'Half Girlfriend' work of fiction, did not insult Dumraon: Chetan Bhagat

Kolkata: Author Chetan Bhagat Thursday described his book "Half Girlfriend" as a work of fiction and ridiculed allegations that its contents had insulted the former kingdom of Dumraon in Bihar.

"'Half Girlfriend' is a work of fiction. It is a mere coincidence that a character Madhav Jha belongs to a royal family," Bhagat said while addressing a seminar.

The author, who has penned popular books like "Five Point Someone", "One Night at the Call Centre" and "The 3 Mistakes of My Life", said he did not require a controversy to become popular.

"Madhav Jha does not exist. It appears some old kings of Dumraon are alleging I have insulted the kingdom. They wrote to me. I have replied politely. I said they have been instigated by someone. I also told them I have made Dumraon famous."