Two States by Chetan Bhagat – A Funny, Emotional, and Relatable Indian Love Story Between Two Cultures
Have you ever fallen in love and thought, “What will our families say?” That’s the heart of Two States, a sweet, emotional, and funny novel by bestselling Indian author Chetan Bhagat. It’s not just a story about love, it’s about what happens when two completely different families must come together for it to work.
What makes this book feel so real is that it’s inspired by the author’s own life. Yes, Chetan Bhagat married a Tamil girl, and he faced many of the same challenges he writes about here. That’s why the emotions in this story hit home—they come from lived experience.
What’s the Story Two States?
The novel – Two States begins at IIM Ahmedabad. One of India’s top business schools. There, Krish Malhotra, a cheerful Punjabi boy, meets Ananya Swaminathan, a smart and bold Tamil Brahmin girl. They become friends, then fall in love, and decide to marry.
But things aren’t so simple.
They’re from two completely different Indian states – Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Their families speak different languages, eat different food, follow different traditions. And importantly have very different ideas about marriage. When they introduce each other to their parents, the real drama begins.
The rest of the story follows Krish and Ananya’s efforts to win over both sets of parents and unite their two very different worlds. It’s filled with humor, heartbreak, family conflict, and sweet romantic moments.
A Story of Love, Family, and Culture
This is not just a romance novel—it’s also a story about:
- How Indian families often influence or control marriage decisions
- The struggle of convincing traditional parents in intercultural relationships
- The emotional journey of children trying to balance love and family expectations
It asks a simple but powerful question:
Can love really bring two families together—especially when those families are from two different worlds?
Why You’ll Love This Book
Reading Two States is like watching a feel-good Bollywood family drama. It’s full of real emotions, funny moments, and relatable characters that make you laugh, cry, and think deeply.
💬 Simple and Clear Language
One of the biggest reasons beginners love this book is the language. Chetan Bhagat writes the way people talk—casual, clear, and full of everyday expressions. You don’t need a dictionary to understand what’s going on.
Whether you’re a student, a first-time English reader, or someone returning to reading after a break, this book won’t scare you off. The grammar is easy to follow, and the conversations sound natural, like real life. Even if you’ve never read an English novel before, Two States is a great place to start.
😂 Funny and Honest Moments
The humor in this book is clever, real, and deeply Indian. It doesn’t rely on jokes—it comes from awkward family dinners, nosy relatives, cultural confusion, and the pride each family has in their own traditions.
You’ll laugh when Krish’s Punjabi mother tries to “show off” their culture, and again when Ananya’s father gives long lectures nobody wants to hear. You’ll find yourself thinking, “Oh my God, this is just like my family!”
The comedy comes from truthful situations, not over-the-top drama. That’s why it feels fresh, honest, and so entertaining.
💔 Deep Emotional Layers
While the book is full of laughs, it also has moments that touch your heart. Krish’s difficult relationship with his father is one of the most emotional threads in the story. His father is cold, angry, and emotionally distant—and Krish’s silent longing for his approval is both painful and relatable.
You’ll also see touching moments with Ananya’s family as they slowly warm up to Krish. Their hesitation, pride, and eventual acceptance show how complex and real family emotions can be.
This balance of humor and depth makes Two States more than just a romantic story—it’s also about growing up, healing old wounds, and learning to see people with empathy.
👪 Characters That Feel Like Family
Every character in this book feels like someone you’ve met before.
From the overdramatic Punjabi mother to the overly strict Tamil father, these aren’t just fictional people—they are our uncles, aunties, parents, and cousins. They’re flawed, funny, emotional, and entirely real.
Even Krish and Ananya are far from perfect. They argue, make mistakes, and sometimes struggle with their feelings. But their love is strong, and their journey feels genuine. By the time the book ends, you’ll feel like these characters are part of your own family.
Memorable Characters Of Two States
- Krish Malhotra – Patient, kind-hearted, and truly in love
- Ananya Swaminathan – Confident, bold, and caring
- Krish’s Mother – Loud, dramatic, and obsessed with Punjabi pride
- Ananya’s Parents – Strict and traditional, but slowly revealing their softer side
- Krish’s Father – Cold and angry at first, but his quiet transformation is powerful
Best Quote from the Book
“Love marriages around the world are simple: Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. They get married.
In India, there are a few more steps:
Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy.
Girl’s family has to love boy. Boy’s family has to love girl.
Girl’s family has to love boy’s family. Boy’s family has to love girl’s family.
Girl and boy still love each other.
Then they get married.”
This quote perfectly captures the extra ‘steps’ involved in Indian love stories, with honesty and humor.
“Disclaimer: All rights to this quote and characters belong to the author, Chetan Bhagat. This article is for educational and review purposes”.
🎬 Film Adaptation – Two States: The Movie
Because of the book’s popularity, it was made into a Bollywood movie in 2014.
Here are the film details:
- Title: Two States
- Director: Abhishek Varman
- Producers: Karan Johar & Sajid Nadiadwala
Cast:
- Arjun Kapoor as Krish Malhotra
- Alia Bhatt as Ananya Swaminathan
- Ronit Roy, Amrita Singh, Revathi, and Shiv Subramaniam as the parents
The film stayed true to the story and brought even more color, music, and emotional drama to the screen. It became a hit, and the chemistry between Arjun and Alia was widely appreciated.
If you enjoyed the book, you’ll love watching the movie too. And if you saw the movie first, the book gives you deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Who Should Read Two States by Chetan Bhagat ?
- Beginners learning English and looking for a simple first novel
- Young adults, college students, and teens
- Anyone interested in Indian culture, marriage, and family drama
- Readers who enjoy light romance with emotional depth
- Fans of Chetan Bhagat’s other books like Five Point Someone or Half Girlfriend
- Final Thoughts: A Feel-Good, Honest Indian Love Story
Two States is not just about two people falling in love. It’s about the challenge of bringing together two families, two traditions, and two very different ways of life.
If you want a book that’s easy to read, funny in parts, deeply emotional in others—and totally relatable for anyone who’s grown up in an Indian household—then this is the one.
Whether you’re just starting your English reading journey or you’re looking for a feel-good weekend read, Two States will leave you smiling, maybe a little teary, and definitely entertained.
Don’t forget to watch the movie after reading the book—it’s like watching your favorite characters come alive on screen!