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Chetan Bhagat has seen the highs of fame most writers only dream of — blockbuster films based on his books, red carpets, and celebrity attention. But the bestselling author now says he has walked away from the chaos and the spotlight. Choosing a quieter life in Dubai, Bhagat believes fame was pulling him away from what truly matters to him — writing. From films to frustration Bhagat’s novels like 3 Idiots and Kai Po Che! turned into major Bollywood successes, making him a familiar name beyond bookshelves. But even with that success, he says cinema doesn’t give him real joy anymore. For him, filmmaking feels more like business than creativity. In a chat with Pinkvilla, he explained why Bollywood never became his comfort zone, saying, “Bollywood is the drug house of fame. The intoxication of fame in Mumbai is so strong that it can be felt in the air. It’s hard to leave Mumbai; it’s like smoking.” Leaving Mumbai for a quieter life Bhagat now stays mostly in Dubai. He says it helps him escape the never-ending noise of popularity and stay grounded in his writing. “I mostly live in Dubai now, and I am not famous in my neighbourhood. I still love it. The shadow of fame influences creation. If I am constantly aware that I am famous, it won’t lead to very good writing.” “No real friendships in Bollywood” The author also reflected on how attention in the industry changed with time. He remembered how birthdays before and after 2 States brought more messages than usual. “People used to send me food whenever an announcement regarding one of my movies arrived. People would start sending sweets and gifts to my house, trying to get cast in my film. I don’t blame them; it’s part of the hustle.” But he adds that the relationships were never personal. “There’s no real friendship in Bollywood; it’s a deal-making factory. It’s fundamentally a very insecure industry. Even the biggest star is insecure because in three movies, they could be gone.” Focus back on writing Bhagat says he isn’t chasing validation anymore. The pressure of fame has faded — and so have the birthday wishes. But for him, that’s freedom. He wants his writing to be influenced by life, not celebrity status.
