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            <![CDATA[ What Made Chetan Bhagat’s Novels So Popular & Loved Despite Being Very Substandard For An Avid Reader? ]]>
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            <![CDATA[ https://www.frontlist.in/%20https://www.frontlist.in/public/index.php/what-made-chetan-bhagats-novels-so-popular-loved-despite-being-very-substandard-for-an-avid-reader ]]>
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            <![CDATA[ For a beginner, stepping into the world of readers might get overwhelming. With tons of remarkable works and even more outstanding themes, the club seems full enough.

People embarking on the journey to the great world of books find some authors that help make the initiation process a bit easier. The same is the case with India’s contemporary writer, Chetan Bhagat. Although far from excellence, his works resonate with the common man.
<figure id=attachment_192860 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192860><img class=size-full wp-image-192860 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg sizes=(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg 400w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-320x320.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-150x150.jpg 150w alt= width=400 height=400 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg 400w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-320x320.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-150x150.jpg 150w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192860 class=wp-caption-text>Chetan Bhagat, contemporary Indian author</figcaption></figure>
Now, a habitual reader, like myself, will at once discard the thought of indulging in the said writer’s books, but the fact remains. His words, being simple, in layman’s terms, help the novice readers enter the faction.

Not to mention the <i>masala </i>his work promises. So it’s safe to say that he’s here to stay since almost every brown household is a sucker for drama and chaos.

As if his works are made only for Bollywood. Also, if Bollywood continues making movies on bestselling books, then R.D. Sharma and R. S. Aggarwal aren’t far behind.

Plus, novices despise having to use their own imagination or intellect to grasp the allegories or the literary devices that a good writer uses. Hence, the popularity of the writer in question.
<h3><b>Is There A Dearth Of Good Writers?</b></h3>
Surprisingly enough, we have plenty of admirable writers who are not only skilled enough but also exemplaries when it comes to compositions. The fact that some (or many, in case Indians are to be considered) intentionally opt for mediocrity, leaving behind excellence, is beyond my understanding.
<figure id=attachment_192862 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192862><img class=size-large wp-image-192862 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-768x576.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-696x522.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-265x198.jpg 265w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers.jpg 1024w alt= width=640 height=480 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-768x576.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-696x522.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-265x198.jpg 265w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers.jpg 1024w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192862 class=wp-caption-text>no dearth of good Indian writers</figcaption></figure>
But with excellence comes mediocrity, and despite the lot of us constantly jeering and scorning at the general choice in writings, mediocrity seems to be the preeminent aspect amongst the finest of works. As does the resonance it draws from the novice.

Now don’t get me wrong. This is no defamation blog. In fact, the very fact that a mediocre writer has gained mass popularity despite such terrible compositions is amazing – amazing with the whole raised eyebrow look.

I explicitly remember a senior of mine bringing in <i>Five Point Someone </i>to the local book club one fine day in 2011. And mind you, her sanity was the talk of the town. I supported her and even defended the man himself, but again, back then, I liked Anu Malik. And that speaks for itself.
<figure id=attachment_192863 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192863><img class=size-full wp-image-192863 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-320x344.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-140x150.jpg 140w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-391x420.jpg 391w alt= width=500 height=537 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-320x344.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-140x150.jpg 140w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-391x420.jpg 391w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192863 class=wp-caption-text></figcaption><b>The Charm Of The Mundane</b></figure>
Talking about the charm Bhagat’s books have is hard. The reason being, of course, my resentment towards reading bad work altogether. Without reading the book in its entirety, and skimming through it, I noticed a certain pattern.
<figure id=attachment_192865 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192865><img class=size-full wp-image-192865 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-265x198.jpg 265w alt= width=640 height=480 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-265x198.jpg 265w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192865 class=wp-caption-text>terrible work and an even more terrible remake</figcaption></figure>
His consistency in relating his work to his real-life seemed to be the first thing that caught my eye. Next was his marketing plan that was an exemplar in itself.

