Bestselling Author Chetan Bhagat Explores Unconventional Relationships in New Novel

In October 2025, renowned Indian author Chetan Bhagat returns to the love story genre with his latest book, "12 Years: My Messed Up Love Story." Bhagat, who has been a prominent figure in Indian fiction for over two decades, has often drawn inspiration from the lives and dilemmas of young Indians in his works.

The new novel explores the relationship between a younger woman and an older man, a theme that Bhagat believes has not been widely explored in popular Indian culture. Bhagat reveals that the protagonist, Saket, who quits a career in private equity to become a stand-up comic, has shades of his own journey of leaving investment banking for writing.

Bhagat, now in his 50s, reflects on how age and experience have influenced his writing. "I'm a different person today. I've been introspecting, meditating. I think more deeply about relationships, about what people are looking for in love and in life," he says. The author hopes to offer a tale that is entertaining yet relatable, one that mirrors the complexities of modern relationships.

With "12 Years: My Messed Up Love Story," Bhagat aims to connect with both millennials and Gen Z readers, who have grown up with different forms of media and communication. The book delves into the often-unspoken dynamics between love, intimacy, and desire, exploring the nuances of real-life relationships.