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Entertainment

Sharmaji Namkeen and Baghban: Similarities in Plot But Difference in Orientation


Sharmaji Namkeen is late actor Rishi Kapoor's last film that was recently unfolded to the masses. The film also features Paresh Rawal in the same role, who takes the mantle to complete the film post the demise of the iconic star of the Kapoor dynasty. Rawal narrates the story of a man who pursues his passion for cooking after retirement. The film follows Sharmaji and his two sons, Rinku Sharma (Suhhail Nayyar) and Vincy Sharma (Taaruk Raina), as they adjust to their new lives seeing their father sitting at home.

How do the Two Films Sharmaji Namkeen and Baghban Relate to Each Other?

Sharmaji Namkeen and Baghban both tread similar lines on the subject of aging parents and the fluctuating relationships with their children. However, the depictions are in stark contrast to the plots of the two movies. Baghban is largely the saga of a helpless Indian couple who are forced to get separated by their children on the pretext of their inability to take the financial burden.  Raj and Pooja, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini in Baghban, are the elderly parents of five children: Aman, Samir, Saahil, and Nasir.  Alok is the adopted son. The first four characters are portrayed as the film's antagonists, and as the story develops, they receive the wrath of the audience. Whereas, Hitesh Bhatia's Sharmaji Namkeen articulately explores the generational divide and the concept of ideal family bonding.

What is the Plot of Sharmaji Namkeen?

Rishi Kapoor (or Paresh Rawal) portrays the protagonist Sharmaji and Nayyar as Rinku (his son). They try to keep their independence, and their ambitions collide. Neither, however, is portrayed as bad as viewers expected. They never deliberately hurt each other's egos and sentiments; rather, they are attempting to empathize with and support each other. Rinku is always apprehensive about how his father will impact his image with the classic tagline 'log kya kahenge?' Sharmaji never waits for anyone's approval to execute what he desires. Finally, both of them acknowledge that they will have disagreements as long as they live, but they will always prioritize their eternal family bonding.

What is the Message for the Audience?

Sharmaji Namkeen is a real-time family drama with its vivid ups and downs. These are the apparent logic why it's worth viewing. The Baghban story is also not far from the facts and real-life experiences. Elderly parents are deserted by their adult children all around the world.

Final Words

If you have a penchant for a doubleheader, Sharmaji Namkeen and Baghban are both available on Amazon Prime. You can watch them one by one and voice your criticisms.

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