A new show Jalsa in the works at Swastik Productions

Highlights:

• Bhagat says some stars can’t enjoy meals if not photographed.

• Author calls Bollywood a “drug house of fame.”

• He left movies to focus on writing and moved to Dubai.

• Sees industry as insecure, with friendships mostly transactional.

• Believes creating stories gives him more satisfaction than films.

Chetan Bhagat says fame in Bollywood can take a serious toll on mental health. The bestselling author, whose novels like 3 Idiots and Kai Po Che! became major films, explained that many actors and directors struggle when their work doesn’t succeed. “There are actors who, when going to a restaurant, if they aren’t recognised, don’t enjoy the meal. They wonder, ‘No one came to click photos?’ Can you imagine what a sick life that is?” he said.

Bhagat added that the pressure of attention and constant public scrutiny can worsen insecurity. He recalled seeing stars fade over time, their mental health affected by the highs and lows of fame.