Of Chetan Bhagat, half Girlfriend controversy and defamation suit

Reacting to news of a defamation suit filed against him, author Chetan Bhagat says his novel “Half Girlfriend” has nothing to do with the former kingdom of Dumraon in Bihar and that he will try to settle things by explaining the point to the other party.

“I didn’t know them and was not aware of their existence. I came to know about these people after the book came out,” Bhagat told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

According to reports, a defamation suit of Rs.1 crore was slapped against the author by a descendant of the royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Dumraon in Bihar, claiming that the book portrays male members of the royal family as drunkards and gamblers.

“They have raised something. I'm going to answer them. It (The book) is a piece of fiction. It has got nothing to do with them. I will try to clarify that,” he added.

“The Delhi High Court has issued summons to Bhagat and Rupa Publications to appear before it on May 1, either in person or by a pleader,” said a report in a national daily.

The book narrates the story of a Bihari boy falling in love with a girl from upper class society. And the tale will also be brought to the silver screen by director Mohit Suri

Meanwhile, the author has taken up a new role of judging a dance reality show “Nach Baliye 7”. He said that he is “excited” about his stint on the small screen.