Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 27: In a refreshingly candid moment, bestselling author and columnist Chetan Bhagat labelled his own work as “overrated” while responding to rapid-fire questions at NDTV’s Creators' Manch event on Friday.

When asked about the most overrated book ever written, Bhagat chose to turn the spotlight on himself. “It’s mine,” he said with a laugh, adding, “If I say someone else’s, I’ll get beaten up.” Pressed for a specific title, he remarked, “I’m overrated… It’s okay, it’s good, but the reality is that there are better writers.”

The author, known for his mass appeal, admitted that he often looks back at some of his earlier work and feels he could have done better. “My writing has improved. Once you grow up, you think how stupid you were 10 years ago,” he shared.

When asked about Indian authors he admires, Bhagat quickly named legendary figures like Gulzar and Javed Akhtar. “There’s no question of jealousy—they are very senior. But I really admire them. When I see some of their work, I wish I had done it,” he said.

Asked about the worst writing advice he ever received, Bhagat dismissed the romanticised idea of mountain retreats. “That you need to go away in the mountains and write. No, I can’t do that. I need people. I need a city, I need to be able to call an Uber,” he quipped.

Speaking on artificial intelligence and writing, Bhagat acknowledged its potential in non-fiction but said it lacks the emotional depth for fiction. “Right now, it’s not even close,” he said.