4th mistake of Chetan Bhagat’s life? English scholar levels plagiarism against author
Mumbai: Chetan Bhagat is in news once again for his book ‘Half Girlfriend’. Days after he received a legal notice from the Dumraon royal family for derogatory portrayal in the book, the best-selling author has now been accused of plagiarism.
The novel revolves around a love story between Madhav, "a boy from Bihar with big dreams who falls in love with the beautiful Riya, a rich lass from Delhi."
Dr Birbal Jha, director of British Lingua, an English institute in Patna, has alleged that Bhagat lifted the plot of his book, Half Girlfriend, from his bilingual play, Englishia Boli.
Bhagat’s book and the play have striking similarities, alleges Jha.
Read: Bihar royal clan may sue Chetan Bhagat
According to Jha, Bhagat had visited his institute in Patna in January this year to interact with students who were enrolled there. He also attended a class to observe them.
Media reports suggest that Jha is all set to serve a legal notice to Bhagat. He is also upset with the portrayal of Bihari students in the book.
In a series of tweets, an upset Bhagat claimed to have never met Jha. He was at his institute, but only met the staff.
Read: Chetan Bhagat becomes a delivery boy for ‘Half Girlfriend’
Lashing out at Jha, he said that “he was a big name dropper, wanted media attention and is no scholar. He runs a business and wants it known.”
Earlier, residents of Dumraon had protested against Bhagat’s book and also burnt his effigies.
Fame can be a total bitch sometimes.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014Now questions that no media asks: 1) if i have gone somewhere for research and reveal plot, i have the story in mind or not? ..contd.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014Another easy question is if he is saying its 'plagiarising' a published work (not something privately given), just compare the two works?
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014The person who called me was a big name dropper, wanted media attention and is no scholar. he runs a business and wants it known.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014Now all haters who got a chance to slam me, hope u have vented out your pain, and now will leave this non-issue to rest. thanks.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014Meanwhile, have to write letter to the family in Dumraon explaining the meaning of fiction and imaginary stories. Will do so privately.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) November 24, 2014