Chetan Bhagat recently made his stage debut with Five Point Someone, based on his best-seller of the same name. The author shares his experience, reveals his plans about adapting 2 States:The Story Of My Marriage for a play and what readers can expect from his next novel.
What was your reaction when you learnt that the Chennai-based group Evam was staging Five Point Someone?
I was very pleased. When they told me about their production, I wanted to encourage them as I could relate to them. Evam has been started by Sunil Vishnu K and Kartik Kumar who have an MBA degree but gave it all up to pursue their passion that was theatre. Similarly, even I had given up my cushy investment banking job to pursue writing. I had not seen the play when it premiered in Bengaluru and Chennai last year. But whenever they would finish a draft, they would send it me and I must say they have been very loyal to the book.
What was your response when they wanted you to do a cameo in the play that premiered in Mumbai recently?
I was game for it. Theatre is close to my heart as I owe all my writing to it. I used to write and direct a lot of plays in college but I never acted in them. The story of Five Point Someone is dear to me. So in a way my cameo was a tribute to the novel that made me who I am today. I was clear that there would be no commercial aspect involved in it.
Were you nervous about making your debut on stage?
Yes, though I deliver a lot of motivational speeches and do book-reading sessions, acting on stage is a different ball-game. I was nervous as it was a live performance where I was acting in front of so many people and there was no scope for any retakes. Though I was seen in a small role, I had to go for rehearsals and it was quite funny to say lines that were actually written by me.
Who are your favourite Indian playwrights?
I love Alyque Padamsee’s plays. I also enjoy watching Broadway productions, I hope Indian theatre reaches such a level and we stage at least one or two productions on a grand scale.
Do you ever plan to write any plays?
Yes, I would love to write plays. Right now I’m also in talks with the National Centre for Performing Arts to adapt my last novel 2 States:The Story Of My Marriage for the stage.
Your third novel Three Mistakes Of My Life is also being adapted for the big screen by filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor. How closely did you work with him and what is the status of the project right now?
I helped Abhishek with the screenplay and I’m happy with the way the story has shaped up. Right now, the director is busy casting for the film.
According to you, which actor should portray the lead role?
I don’t suggest actors at all (Laughs). That is completely the director’s call. Today the audience wants actors who can do justice to the role, so I’m sure Abhishek will take the right call.
2 States:The Story Of My Marriage is also being made into a film. Will you also be actively involved in it?
I'm in talks with producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj, but nothing has been finalised yet.
How does it feel to have your novels adapted into movies?
It feels good, my only contention is that the films should stay true to my books.
When will your next novel hit the stands? And what can readers expect from it?
I’m working on it right now and I hope to launch it by Diwali. It will definitely be youth-centric like my previous works but this time readers can expect the unexpected.
How do you unwind after a long, hard day?
I usually have my hands full with my book and my columns. But since my wife goes to work, I stay back at home and take care of my children. They are my greatest stress-busters.
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