Hi, I’m Radhika Mehta and I’m getting married this week. I work at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank. Thank you for reading my story. However, let me warn you.

You may not like me too much. One, I make a lot of money. Two, I have an opinion on everything. Three, I have had a boyfriend before. OK, maybe two.

Now if all this was the case with a guy, one might be cool with it. But since I am a girl these three things I mentioned don’t really make me too likeable, do they?

Chetan Bhagat writes op-ed columns for English and Hindi newspapers, including Times of India and Dainik Bhaskar, focusing on youth and issues based on national development. Bhagat is also a motivational speaker and has given talks in leading MNCs and other institutions. He quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing.

In 2008, The New York Times called Bhagat “the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history”. Bhagat, a graduate of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, is seen more as a youth icon than as an author.

Before I begin the review I would like to make a confession. I stopped reading Chetan Bhagat after 2 States. Somehow none of his next books seemed to appeal to me. When I was approached to review this book more than anything what struck me was the hard work the author had put behind it in terms of getting himself waxed and other such things just to be able to write it from a woman’s perspective. The catch word being “feminism” here I wanted to read the book to know his thoughts on it.The first few pages were a bit dull but slowly the story did pick up pace. Sadly by page 80 I had almost guessed the ending (and let me add here – I was bang on!) Coming back to the story there were lot of things which did not appeal to me. But then the first thing that came to my mind is, if this is feminism, am I a feminist? I have been an investment banker and the portions where he deals with a hot shot career for the leading lady Radhika in Goldman Sachs were hugely connectable for me. There are no surprises here as given the author’s previous stint as a banker himself he does perfect justice to these portions.

Indian society, its norms, beliefs and the stereo-typical behaviour of parents is also as expected, something he had mastered in 2 States. Unfortunately though he was able to make me laugh on those nitty-gritties (he still does, that book is my go-to book when my mind needs a good unwinding) he failed in this book. Radhika’s mom comes across more as annoying rather than funnily endearing at many places. For someone who has lived in 4 different countries – India (Delhi), US(New York), Hong Kong and UK (London) and has an enviable list of qualifications, Radhika comes across to me as someone who is highly unsure about everything around her including her ownself. But then the fact remains she is believable. Age, qualification and maturity have nothing to do with each other. They can exist without the other.

Some scenes seemed too far fetched to be true but then I would excuse them under the category of creative liberty by the author. I somehow felt the depth of emotions were missing overall. Be it in Radhika’s relationships with other men, or with her own parents / siblings there is no emotional connect that could make a reader feel for her. I wanted to feel for Radhika, it could be anger or hurt or perhaps pity but I ended up feeling nothing for her.

What works for me – his easy to connect style of writing in both the language and ofcourse descriptions. He likes to keep it simple and that reflects in every scene including the intimate moments. I am glad he has stuck to that for that is his USP according to me. He highlights the plight of such high flying executives by showing their lonely existence very closely. Radhika has no friends she can reach out to and her life revolves around work and home, nothing more… nothing less. I have seen such existences and always wondered how cruel is it to not live despite having all the means to lead a life you always wanted to. The ending was something that left me with a smile.Though the whole book has been propositioned as a feminist novel but it is only in the last few pages that you see the real feminism in the book. It was enjoyable to see Radhika finally take control of everything including her life. Till then she seems more like a confused child who is lost in a crowded fair. There were many places where I kept wondering how is she a Vice President at work if she is so confused!

Chetan Bhagat has reached a stature where he can no longer be categorized as a good or bad author.  And hence I am not tagging this book under any category. For I am sure there are many who unlike me would really enjoy this book. This book for them becomes a window to a life unheard of till now. However for me, it somehow doesn’t. If you ask – Was I disappointed? No is my answer.

Recommended as a one time read purely for its entertainment purpose.

One Indian Girl is a contemporary novel by Chetan Bhagat, published in 2016. It revolves around the life and struggles of Radhika Mehta, a young, successful Indian woman, as she navigates the challenges of career, relationships, and societal expectations. The book explores themes of gender, identity, love, and societal pressures through the lens of Radhika’s experiences.

