Proust Questionnaire — I have had a good life: Chetan Bhagat

The Proust Questionnaire is a fortnightly feature which derives its name from the French writer Marcel Proust, whose personality-revealing responses to these questions went on to popularise this form of celebrity confession.

Chetan Bhagat

What is your idea of happiness?

A state of mind when one feels calm, engaged in the moment and not wanting to change a thing.

What is your greatest fear?

To lose my health, family, motivation to work.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Work out more and be less sensitive.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

I would make them more engaged in my work, though I realise they have their own lives.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

To be able to live my passion and be recognized for it.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

I think I would come back as the same person.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

I have had a good life. Would not mind an encore.

What is your idea of misery?

Lack of health, money and good relationships.

Where would you like to live?

I live where I want to live - Mumbai

What is your favourite occupation?

Being a writer, of course.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My casual manner

What is the quality you most like in the opposite sex?

Intelligence and a zest for life.

What do you most appreciate in your friends?

A sense of empathy

Who are your favourite authors?

Too many to name here.

Who is your favourite hero of fiction?

Howard Roark in the Fountainhead.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Steve Jobs. Barack Obama. Anna Hazare.

What are your favourite names?

All of Krishna's names - which become the names of protagonists in my books.

What is your present state of mind?

Relaxed, slightly nervous about the workload to the book launch.

How would you like to die?

In peace, without pain and not leaving any hassles for people behind me.

What is your favourite motto?

Don't be serious, be sincere.

After making his name with a bestselling debut novel “Five Point Someone”, Chetan Bhagat has published four more books — “One Night @ the Call Center”, “The 3 Mistakes of My Life”, “2 States: The Story of My Marriage”, and the recently released “Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition”. He is also known today as a columnist and motivational speaker