'Dacoits And Rebels Different': '12th Fail' IPS Manoj Kumar Speaks On Life In Chambal At Ideas Of India

IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, whose life and struggle influenced the film 12th Fail, was speaking at the session- "Courage and Compassion: The Incredible True Story of an Unlikely Hero."

'12th Fail' Manoj Kumar Sharma Speaks at ABP Network's Ideas of India

People of Morena-Bhind are not 'dakaits' (dacoits), we are 'Baghis' (rebels), IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, whose life and success inspired the film- 12th Fail, said while speaking at ABP Network's Ideas of India Summit.

The '12th Fail' real life star said there is a huge different between 'Dakaits' and 'Baghis'.

"Baghis (rebels) are those who revolt against the system. We were the people who revolted against the system. I had this wish for many years that I should show that this area is not of 'dacoits' but of the people who work hard and progress in their lives," Manoj Kumar said.

IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma made the comments was speaking at the session- "Courage and Compassion: The Incredible True Story of an Unlikely Hero." 

Narrating about his hometown Morena, Manoj Kumar said Joura was a place where dacoits surrendered. 

"Joura is 4-5 km from my village. It was the place where dacoits surrendered. Big leaders like Vinoba Bhave, Jaiprakash Narayan and Subba Rao came there. The dacoits surrendered there and made a Gandhi ashram there," he said.

The IPS officer added that he was himself associated with these movements and participated in their yatras.

He further said that Chambal is not dacoits alone, it is more than that. He suggested that if the people of the Chambal belt was interested in guns, then one should have opened rifle clubs or shooting range.

The movie 12th Fail, based on Anurag Pathak’s 2019 non-fiction book of the same name, narrates the true story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, who went against all adds and cracked the prestigious UPSC examination to become an Indian Police Service officer. 

The story of Manoj Sharma hit the limelight ever since the movie- 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey was released in December 2023.

Sharma is currently working with the Mumbai Police as an Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP). He has also served as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).