Indian Girl (2016) – Told from the perspective of Radhika Mehta, a successful investment banker, the narrative delves into modern Indian women’s dilemmas concerning career, relationships, and societal expectations. During a wedding in Goa, Radhika confronts her past relationships and future prospects.
8. The Girl in Room 105 (2018) – Keshav, an IIT coaching instructor, is haunted by his past with ex-girlfriend Zara. When she mysteriously dies in her hostel room, Keshav, with the help of his best friend, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her death.
9. India Positive (2019) – This isn’t a novel but a collection of essays by Chetan Bhagat. He addresses various social, economic, and political issues in India, providing his opinions and suggestions for a better nation.
10. 400 Days (2021) – A gripping thriller about a popular girl named Siya, who mysteriously goes missing. The chase to find her unfolds many layers, offering a reflection on the modern youth’s challenges and societal expectations.

Remember, the “best” book is subjective and depends on individual taste. It would be a good idea to read a synopsis or review of each to determine which one might resonate most with your interests and preferences.

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Chetan Bhagat is one of the most popular contemporary authors in India, and several of his books have gained widespread recognition both as novels and for their film adaptations. Here are some of the most famous books by Chetan Bhagat:

Most Famous Chetan Bhagat Books:

1. Five Point Someone (2004) – A story about three friends at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), their adventures, and the academic pressures they face. This novel was the basis for the hugely popular Bollywood film “3 Idiots.”
2. 2 States: The Story of My Marriage (2009) – A semi-autobiographical account of a cross-cultural Indian marriage. The story revolves around the challenges the couple faces while trying to convince their families for their marriage. This too was adapted into a Bollywood movie titled “2 States.”
3. The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008) – This book follows the lives of three friends in Gujarat and their dreams and challenges. The Bollywood movie “Kai Po Che!” was based on this novel.
4. Half Girlfriend (2014) – A romantic novel that delves into the complexities of modern relationships. The story is about a Bihari boy who falls in love with a high-society girl from Delhi. This book was also turned into a Bollywood movie with the same name.
5. One Night @ the Call Center (2005) – This novel showcases a night in the life of several call center employees and the turn of events that happens during that night. The story was adapted into the Bollywood movie “Hello.”

These are the most recognized and talked-about Chetan Bhagat books, largely because of their cultural impact and the film adaptations that amplified their reach. However, as always, the best book is a subjective choice, and readers might find others in his bibliography that resonate more with them.