Renowned author Chetan Bhagat has boldly dismissed fears that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-based language tools, like ChatGPT, will threaten the craft of writing, particularly in the realm of fiction. Speaking at the launch of his latest novel, 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story, at a bustling Pune bookstore on Sunday, Bhagat emphasized that while AI may boast technical skills, it lacks the soul and emotional depth required for authentic storytelling.
During an engaging conversation with political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla, Bhagat addressed the growing concerns about AI’s impact on creative professions. “AI will have skill, but not art,” he declared, underscoring that the essence of fiction lies in human experiences—something machines cannot replicate. “AI hasn’t had its heart broken. It doesn’t carry childhood trauma or know the sting of a breakup. I’ve lived through love, loss, and everything in between. That’s what readers connect with—real emotions,” he said passionately.
Bhagat, whose bestselling novels like Five Point Someone and 2 States have captivated millions and inspired hit Bollywood films, argued that storytelling thrives on human connection. “People are drawn to people, not machines. If we replaced this conversation with bots, they could ramble about nuclear science or politics, but who’d care to listen?” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. He challenged the notion that AI could ever rival human creativity, stating, “Name one book written by AI that’s touched readers’ hearts. It doesn’t exist.”
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He further predicted that even if AI evolves to mimic emotions, its output will lack authenticity. “The moment readers know a story was written by AI, they’ll put it down. People crave the raw, lived experiences that only a human can bring to the page,” Bhagat asserted. His words resonate in an era where AI tools are increasingly used for tasks like content generation, yet struggle to capture the nuanced emotions that define great literature.
Reflecting on his own craft, Bhagat shared insights for aspiring writers, urging them to focus on observation, reading, and discipline. “AI can handle mundane tasks, but it can’t observe the world like a writer does. It can’t feel the highs and lows of life. Hard work and focus will always set you apart,” he advised, encouraging writers to stay true to their unique voices despite technological advancements.
The event also served as a platform to introduce 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story, a novel Bhagat described as one of his finest works. The story follows a 33-year-old divorced man and a 21-year-old woman navigating a complex, age-gap romance. “It’s a love story that speaks to both Gen Z and millennials,” Bhagat explained, highlighting the relatable struggles of its protagonists. “The age difference creates the ‘messed-up’ dynamic, but at its core, it’s about finding ‘the one’—a question that resonates across generations.”
Bhagat expressed delight at the diverse crowd at the launch, noting the enduring love for reading in India despite the rise of OTT platforms. “It’s heartwarming to see young people still picking up books. This story is funny, emotional, and thought-provoking. I believe it’s my best work yet,” he said, comparing it to his earlier hits like 2 States: The Story of My Marriage and Half Girlfriend.
The author’s confidence in the irreplaceable nature of human creativity offers a powerful counterpoint to the hype surrounding AI. As technology continues to evolve, Bhagat remains steadfast in his belief that the art of storytelling belongs to humans alone. For aspiring writers and readers alike, his message is clear: no algorithm can capture the heart and soul of a story born from lived experience.
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