This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Chetan Bhagat whose novel 2 States goes into a movie adaptation this week speaks to Subhash K Jha
Another movie adaptation of your novel, this one very close to home. How much of your true-life love story has the film managed to capture?
Yes indeed, 2 States is quite close to me, because the inspiration came from my own life. The key plot points are from my life, but there is fictionalization and drama added as well. Hence, technically it is Krish and Ananya's story in the book and I think the film has captured that quite well.
How much of your romantic and marital life would we see in 2 States?
Not much of my martial life, as the film ends with the couple getting married. It is also more a 'how to convince family' story so even the romantic bits are limited.
How different is 2 States from other Tamil-North Indian love stories like Ek Duuje Ke liye?
Ek Duuje Ke Liye is a classic from the 80s. In that film, there is actually violent resistance to the match. 2 States is a more modern take, the parents are not going to beat you up. They are just not on board to accept the match. 2 States is about winning them over, not fighting them.
Alia Bhatt has lately come into mammoth acclaim for her performance in Highway. She has apparently used your wife's dress sense and demeanor as a reference point in 2 States. How far has she succeeded in bringing alive the character?
Alia is to put it in one word, extraordinary. In every frame of 2 States, she captivates you in her role as Ananya. It is a tough part; with the girl she is, playing being an intelligent MBA student and a corporate type later. It limits the jumping around one can do as typical of Bollywood films. Yet, Alia captivates. That is her achievement.
You've been seen to be closely associated with the marketing of the film, standing up there with Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor. How closely affiliated are you to this story's journey from your novel to cinema?
I was only involved in the initial stages, in terms of placing the key members of the team in place, producers, director and the main cast. I was consulted on all of these and we came to a consensus on what works best. After that, it has been completely director Abhishek Varman's show. He has made a wonderful film and credit goes to him and his team. I came on board for the final promotions as the book is popular and it helps the book readers becoming aware of the film.
You've said, 2 States helped you to forgive your father. What did you mean by that?
I have had a difficult relationship with my father. In 2 States, however, the father gets a chance to redeem himself. The fact I could do that means I have, at a certain level, forgiven him.
How close do you feel to Bollywood and its culture now?
I feel close enough that if I have a project in mind, I can reach a few people and discuss it with them. I have a few friends, mostly directors. However, I don't know if apart from work, I am close to Bollywood in any other way. I come from a different background, and I have a life and career outside of Bollywood. Films are just one of the things I do.
Chetan, you remain the only bridge in India between literature and the younger generation. How much of a performance pressure does this positioning put on you?
I am not the only bridge, of course. There are many, many writers now and the bookshops are full of new books. However, I am lucky that readers look forward to my work. There is of course, enormous pressure. With 2 States, the expectations are sky high. Ditto for my next book. I have to make conscious efforts to remain calm.
What do you feel about the uneasy relationship between Bollywood and literature?
Well, it is getting better. At least, in my case. I am extremely lucky, as many good projects languish for years. I have had all my books taken up for filming, and four of the five have been already made.
Would you consider directing a film in the near future?
I could, but it is not a priority. If I can get to work with directors like Abhishek Kapoor and Abhishek Varman, there is no need for me to do that specialized role. As long as I can be part of great films, I am happy playing any role in them.
You are now working on your next novel. Please give us a glimpse into its content. Are you doing a sequel to 2 States?
I'm not doing a sequel to 2 States at this point. I don't have a book length plot for it. I am working on, and indeed quite excited about my new book, which will release on Diwali this year. The book is a rural-urban love story, as I wanted to somewhat explore rural India in my own way.
Which recent Hindi films have you enjoyed, and why?
I loved Queen enough to write a column on it. I also liked Highway.
Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more
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