From 12th Fail to IPS: Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Remarkable Journey
The recently released film “12th Fail,” directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey, has captured audiences’ hearts since its OTT debut on December 29, 2023. However, what many might not know is that the movie’s protagonist is inspired by a real-life figure—IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Early Life
Hailing from Morena district in Madhya Pradesh, Sharma’s life began in the small village of Bilgaon in 1977. Financial struggles were prevalent in his family, with his father working in the Department of Agriculture.
Academically, Sharma wasn’t inclined, earning only a third division in Class IX and X. His academic setback continued in Class XII, where he failed all subjects except Hindi. However, it was during this time that he found love, which became the catalyst for a significant turnaround in his life.
Sharma’s life-changing moment came with his affection for Shraddha Joshi. Despite his academic challenges, he eventually proposed to Joshi, who surprisingly accepted, marking a pivotal turning point in his life.
A Grueling Path to Success
Driven by the desire to win Joshi’s heart, Sharma embarked on preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. However, the journey was far from easy.
To finance his exam fees and preparation, Sharma undertook various odd jobs—from driving a tempo to dog-walking for affluent individuals in Delhi. At one point, he even resorted to sleeping on the streets of Delhi.
Working as a peon in a Delhi library, Sharma found solace and motivation in preparing for the UPSC exams. He immersed himself in literature, learning about famous writers, and drew inspiration from their works, instilling in him the spirit of relentless perseverance.
Despite failing the UPSC Civil Services exam thrice, Sharma persisted and finally succeeded on his fourth attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 121, eventually becoming an IPS officer.
Presently, Manoj Kumar Sharma serves as Additional Commissioner in Mumbai Police, earning the monikers “Singham” and “Simba” due to his authoritative demeanor. Moreover, he tied the knot with Shraddha Joshi, who is an IRS officer.
A Real-Life Bollywood Romance
Sharma’s love story with Joshi is akin to a Bollywood narrative. He attributes much of his success and life’s transformation to Joshi, believing that their love transcended all differences.
Reflecting on their courtship, Sharma reminisced about learning to make tea as Joshi, hailing from the mountains, had a fondness for it. Joshi, on the other hand, highlighted the contrasts in their backgrounds, coming from a tranquil hillside where guns were an unfamiliar sight, unlike their wedding, which featured celebratory gunshots.
Sharma’s struggles and unwavering determination make for a compelling cinematic narrative. Even Vikrant Massey, who portrayed Sharma in the film, revealed the character’s enduring impact, expressing emotional difficulty detaching from the role.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey from academic setbacks to becoming an IPS officer, fueled by love and unwavering determination, indeed echoes the essence of a captivating cinematic tale.