Films more accessible for masses: Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat believes his reach is limited even as one of India's bestselling authors. That, he says, is a key reason behind his tryst with Bollywood, and he is also now ready to feature in an adventure-based TV show.

"People say I am a popular author, but I am not really reaching the farmers of the country through my books. I want to explore rural India and connect to them. I wanted to bring my writing closer to them, that's why I've also associated myself with films. They are more accessible to the masses," Bhagat said here Tuesday.

Three of his films have already inspired Bollywood movies - "One Night@The Call Centre" was made into a film titled "Hello" (2008) and "Five Point Someone" was brought to the big screen through "3 Idiots" (2009).

The third film, "Kai Po Che!" is the adaptation of his novel "The 3 Mistakes of My Life", and it is releasing this Friday.

In his attempt towards further connecting with the masses, Bhagat has now come on board for Ford India and National Geographical Channel's upcoming show "MyEndeavour alterrain". The show will document road journeys of five celebrities through different terrains.

Bhagat has chosen to drive through Gujarat from Ahmedabad to Junagarh, with an aim to meet the rural crowd on the way.

"I want to meet and interact with people, talk to them about their conflicts and problems. I want to reach out to people in more interior. It might have an influence on me and my writings too," added the alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi and Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad.