And while there are many authors who are Indian, Bhagat claims it's a lack of Indian authors that's pushed him to the forefront.
"Salman Rushdie's just not working in India. Here a few people buy his book, but neither is he an Indian writer nor does he have an Indian audience. Still, there's great value mentioning him at a party, 'Yeah, Salman Rushdie, I have his book.' It's just cool. That's value he's adding to society. But as an author, I think your job is to be read, and to hold a mirror to society and reflect the society of your own country. So I would never change places with him, even though I see his arm-candies," he says laughing.
"Salman Rushdie is not an influence; I'm more a Salman Khan kind of guy."
He deals with the criticism well, with his tough talk, nationalist rhetoric, and adamant refusal of a desire to be discussed over champagne brunches; but it's clear the negative press does irk him. "When the white man says I'm good, I think a lot of educated brown men will also," he maintains.
"I think there's a big complex. Maybe it's a sense of shame, that our country's so poor, or isn't as refined. Most of the Hollywood movies that impress these critics, they have no market here. A movie like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it's a brilliant movie, but it won't work here; the project is not viable. If you don't understand commercial viability, but want to start judging things, it means you don't know what you're talking about. If you have these big regrets, then leave this country. For a while, stop judging, and just embrace it; and then improve the quality of it."
But will he concede anything to the critics, just a smidgen? "I'm trying to improve," he says flatly. "Given this much criticism, it can't be that all the critics are retarded. I'm not saying I'm perfect; but at least I'm true to my purpose. I make my audience happy. I try my best not to bore them. They try their best to accept my work, despite its flaws. I think that's the relationship we have. I hope they keep supporting me. But when they tell me to get off the stage, I'll get off the stage."
Image: Indian students are clearly among the best and brightest
Also read: 'I could be working in a call centre'
Buy Chetan Bhagat's latest The 3 Mistakes of my Life on rediff.com
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