Meet Real Life Pritam Pandey Aka Anurag Pathak From 12th Fail & His Bond With IPS Manoj Sharma

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film 12th Fail has been well received by the audience, this heartwarming movie won the hearts of many. The actors in the film including Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, and many others, have outshined themselves by perfectly playing each of their characters.

The movie was not only a sleeper hit at the box office but was also streamed by several people once it made its way to the OTT platform, Disney+Hotstar. The film 12th Fail is about the real-life story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma. It is also based on Anurag Pathak’s best-selling book of the same name. It depicts how Sharma despite financial and personal obstacles, passed the UPSC test on his fourth and last attempt to become an IPS officer. The movie also emphasizes the significance of Manoj’s friends (Pritam Pandey), teachers (Vikas Divyakirti), and his love Shraddha Joshi’s (Medha Shankar) contributions to Manoj’s feats.

The movie makes it clear that during his journey to success, Manoj was supported by a few people who were close to him, valued his hard work, and cared about him. One such character that needs to be acknowledged for his role in supporting Manoj is Pritam Pandey.

Who is Pritam Pandey?

Pritam Pandey, played by Anant Joshi, plays a crucial role in Manoj’s journey and serves as a guide in Sharma’s pursuit of success in clearing his UPSC exam.

The movie shows that it was Pandey who introduced Manoj to the world of UPSC and informed him about the prospects of becoming an IPS officer. Pandey serves as a stranger who is kind enough to take Manoj under his wing and provide him with the support he needs at his worst time. His selfless friendship with Manoj which later turns into a deep bond is something everyone longs for.

Considering Pandey as a real-life person, we can infer that he is a UPSC student turned TV reporter. But as Pandey has stayed out of the limelight it’s difficult to relate a face to the name.

Pritam is a constant companion of Manoj in the film. His personal journey is realistic – a life dictated by his father to pursue something he is not interested in reflects an important reality for several UPSC students. Pritam is also the narrator of the film. It is believed that the primary character in Anurag Pathak’s book ’12th Fail’ is based on the author himself.

Who is Anurag Pathak aka the real-life Pritam Pandey?

Anurag Pathak is a prominent Indian author who has made significant contributions to Hindi literature. He was born on August 5, 1976, in Gwalior, India. He is known for his works “Twelfth Fail,” and “Whatsapp Par Kranti”. Pathak is passionate about storytelling and inspiring others.

Pathak was interested in Hindi literature from a young age and pursued his academics in the same. He did his M.A. and Ph.D. in Hindi Literature from Maharani Laxmibai Arts and Commerce College, Gwalior. He is a scholar in Hindi literature who is also dedicated to his craft.

There is not much information about Anurag Pathak’s family background but they must have been supportive as they influence in shaping one’s values and outlook. Anurag Pathak presently resides in Indore with his wife and family.

Anurag Pathak career is marked by two of his significant works namely, “Whatsapp Par Kranti,” which delves into the impact of social media on modern society, and his second book, “Twelfth Fail,” which has a biographical approach and tells the story of IPS Manoj Sharma. It aims to inspire the youth in India, particularly those struggling with the anxiety of exam failures.

Read the inspiring real life story of @ManojSharmaIPS that inspired this brilliant @VVCFilms adaptation, starring the phenomenal @VikrantMassey in #TwelfthFail by @ANURAGP87241048, tr. @GautamChoubey9 and #LalitKumar.

Get yours: https://t.co/QqthJHz6so https://t.co/eU1Ahc4QzP pic.twitter.com/XA46S1stkF

— HarperCollins (@HarperCollinsIN) January 3, 2024

The bond Anurag shares with IPS Manoj Sharma

In an interview with Lallantop, IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma spoke about the author of the novel based on his life. Anurag Pathak is also his closest friend. Sharma described Pathak as an ideal friend and shared stories about Pathak’s constant support throughout his difficult times. His description of Pathak’s position in his life has a striking similarity to that of Pritam Pandey from the movie. IPS officer Sharma expressed,

“Anurag is one such friend who has been there and supported me in life like no one else could ever. He is the definition of the word friendship”

Sharma also recounted their history while staying in Delhi, stating,

“He was the one getting money from home. I had nothing on me. But he would give me his wallet and then ask me for Rs 8 of his own money to buy Chow Mein.”

The friendship in 12th Fail between Manoj Kumar Sharma and Pritam Pandey goes beyond the screen. Anurag Pathak and Manoj Kumar Sharma’s real-life companionship demonstrates the power of true friendship. True friends endure hardship and stay strong through the passage of time and Manoj and Pathak’s relationship proves it.