New Delhi, India

Time and again, we have got movies celebrating the ordinary lives of woman, highlighting their day-to-day hustles that most of us often overlook. Over the years, numerous films and shows have explored the struggle of a working woman, a housemaker, who has a lot more potential than everyone thinks of, and even a young girl, who is trying to prove her mark. The new addition to this genre celebrating womanhood is Tahira Kashyap's Sharmajee Ki Beti. 

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If you are an Indian, you are well aware of the colloquial phrase ''Sharma-Ji-ka beta''. Growing up, at least once in our lives we've all been compared or have listened to the achievements of Sharma ji's(synonymous to a neighbour's over-achieving child) son. However, in this movie, Tahira Kashyap has ditched the sons and explores the life of the daughters of the Sharma household with a humorous tone as she tells ordinary stories in a middle-class setting. While there are ample numbers of movies and shows on womanhood, girlhood and motherhood already in store, Tahira's directorial feature can be seen as a beautiful addition. The movie might not have anything new, but it still offers an entertaining and incisive tale dedicated to the women around us. 

What is Sharmajee Ki Beti all about?

Set in the hustle and bustle of vibrant Mumbai, where life runs at full speed, with no pause. The movie explores the lives of five females of different age groups with different ambitions, dreams and mottos. The only thing that these girls have in common is their surname - Sharma.

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The movie starts with Swati (Vanshika Taparia), a cranky 14-year-old girl who is only worried about not getting her periods, constantly questioning herself that she might be different from others. Apart from her struggles that are constantly going on in her adolescent mind, she's not happy with her mother Jyoti (Sakshi Tanwar), who is a dedicated teacher. Outside her home, Swati finds her happiness in her best friend Gurveen (Arista Mehta), and the two share everything. At the same time, there is Gurveen's mother Kiran (Divya Dutta), a happy and joyous housemaker who is struggling to adapt to the busy and lonely life of Mumbai. Then there is Kiran's neighbour Tanvi (Saiyami Kher), an enthusiastic state-level cricket player, who has been constantly discouraged by her boyfriend to leave cricket and adopt a more girly life.

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Tahira Kashyap's Narrative

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Women tell women's stories best and Tahira has done her best job. However, we can't ignore the fact that while watching, there was a sense of deja vu from so many shows and movies that we have seen over the years.

The film effectively questions societal ideals expected out of women, who dons many hats- that of a mother, a homemaker, and a girlfriend among others. 

Aptly written by Tahira, the movie explores the life of every character well, whether it's Jyoti, who despite having no financial liabilities, chooses to work and excel in her job. Then there is Kiran, a wealthy woman from a north Indian city, Patiala, who is trying to adjust to urban life and how after endless efforts, she proves her worth.

The movie effectively celebrates the lives of different women and their unapologetic take towards their lives. While juggling between their career and personal lives; how it's totally fair if they focus on their career growth, celebrate personal achievement, manage dynamics with family and their relationship, and in the end choose and prioritise themselves over everyone else. The one thing that I liked most about the movie is how well menstruation is addressed. How two young girls are freely talking about their periods with no embarrassment or shame. And that's how it should be dealt in pop culture. 

The Faults?

Sharmajee Ki Beti is a feel-good movie, and not for entertainment. While watching a movie, the viewers need elements to keep them interested and glued to the screen- which this film lacks. After a good start, I started losing interest midway, thinking that makers did not have much to explore or tell. The story became repetitive and at one point you can easily guess what's coming in the next frame. 

Cast Performance 

With a perfect cast, the movie is sketched and presented well. Actor par excellence Sakshi Tanwar humbly plays the role of a mother, and Sharib Hashmi is best as a supportive husband. Divya Dutta gives a credible performance that will grab your attention in every frame that she's in. Vanshika Taparia and Arista Mehta bring their young energy to the film with their act. Saiyami Kher's performance was decent.

Final Verdict

Sharmajee Ki Beti is a film celebrating the lives of ordinary women around us - their little accomplishments, goals and strengths. The movie is not for entertainment purposes but is a poignant reminder to honour the women of your lives.