It’s said ‘What’s in a name’ but for people from the North the genial form of address as in ‘Sharma-ji’ is not only age-old but has an endearing ring to it. That’s because not only do people with the surname ‘Sharma’ abound here, many have achieved fame & success. For me, there are some fond memories of the ‘Sharma’ family who were our neighbours in Lucknow in the 70-80’s and of many friends in school and college who’s claim to fame was excellence in academics & sports, apart from their famous surname. Because it also belonged to one our late Presidents, poets and writers across the spectrum.
While working in BOB, I recall two genial Hindi Officers who we loved to call ‘Sharma-Verma’ Bandhu since they preferred to refer to all of us as ‘Bandhu-Gan’ ! Late Rishi Kapoor’s finest(unfinished) roles was a lovable character in ‘Sharmaji Namkeen’ (2022). Though some indiscreet stand-up comedians are in ‘eye of the storm’, there’s one ‘Kapil Sharma’ and his ‘Comedy Show’ that has more crass than class, but he rules the roost. Call them ’Sharma-ji’ if you will, but they’ve been indispensable to us in many ways !
In our country, contributions in the cricket arena become folklore and ‘Sharmas’ have scored heavily in this field. Remember the late Yashpal Sharma, the doughty right hand batter who was one of the 1983 World cup Heroes. How can one forget pacer Chetan Sharma who’s a superb hat-trick was slightly marred in history by Miandad’s last ball 6. Ishant Sharma, the tallest of pacers still rolls his arm in IPL after a great Test career. A lesser known talented all rounder was UP’s Gopal Sharma who also played for India.
That said, it’s the present day cricketing super-stars who are in limelight. Leading the pack is ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma, India’s Captain who brought home two World Cups in a year and has led MI 5 times as IPL Champions. Yet, he’s looking woefully out of touch in IPL 25, but his leadership skills are vindicated & he’s likely to remain India’s Captain. A sensational talent emerging from the IPL ranks is Abhishek Sharma (playing for SRH) who’s blistering 141 in 55 balls stunned a resurgent Punjab into an unexpected defeat. He’s mentored by splendid Yuvraj Singh that doesn’t augur well for opposition bowlers. Also, there are at least three other ‘Sharmas’ playing for the various IPL franchises now.
It’s unintended but we’ve talked so far about the ‘Sharma-jis’ and all the likeable men but how can there no mention of illustrious ladies ? Anushka Sharma was one of the finest stars who had a superb start with Ranvir Singh in ‘Band Bajaa Baraat’ and acted in powerful roles as in ‘NH-10’. Now, less active as an actress she’s been acknowledged by her husband, the iconic King Kohli, as his biggest support system. Not in same league, but starting out well in films are two young actresses Neha Sharma and Adah Sharma.
This article is a small tribute to all the versatile and charming ‘Sharmas’ I’ve known !
Working on Living 