Plot Summary

The story is told from the perspective of Radhika Mehta, a successful investment banker who is working in New York. Radhika is intelligent, independent, and ambitious, but she is often at odds with societal expectations of women. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she faces criticism and pressure to conform to traditional norms, especially the expectation that she should be married by a certain age.

The novel is structured in a series of flashbacks and present-day events. Radhika, now engaged to a man named Debu, looks back at her life and her previous relationships, particularly with two other men—her college boyfriend, Neel, and her ex-fiance, Aakash. Through these relationships, Radhika reflects on the complexities of love, commitment, and the role of women in society.

• Radhika’s Journey: The book explores Radhika’s personal growth, her career successes, and the emotional baggage she carries. She is constantly judged by both her family and society, who have certain expectations for her—like getting married, being a dutiful daughter, and behaving a certain way. She finds herself caught between her own ambitions and the pressure to conform to traditional roles.

• Romantic Relationships: A significant part of the narrative revolves around Radhika’s romantic entanglements. Her relationships with Neel, Aakash, and Debu highlight the complexity of love and modern relationships. Radhika’s struggle to balance her professional ambitions with her desire for love and companionship forms the crux of the novel’s emotional tension.

• Marriage and Expectations: Marriage is one of the primary themes in One Indian Girl. Radhika’s family and society expect her to settle down, and much of the pressure she faces stems from the traditional notion that women must prioritize marriage over everything else. This pressure weighs heavily on her as she questions what she truly wants in life and love.

• Radhika’s Transformation: Over the course of the story, Radhika learns to assert herself, challenge societal norms, and define her own path. The book emphasizes her journey toward self-acceptance, where she learns to make choices based on her own desires rather than on what others expect of her.

Themes

1. Gender and Societal Expectations: One of the most important themes in One Indian Girl is the societal pressure on women to conform to traditional roles. Radhika faces constant judgment because she doesn’t fit the mold of the ideal Indian woman. This includes expectations around marriage, behavior, and career choices.

2. Love and Relationships: The novel examines the complexities of love and relationships, especially in the context of modern Indian society. It explores the dynamics of love in both traditional and modern settings, showing how women are often expected to compromise their career and personal aspirations for the sake of romantic relationships.

3. Empowerment and Independence: Radhika’s character is a representation of the modern, independent Indian woman who is striving for more than what traditional norms allow. The book is a commentary on the empowerment of women, particularly in the context of their careers and personal ambitions.

4. Self-Acceptance: A key theme in the novel is the journey of self-acceptance and realizing one’s own worth. Radhika struggles with the idea of living up to others’ expectations but eventually learns to embrace who she is—flaws and all. She understands that her identity is not defined by her relationships or career alone but by her own choices and actions.

5. Family Dynamics: The role of family is crucial in Radhika’s life. Her parents, particularly her mother, have their own expectations, and Radhika faces the tension between meeting these expectations and following her own path. The book explores how family influences and shapes an individual’s decisions, particularly regarding marriage.

Writing Style

Chetan Bhagat is known for his straightforward and accessible writing style, and One Indian Girl follows suit. His writing is conversational and often includes humor, making the book easy to read and relatable, especially for young adults. He also incorporates social commentary, making readers think about the issues he presents.

Criticism and Reception

While One Indian Girl garnered attention for its focus on women’s issues and the complexities of modern relationships, it also faced criticism for being somewhat one-dimensional in its portrayal of women. Some readers felt that Bhagat’s portrayal of Radhika and her relationships lacked depth, and others found his writing to be too simplistic in dealing with complex themes.

However, the book sparked important conversations about gender roles and the pressures women face in society. It also resonated with many readers who saw themselves reflected in Radhika’s struggles with balancing career and personal life.

Conclusion

One Indian Girl is a modern, relatable exploration of a young woman’s journey toward self-empowerment, love, and independence. It highlights the pressures that society places on women, particularly in the Indian context, and how these pressures affect personal choices and relationships. The book’s themes of gender, love, and self-acceptance continue to make it a thought-provoking read.

Would you like to explore any specific part of the book or discuss any particular themes?

ONE INDIAN GIRL BY CHETAN BHAGAT