Author Chetan Bhagat is on this year’s list of the Most Influential People by Time magazine — an honour he shares with other biggies like Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, James Cameron and Didier Drogba. He says, “It’s a huge accolade. I’m overwhelmed to see my simple stories celebrated so much. People have started reading me in smaller towns, so though I have no clout or title, I believe my writing has made an impact.”
It’s been a while since Chetan was in the midst of ‘controversy’ over his book and looking back he laughs, “It’s God’s gift to me for the injustice that had happened. It’s not like I couldn’t have taken the pain but I had to speak up as I know I got a generation waking up.”
The next challenge he says is, “Can I change people through my writing? Right now I have taken the voice of the youth to the highest levels without having any political power.” Is that a hint of wanting to get into the political fray? “Many people have suggested I join politics. I do want to make a difference but I have other responsibilities right now. But if I do (join politics) I’ll come with a lot of terms and conditions,” he says.
For now the awards night in New York is on his mind and he’s jetting off with wife Anusha for the grand gala on May 4th. “I’ll spend a few days there as I haven’t had a vacation in a while,’ he ends.
