Chetan Bhagat’s Response to Gurugram Entrepreneur’s ‘Bus-stand Literature’ Jibe Ignites Ugly Fight Online

Chetan Bhagat, the famous Indian author whose five novels have been adapted into films, recently faced criticism from a social media user who referred to his work as “bus-stand literature”. The user also accused Bhagat of being “desperate” for relevance, claiming he tried his hands at different things to eventually return as a “motivation guru”. Bhagat, in a sharp retort, told the user to “get a life” and suggested him to get his “mental health checked”.

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How did it all start?

It all began when an X (formerly known as Twitter) user, who goes by Gabbar online, criticised Bhagat in his post. He said, “Once Chetan Bhagat’s bus-stand literature ran its course. The guy turned desperate. Tried to align with Modi RW, didn’t get much say, then tried becoming a election expert, nobody let him speak in the studio, or shut him down in 2 mins, now he realised it’s profitable going against BJP. But his ideas and articulation come from the same bus stand he built his career from. So now he is a motivation guru.”

Gabbar concluded by calling it “a cry for help”.

Chetan Bhagat’s response

In response to Gabbar’s “bus-stand literature jibe”, Chetan Bhagat hit back, advising the user to “get a life”.

He wrote, “Rule of life: Only those beneath you will hate on you. This bro replies to every tweet of mine to get attention so here you go bro. You got me. Gosh, so accurate. I am exposed!”

“Here’s your attention for the day to feed your damaged self-esteem. Now go get a life,” the 50-year-old author added.

War of words intensifies

Gabbar, a Gurugram-based entrepreneur, then shared a fresh post saying that the author was “triggered”. “Chetan Bhagat is triggered. Nothing hurts like truth,” he said.

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After this post went viral with over a million views, Bhagat responded sarcastically: “He exposed me! Oh dear.”

He further claimed that Gabbar once “begged” him to unblock him, expressing shock at how his behavior had deteriorated. He added a pointed remark about mental health, saying, “This chintu once begged me to unblock him. He used to be fun, so it’s sad to see how pathetic he’s become. I don’t get triggered, chintu, I apply my mind. You are a joke and we laughed at your expense. Get your mental health checked. I’m serious. This is caring advice.”

Gabbar then dropped a comment on his post, saying, “Humble suggestion. May be tweet 5 more tweets to prove to everyone you are not triggered. That will do it.”

Many X users weighed in on the heated exchange, with one saying, “Wondering who triggered him?”

Another added, “Chetan Bhagat has had more plot twists in his Twitter feed than his novels. Maybe the truth is more compelling than fiction after all.”

“Why ‘chintu’? What’s the story behind this nickname?” asked a third.

A fourth suggested, “You guys should sort this out on the phone and be friends.”