Chetan Bhagat: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Chetan Bhagat’s Profile Summary

Company	Self-employed
Position	Author, Motivational Speaker, Screenwriter
Source of wealth	Royalties from bestselling novels, earnings from screenwriting and Bollywood adaptations, motivational speaking fees, columns in prominent newspapers.
Also known as	Novelist, Screenwriter, Motivational Speaker.
Age	51
Education	IIT Delhi - B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, IIM Ahmedabad - MBA
Citizenship	Indian
Residence	Mumbai, India
Family	Wife (Anusha Suryanarayanan Bhagat), two sons (Shyam and Ishaan)
Website, Social Media	https://www.chetanbhagat.com/

Chetan Bhagat’s biography

Chetan Bhagat, born on April 22, 1974, in New Delhi, India, is a renowned Indian author, motivational speaker, and former investment banker. He completed his education at prestigious institutions, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. After graduation, Bhagat worked in Hong Kong for over a decade, initially with Peregrine Investments and later with Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, where he held a vice-president position. In 2009, he left banking to pursue writing full-time. Bhagat is best known for his accessible writing style, addressing themes of love, relationships, and societal issues relevant to Indian youth. His debut novel Five Point Someone (2004) was a massive success, followed by several bestsellers, including One Night @ the Call Center and 2 States. Many of his novels have been adapted into Bollywood films, amplifying his popularity. Apart from writing, Bhagat has made a mark as a motivational speaker, columnist, and screenwriter. He has been listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and continues to impact both the literary and entertainment industries in India.

How did Chetan Bhagat make money?

Chetan Bhagat makes money in the following areas:

Royalties from bestselling novels, earnings from screenwriting and Bollywood adaptations, motivational speaking fees, columns in prominent newspapers.
What is Chetan Bhagat net worth?

As of 2025, Chetan Bhagat’s net worth is estimated to be $50M.

What is Chetan Bhagat also known as?

Chetan Bhagat gained widespread recognition as a novelist, with multiple bestselling books, such as Five Point Someone, 2 States, and Half Girlfriend, which were also adapted into successful Bollywood films. His storytelling is known for connecting with young readers by addressing themes like modern relationships and societal challenges. Additionally, Bhagat has expanded his career into screenwriting, contributing to films like Kai Po Che and Kick. He is also a prominent motivational speaker, frequently addressing students and young professionals across India, offering insights into personal and professional growth

Prominent achievements of Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat was listed among Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2010, with many of his books adapted into successful Bollywood films like 3 Idiots and 2 States. His works have sold over 7 million copies worldwide, making him one of India's most commercially successful authors. He has also won several awards, including the Society Young Achiever's Award

What are Chetan Bhagat’s key insights?

Chetan Bhagat emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement. He advocates staying sincere rather than serious, believing that flexibility and passion are key to success. Bhagat also promotes the idea that storytelling should be relatable and accessible to a broad audience, particularly the youth

Chetan Bhagat’s personal life

Chetan Bhagat is married to Anusha Suryanarayanan Bhagat, a fellow IIM-Ahmedabad graduate. They have two sons, Shyam and Ishaan. His brother, Ketan Bhagat, is also a novelist and media personality

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.