Produced by: BT Desk Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Behind this year's runaway hit '12th Fail' is the real-life story of IPS office Manoj Kumar, who failed in all subjects except for Hindi in 12th standard.
Growing up with meagre savings, Sharma did odd jobs like driving a tempo and walking the dogs of rich families in Delhi to pool together the tuition fees for UPSC, the toughest test for a civil services job.
While working as a peon in a library, Sharma was introduced to the works of Maxim Gorky, Abraham Lincoln and Muktibodh, which helped him prepare for UPSC.
Sharma failed the UPSC exams on his first try. The next two times didn’t bring much luck either. But he kept at it, finally scoring success in his fourth try, and bagging an all-India rank of 121.
Sharma chose IPS and joined the Maharashtra cadre in 2005. He is currently serving as the Additional Commissioner of the West Region in Mumbai.
A large chunk of the movie, which stars actor Vikrant Massey, is about the heartwarming love story between Sharma and his wife Shraddha Joshi. The couple reportedly met at a UPSC coaching centre in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar.
Joshi made Sharma ace his writing skills and even made notes for him. Joshi helms Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, leading initiatives in financial inclusion, livelihood development.
In 2007, Joshi joined the Indian Revenue Services (IRS). 12th Fail has been submitted to the Oscars as an independent entry.