Alas! If only his work was as nicely put together and as well-written as his marketing plan.
<h3><b>Does Bestselling Equate To Best Writing?</b></h3>
Being India’s bestselling Contemporary English author, Bhagat has indeed come a long way. With no writing skill and absolutely no literary sense, his works have sought glory solely on the basis of drama, chaos, and <i>masala</i>.
<figure id=attachment_192867 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192867><img class=size-large wp-image-192867 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-320x200.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-150x94.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-768x480.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-696x435.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-672x420.jpg 672w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame.jpg 800w alt= width=640 height=400 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-320x200.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-150x94.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-768x480.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-696x435.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-672x420.jpg 672w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame.jpg 800w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192867 class=wp-caption-text>claim to fame</figcaption></figure>
Being a part of the minority among Indians who apparently found his works interesting enough to not only promote but also recommend, I kept my mouth shut about the extreme boredom and displeasure and refuted it all along with a few other literary enthusiasts.

Let’s not even talk about his other books. <i>The Three Mistakes of My Life </i>(a mistake in itself), <i>Two States </i>(mediocre at its best), and <i>Half Girlfriend </i>(I read half of this, i.e., quarter girlfriend).

One thing is for sure, bestseller does not equate to best written.
<h3><b>Why Does Young India Want Mediocrity?</b></h3>
Looking to gain some credibility as a writer, Bhagat’s <i>What Young India Wants</i> aimed to undo the damage of his earlier works. Yet, he failed as a self-declared spokesperson for India’s youth. His take on the nation’s issues has been as terribly researched and pointless as his writings.
<figure id=attachment_192868 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192868><img class=size-full wp-image-192868 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-320x357.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-134x150.jpg 134w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-376x420.jpg 376w alt= width=500 height=558 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-320x357.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-134x150.jpg 134w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-376x420.jpg 376w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192868 class=wp-caption-text>what young India wants</figcaption></figure>
<i>“More than anything else, we want to teach Pakistan a lesson. We want to put them in their place. Bashing Pakistan is considered patriotic. It also makes for great politics,” </i>said the man on dealing with Pakistan.

As for voting, “We have to consider only one criterion—is he or she a good person?” is what he believes. And in my defense of finding the compositions of the writer displeasing, I’d like to quote him once again.

<i>“What young India wants is meri Naukri and meri chokri,” </i>said Bhagat while promoting his book <i>What Young India Wants.</i> The overly simplistic views and mentality this man possesses are no joke.
<h3><b>Claim To Fame</b></h3>
Now, if I were to answer the question raised throughout the blog as to why is a person with such bad writing so famous, I’d simply like to remind you that the hallmark for mass popularity and marketing is mediocrity itself.

And his work speaks for itself. He is one of the Salman Khans among the few Irrfan Khans. Mindless and simple stuff is what the generation demands and he is here to fulfill the need. Plus, constructive criticism is an expression he’s foreign to as of yet.

I’d even go on to say that his books are somewhat of a necessary evil since one can know the essence of, and appreciate true writing only after having gone through its counterpart. After all, it’s your literary evolution we’re talking about.

No amount of marketing plan or remedial book (that ironically enough, furthers the damage) can add him to the elites of the literary arena. Yes, his work has a mass following. But that’s about it. On the other hand, I think he can do well as an author if only he reads other books instead of his own.
<figure id=attachment_192873 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192873><img class=size-large wp-image-192873 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-320x256.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-150x120.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-525x420.jpg 525w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1.jpg 645w alt= width=640 height=512 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-320x256.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-150x120.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-525x420.jpg 525w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1.jpg 645w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192873 class=wp-caption-text>Lesson on rejection 101</figcaption></figure>
Like I said earlier, the number 1 on the bestsellers’ list has ceased to faze me and my fellow readers. Personally speaking, excellence in obscurity is tenfold better than mediocrity in popularity.

But hey! Who am I to advise? You do you. Whatever resonates with you, go with it. Read to fill your heart, whether it be following the herd, or being introduced to good writing for a change.

Source: https://edtimes.in/ ]]>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 05 31, 2021 09:19 am</pubDate>
        <item>
            <title>
                <![CDATA[ What Made Chetan Bhagat’s Novels So Popular & Loved Despite Being Very Substandard For An Avid Reader? ]]>
            </title>
            <link><![CDATA[ https://www.frontlist.in/%20https://www.frontlist.in/public/index.php/what-made-chetan-bhagats-novels-so-popular-loved-despite-being-very-substandard-for-an-avid-reader ]]></link>
            <description>
                <![CDATA[ For a beginner, stepping into the world of readers might get overwhelming. With tons of remarkable works and even more outstanding themes, the club seems full enough.

