The critically acclaimed movie 12th Fail depicts the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, who despite financial constraints and academic struggles managed to crack the toughest competitive exam on the planet, UPSC. The movie based on Anurag Pathak’s book of the same name was lauded on release for its casts’ amazing performance and its gripping story. Manoj Kumar Sharma’s fantastical story of unrivalled determination fueled by the support of the love of his life, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, is a picturesque story suited for the big screen. Here’s what it is:
IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma comes from a poor family from the Morena District of Madhya Pradesh. He wasn’t overly brilliant in his studies, passing 9th and 10th grades in third division. Not only this, the lowest point came when he failed his 12th class exams, subduing his hopes and dreams and leaving him in a life of destitution.
But his determination and spirit weren’t wavered and he continued his efforts to pass the UPSC exam. He was driven by his ambition, preparing for the UPSC all the while working as a auto driver in Gwalior at one point. His financial situation was so dire that he couldn’t even afford a roof over his head.
It is important to note that he didn’t qualify on his first attempt at the UPSC. He was unsuccessful in three attempts before finally cracking the exam on his fourth attempt. He triumphed and achieved an all India rank of 121. As a library peon in New Delhi, Manoj Kumar studied the biographies of strong and eminent personalities such as Lincoln, Muktbodh, Gorky and others which further strengthened his resolve. But one important thing in his life strengthened his resolve from strong to unbreakable, love.
After Manoj failed his second attempt at the UPSC, he went to Mussorie and expressed his love to Shraddha. Expressing his love, Manoj exclaimed that he would turn the world upside down if she came into his life. In turn, Shraddha told him to go back to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC. When Shraddha came back to Delhi and was sitting with Manoj, Manoj’s friend, who could not crack UPSC said that he should focus on his preparations rather than on his love life because she would leave him if he couldn't crack the Civil Service Examination. Listening to this, heartbroken Shraddha confessed her love and told Manoj to live up to his words, “go and turn the world around”. Fueled by his lover’s belief, Manoj devoted himself to studies, motivated to succeed at all costs. Ultimately, Manoj Kumar Sharma cracked the UPSC examination and went on to become an IPS Officer.
This is a story that was adopted by Anurag Pathak for his book, and subsequently by Vinod Chopra for his movie. Manoj Kumar’s rise to the occasion and his success provides us with motivation and inspiration, and serves as a reminder that anything can be possible with an unshakeable resolve. It is a monument to perseverance and diligence, encouraging future public workers to face their challenges head-on, and never give up when the going gets tough.