When Brij Gopal Sharma (Rishi Kapoor / Paresh Rawal), fondly known as Sharmaji is subjected to premature retirement from his services, he is advised different ways of keeping himself busy. He fills his hours during the day following his passion for cooking at home. He is clearly most excited to feed his two sons the best of his culinary delights and seeks fulfilment through it. But the elder son Rinku, who is an executive in a private firm, seems to have a problem with whatever Sharmaji does to keep himself busy and constantly eggs him to find something professional to do, like what he used to do when he was employed. Sharmaji's is a small family of three people, he having lost his wife many years ago, but open and transparent communication amongst the three men is clearly a huge issue.
Sharmaji eventually does find his mojo - he finds that there's heavy demand for his cooking abilities and culinary passion among a bunch of kitty friends who are overtly impressed with him. Initially hesitant about the company of women and that he has to cook at their houses, he is quick to realise that he achieves happiness in what he gives and gets as a reward, he strongly pursues his newfound engagement. But he is aware that his sons and other relatives will some day get to know about his pursuit and dreads about the outcome.
Sharmaji Namkeen is a deep introspection about the pursuit of happiness. What should someone do after the professional commitments get over and all the time is available? Should he / she continue to look for opportunities in the field of experience or pursue something that has forever been on the mind that will perhaps give a new dimension to life? How important is it to conform to social norms and consider what others will have to say about the new endeavours? Will the dilemma about what to do and what's socially right to do overburden the mind?
Rishi Kapoor's last screen appearance is a remarkable movie by all means and had he been able to complete it, Sharmaji Namkeen would have been one of his best in his mature years. Not that it isn't, but Paresh Rawal, who stepped in to complete the film after Rishi Kapoor's demise holds his own grounds. Consequently, we get to see two stalwarts playing the same character, but doing their individual brand of histrionics. Whilst hugely enjoyable as a subject that you can instantly associate with, watching two very different people playing the same lead role is uncanny. No harm done, Sharmaji Namkeen is a film for everyone, excellently executed, heartwarming and a raucous comedy. A special mention about Juhi Chawla who encourages Sharmaji to follow his pursuit of happiness, she is brilliant in her little role, and Parmeet Sethi adds zest and glamor.
Sharmaji eventually does find his mojo - he finds that there's heavy demand for his cooking abilities and culinary passion among a bunch of kitty friends who are overtly impressed with him. Initially hesitant about the company of women and that he has to cook at their houses, he is quick to realise that he achieves happiness in what he gives and gets as a reward, he strongly pursues his newfound engagement. But he is aware that his sons and other relatives will some day get to know about his pursuit and dreads about the outcome.
Sharmaji Namkeen is a deep introspection about the pursuit of happiness. What should someone do after the professional commitments get over and all the time is available? Should he / she continue to look for opportunities in the field of experience or pursue something that has forever been on the mind that will perhaps give a new dimension to life? How important is it to conform to social norms and consider what others will have to say about the new endeavours? Will the dilemma about what to do and what's socially right to do overburden the mind?
Rishi Kapoor's last screen appearance is a remarkable movie by all means and had he been able to complete it, Sharmaji Namkeen would have been one of his best in his mature years. Not that it isn't, but Paresh Rawal, who stepped in to complete the film after Rishi Kapoor's demise holds his own grounds. Consequently, we get to see two stalwarts playing the same character, but doing their individual brand of histrionics. Whilst hugely enjoyable as a subject that you can instantly associate with, watching two very different people playing the same lead role is uncanny. No harm done, Sharmaji Namkeen is a film for everyone, excellently executed, heartwarming and a raucous comedy. A special mention about Juhi Chawla who encourages Sharmaji to follow his pursuit of happiness, she is brilliant in her little role, and Parmeet Sethi adds zest and glamor.