People embarking on the journey to the great world of books find some authors that help make the initiation process a bit easier. The same is the case with India’s contemporary writer, Chetan Bhagat. Although far from excellence, his works resonate with the common man.
<figure id=attachment_192860 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192860><img class=size-full wp-image-192860 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg sizes=(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg 400w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-320x320.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-150x150.jpg 150w alt= width=400 height=400 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg 400w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-320x320.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat-150x150.jpg 150w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chetan-Bhagat.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192860 class=wp-caption-text>Chetan Bhagat, contemporary Indian author</figcaption></figure>
Now, a habitual reader, like myself, will at once discard the thought of indulging in the said writer’s books, but the fact remains. His words, being simple, in layman’s terms, help the novice readers enter the faction.

Not to mention the <i>masala </i>his work promises. So it’s safe to say that he’s here to stay since almost every brown household is a sucker for drama and chaos.

As if his works are made only for Bollywood. Also, if Bollywood continues making movies on bestselling books, then R.D. Sharma and R. S. Aggarwal aren’t far behind.

Plus, novices despise having to use their own imagination or intellect to grasp the allegories or the literary devices that a good writer uses. Hence, the popularity of the writer in question.
<h3><b>Is There A Dearth Of Good Writers?</b></h3>
Surprisingly enough, we have plenty of admirable writers who are not only skilled enough but also exemplaries when it comes to compositions. The fact that some (or many, in case Indians are to be considered) intentionally opt for mediocrity, leaving behind excellence, is beyond my understanding.
<figure id=attachment_192862 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192862><img class=size-large wp-image-192862 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-768x576.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-696x522.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-265x198.jpg 265w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers.jpg 1024w alt= width=640 height=480 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-768x576.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-696x522.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-265x198.jpg 265w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers.jpg 1024w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/no-dearth-of-good-Indian-writers-640x480.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192862 class=wp-caption-text>no dearth of good Indian writers</figcaption></figure>
But with excellence comes mediocrity, and despite the lot of us constantly jeering and scorning at the general choice in writings, mediocrity seems to be the preeminent aspect amongst the finest of works. As does the resonance it draws from the novice.

Now don’t get me wrong. This is no defamation blog. In fact, the very fact that a mediocre writer has gained mass popularity despite such terrible compositions is amazing – amazing with the whole raised eyebrow look.

I explicitly remember a senior of mine bringing in <i>Five Point Someone </i>to the local book club one fine day in 2011. And mind you, her sanity was the talk of the town. I supported her and even defended the man himself, but again, back then, I liked Anu Malik. And that speaks for itself.
<figure id=attachment_192863 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192863><img class=size-full wp-image-192863 ls-is-cached lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-320x344.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-140x150.jpg 140w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-391x420.jpg 391w alt= width=500 height=537 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-320x344.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-140x150.jpg 140w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone-391x420.jpg 391w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/five-point-someone.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192863 class=wp-caption-text></figcaption><b>The Charm Of The Mundane</b></figure>
Talking about the charm Bhagat’s books have is hard. The reason being, of course, my resentment towards reading bad work altogether. Without reading the book in its entirety, and skimming through it, I noticed a certain pattern.
<figure id=attachment_192865 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192865><img class=size-full wp-image-192865 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-265x198.jpg 265w alt= width=640 height=480 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-320x240.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-150x113.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-560x420.jpg 560w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-80x60.jpg 80w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-160x120.jpg 160w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake-265x198.jpg 265w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/terrible-work-and-even-more-terrible-remake.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192865 class=wp-caption-text>terrible work and an even more terrible remake</figcaption></figure>
His consistency in relating his work to his real-life seemed to be the first thing that caught my eye. Next was his marketing plan that was an exemplar in itself.

