New Delhi: Facing criticism for the crass Hindi lines used in his latest book ‘Half Girlfriend’, author Chetan Bhagat has hit out at critics saying English has become the new caste system in India.
He also went on to say English even decides whether or not a person can get a girlfriend or a job. “English has become the new caste system, a person can’t get a job and women don’t want to date a guy whose English is bad. I felt like I needed to do something and that’s where Half Girlfriend was born,” he said.
He commented on the use of English at the launch of his latest book titled “Half-Girlfriend” a love story between Madhav, a boy from Bihar with big dreams who falls in love with the beautiful Riya, a rich lass from Delhi.
Calling the book, Â “closest story to my heart” Bhagat said he often questions himself, “If I am not acceptable to rural India, how can I call myself a best-selling author?”
During the launch attended by Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, the 40-year-old author said the best part about his books is that it is picked up by people who have never read an English book to learn English. Asked by Huma about how he dealt with scathing criticism, Bhagat said he was used to it from the beginning.
“There will always be weeds in a garden. I don’t let praise affect me. I am not perfect. I am not the best writer but am a best-selling writer,” Bhagat said.
An investment banker-turned-novelist, Bhagat’s books have been adapted for the big screen.
His “Five Point Someone” was adapted into the blockbuster “3 Idiots” starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead. He also scripted the screenplay for the recent Salman Khan starrer film “Kick”.Â