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'Salman playing me is cooler than the Booker'

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    Salman Khan is playing Chetan Bhagat in 'Hello' and the writer think it is 'too cool'.
    The Booker used to be the most exciting publishing moment but now you have Salman Khan playing Chetan Bhagat which is a cooler thing, says the author of bestsellers 'Five point someone' and 'One night at a call centre'.

    "It is exciting that modern Indian stories are finding a place in bookstores and even doing well. We are no longer writing for western audiences," says Bhagat.

    Chetan hit the bull's eye through his first novel 'Five point someone' which is a story of three IIT students who are unable to cope with the pressures of life. Now Munnabhai fame director Rajkumar Hirani is making '3 Idiots' on this with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead, while Salman starrer ' Hello' is based on 'One night at a call centre' and slated for release on 10th October. He thinks that Bollywood is an ideal platform to reach the Hindi readers.

    "For me Hindi readers are as classy as the English readers. Hindi is my country's language and if I don't reach reach the Hindi readers, I can not call myself an Indian writer. Bollywood is also an effort in the same direction. Don't forget I wrote the script of 'Hello' in Hindi," says Chetan.

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    "I believe the hand of God is on me. My destiny is being shaped up by higher powers. Forget superstars, I had no idea my stories will ever become films," says the IIT and IIM scholar.

    Aamir, who is in his forties, is playing Ryan, a dare deviled student in 'Idiots' and the writer feels that the actor is extremely talented to carry off any role. "Aamir has defied his age in screen all the time. Raju (Hirani) has taken the story forward and Aamir suits the role," he says.

    With two superstar 'Khans' are playing lead in films based on real life stories of Chetan, whom did he consider is closer to his persona.

    "I think I oscillate between the two. However I am more like Salman than Aamir. I don't take it all too seriously. Don't be serious, be sincere is my mantra." says the investment banker, who lived in Hongkong for 11 years and came back to India this year only.

    Unlike Kiran Desai, Arundhati Rai or other contemporary writers Chetan does not emphasis on the literal aspect but keen on maintaining the flow of the story. He is also adamant on not changing his style.

    "I write simple books with a strong storyline, fun dialogues and a bit of message. The definition of a good novel varies for people but I think a good book should make you feel happy. I can't change my style even if I want to." says the writer.

    Chetan is gaining popularity among Hindi intelligentsia as well and according to Prabhat Publications demand of Hindi version of his books is growing day by day.

    In first fortnight only 15000 copies of each book has already been sold out. Investment banker, writer and now Bollywood, what next is in line.

    "I have too much on my plate. In the next year I want a better balance and figure out which role is most important to me. I want to specialise," claims Chetan.

    three idiotsBy: anshul | 01-Oct-2008 Reply | Forward amir playing an IIT student.grwo up man. How can a 40 yr old man play a teenager?his nephew imran khan would have been a better choice but like politicians in India stars also never retire
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