Alas! If only his work was as nicely put together and as well-written as his marketing plan.
<h3><b>Does Bestselling Equate To Best Writing?</b></h3>
Being India’s bestselling Contemporary English author, Bhagat has indeed come a long way. With no writing skill and absolutely no literary sense, his works have sought glory solely on the basis of drama, chaos, and <i>masala</i>.
<figure id=attachment_192867 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192867><img class=size-large wp-image-192867 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-320x200.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-150x94.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-768x480.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-696x435.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-672x420.jpg 672w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame.jpg 800w alt= width=640 height=400 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-320x200.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-150x94.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-768x480.jpg 768w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-696x435.jpg 696w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-672x420.jpg 672w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame.jpg 800w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/claim-to-fame-640x400.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192867 class=wp-caption-text>claim to fame</figcaption></figure>
Being a part of the minority among Indians who apparently found his works interesting enough to not only promote but also recommend, I kept my mouth shut about the extreme boredom and displeasure and refuted it all along with a few other literary enthusiasts.

Let’s not even talk about his other books. <i>The Three Mistakes of My Life </i>(a mistake in itself), <i>Two States </i>(mediocre at its best), and <i>Half Girlfriend </i>(I read half of this, i.e., quarter girlfriend).

One thing is for sure, bestseller does not equate to best written.
<h3><b>Why Does Young India Want Mediocrity?</b></h3>
Looking to gain some credibility as a writer, Bhagat’s <i>What Young India Wants</i> aimed to undo the damage of his earlier works. Yet, he failed as a self-declared spokesperson for India’s youth. His take on the nation’s issues has been as terribly researched and pointless as his writings.
<figure id=attachment_192868 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192868><img class=size-full wp-image-192868 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-320x357.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-134x150.jpg 134w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-376x420.jpg 376w alt= width=500 height=558 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg 500w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-320x357.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-134x150.jpg 134w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants-376x420.jpg 376w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/what-yougn-india-wants.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192868 class=wp-caption-text>what young India wants</figcaption></figure>
<i>“More than anything else, we want to teach Pakistan a lesson. We want to put them in their place. Bashing Pakistan is considered patriotic. It also makes for great politics,” </i>said the man on dealing with Pakistan.

As for voting, “We have to consider only one criterion—is he or she a good person?” is what he believes. And in my defense of finding the compositions of the writer displeasing, I’d like to quote him once again.

<i>“What young India wants is meri Naukri and meri chokri,” </i>said Bhagat while promoting his book <i>What Young India Wants.</i> The overly simplistic views and mentality this man possesses are no joke.
<h3><b>Claim To Fame</b></h3>
Now, if I were to answer the question raised throughout the blog as to why is a person with such bad writing so famous, I’d simply like to remind you that the hallmark for mass popularity and marketing is mediocrity itself.

And his work speaks for itself. He is one of the Salman Khans among the few Irrfan Khans. Mindless and simple stuff is what the generation demands and he is here to fulfill the need. Plus, constructive criticism is an expression he’s foreign to as of yet.

I’d even go on to say that his books are somewhat of a necessary evil since one can know the essence of, and appreciate true writing only after having gone through its counterpart. After all, it’s your literary evolution we’re talking about.

No amount of marketing plan or remedial book (that ironically enough, furthers the damage) can add him to the elites of the literary arena. Yes, his work has a mass following. But that’s about it. On the other hand, I think he can do well as an author if only he reads other books instead of his own.
<figure id=attachment_192873 class=wp-caption aligncenter aria-describedby=caption-attachment-192873><img class=size-large wp-image-192873 lazyloaded src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-320x256.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-150x120.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-525x420.jpg 525w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1.jpg 645w alt= width=640 height=512 data-srcset=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg 640w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-320x256.jpg 320w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-150x120.jpg 150w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-525x420.jpg 525w, https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1.jpg 645w data-src=https://edtimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/constructive-criticism101-1-640x512.jpg data-sizes=(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px /><figcaption id=caption-attachment-192873 class=wp-caption-text>Lesson on rejection 101</figcaption></figure>
Like I said earlier, the number 1 on the bestsellers’ list has ceased to faze me and my fellow readers. Personally speaking, excellence in obscurity is tenfold better than mediocrity in popularity.

But hey! Who am I to advise? You do you. Whatever resonates with you, go with it. Read to fill your heart, whether it be following the herd, or being introduced to good writing for a change.

Source: https://edtimes.in/ ]]>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 05 31, 2021 09:19 am</pubDate>
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