Reassessing Popular Fiction in Post-Liberalized India: A Thematic Study of Chetan Bhagat’s Novels

Abstract

Indian English fiction has evolved significantly from its early nationalist phase to postmodern and post-liberalized forms that reflect rapid socio-economic and cultural transformation. Alongside canonical literary writing, popular fiction has emerged as an influential literary form representing the aspirations, anxieties, and lived experiences of contemporary Indian society, particularly the urban middle class and youth. Despite its wide readership, popular fiction has often been marginalized within academic literary criticism. This study examines major themes in selected novels of Chetan Bhagat to understand how popular fiction reflects social realities in post-liberalized India. Using qualitative textual and thematic analysis, the study identifies recurring themes such as youth identity and education, middle-class aspirations, love and relationships, corruption and social challenges, and urban work culture. The findings suggest that Bhagat’s novels function as cultural narratives that document changing social values, economic aspirations, and psychological pressures experienced by contemporary youth. The study argues that popular fiction deserves greater scholarly attention not only for its readership but also for its sociological and cultural significance in understanding modern India.