Before 3 Idiots became one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, Chetan Bhagat was a full-time banker with a growing interest in writing. His debut novel Five Point Someone (2004) not only made him a household name but also paved the way for his transition from finance to fiction. The book’s story later inspired 3 Idiots, which turned out to be a cultural and commercial phenomenon.
In a recent conversation with Kushal Lodha on his podcast, Bhagat shared how selling the rights for 3 Idiots marked a turning point in his career. He revealed that he was initially paid Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 10 lakh promised as a bonus if the film succeeded. “We had settled for Rs 1 lakh with a Rs 10 lakh bonus clause. Once the film became a hit, they did honour that commitment,” Bhagat recalled.
Despite the movie earning over Rs 500 crore globally, Bhagat’s total payout was just Rs 11 lakh. However, the author insists he has no regrets. “I was new to the industry then. Back in 2005, no one could predict if such an unconventional story would work or if someone like Aamir Khan would even take it up. For that time and situation, my deal was fair,” he said.
Comparing his payment to actor fees, Bhagat mentioned that during those years, even top stars were not earning astronomical sums. “Vidhu Vinod Chopra was also working on Parineeta then, and I heard Saif Ali Khan was paid around Rs 25 lakh. So Rs 11 lakh for an author seemed reasonable,” he explained.
Reflecting on his later experiences with films like 2 States and Half Girlfriend, Bhagat said he prefers fixed payments over profit-sharing. “Production houses can show profits or losses however they want. With my finance background, I’ve learned that it’s safer to agree on fixed payments upfront,” he noted.
Explaining how book-to-film deals work, he added that rights are typically sold for three years, and if the film isn’t made within that time, they revert to the author. If the adaptation proceeds, the rights then remain permanently with the producers.
Even though 3 Idiots went on to redefine Indian cinema, Bhagat maintains that his modest deal was justified for its time — a decision he still stands by.
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In a recent conversation with Kushal Lodha on his podcast, Bhagat shared how selling the rights for 3 Idiots marked a turning point in his career. He revealed that he was initially paid Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 10 lakh promised as a bonus if the film succeeded. “We had settled for Rs 1 lakh with a Rs 10 lakh bonus clause. Once the film became a hit, they did honour that commitment,” Bhagat recalled.
Despite the movie earning over Rs 500 crore globally, Bhagat’s total payout was just Rs 11 lakh. However, the author insists he has no regrets. “I was new to the industry then. Back in 2005, no one could predict if such an unconventional story would work or if someone like Aamir Khan would even take it up. For that time and situation, my deal was fair,” he said.
Comparing his payment to actor fees, Bhagat mentioned that during those years, even top stars were not earning astronomical sums. “Vidhu Vinod Chopra was also working on Parineeta then, and I heard Saif Ali Khan was paid around Rs 25 lakh. So Rs 11 lakh for an author seemed reasonable,” he explained.
Reflecting on his later experiences with films like 2 States and Half Girlfriend, Bhagat said he prefers fixed payments over profit-sharing. “Production houses can show profits or losses however they want. With my finance background, I’ve learned that it’s safer to agree on fixed payments upfront,” he noted.
Explaining how book-to-film deals work, he added that rights are typically sold for three years, and if the film isn’t made within that time, they revert to the author. If the adaptation proceeds, the rights then remain permanently with the producers.
Even though 3 Idiots went on to redefine Indian cinema, Bhagat maintains that his modest deal was justified for its time — a decision he still stands by.
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