Meet ’12th Fail’ fame IPS officer’s real-life ‘Pandey’ Anurag Pathak. Old viral pic

You must have heard all about the inspiring story of Manoj Kumar Sharma's journey of becoming an IPS officer. But do you know who brought forth Sharma’s story to the world? Meet Anurag Pathak, Sharma’s close friend who not only helped him navigate the tough times during his preparation for the UPSC exams but proudly told his story to the world with his bestseller book. Now, an old picture featuring Sharma, his wife Shraddha Joshi and Pathak has gone viral again.

Sharma’s struggles were meticulously portrayed in the film ‘12th Fail’, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on Anurag Pathak's novel, the biographical drama stars Vikrant Massey as Manoj and Medha Shankar as his wife, Shraddha Joshi, an IRS officer.

An integral part of '12th Fail' is the character Pritam Pandey, played by Anant V Joshi. Pritam's role in Manoj's life is pivotal; he introduces Manoj to the UPSC world, setting him on the path to becoming an IPS officer. This act of kindness blossoms into a friendship that provides Manoj with the encouragement and support needed to navigate the challenging journey of civil service examinations. Pritam Pandey, in fact, is the narrator in the film and his character is based on Anurag Pathak.

The real-life bond between Anurag Pathak and Manoj Kumar Sharma mirrors the essence of the film, highlighting the strength and impact of true friendship.

Take a look at their picture together:

Their story is a testament to how genuine companionship can help overcome adversity and achieve dreams.

Anurag Pathak, hailing from Gwalior and now based in Indore, has made significant contributions to Hindi literature. He holds an MA and PhD in the field and is known for his engaging storytelling, as seen in his works like 'Twelfth Fail' and 'WhatsApp Par Kranti'. His literary prowess has not only entertained but also inspired many, much like the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma continues to inspire aspiring civil servants across India.