Sharmaji Namkeen review :
Rishi Kapoor's swan song turns out to be a warm and touching tribute to the versatile actor who passed away in April 2020 leaving this film incomplete. Paresh Rawal then stepped in to shoot the remaining portions and thus, we get to see both Rishi and Paresh in the same role of Sharmaji - a retired private sector employee who finds solace in cooking and makes it his new profession, much to the chagrin of his two adult sons.
Admittedly, it takes about ten minutes to get used to watching both the actors playing the same role but the screenplay is so breezy and sweet that you get used to it soon enough and then actually end up appreciating Paresh Rawal for gamely inbibing the nuances of the character left incomplete by Kapoor. It is a fantastic performance. The supporting cast, comprising Sheeba Chaddha, Ayesha Raza and Parmeet (Bittu) Sethi, are super competent.
As for Rishi, he is absolute natural here and looks so cute and childlike in some scenes that you just wish to hug him. Sharmaji Namkeen is a perfect feel-good farewell to the fine actor who entertained us for five decades before leaving for his heavenly abode. His scenes with Juhi Chawla will certainly invoke the fond nostalgia of their Bol Radha Bol (1992) days. Do watch it. Sharmaji, tussi fun ho!!
Regards,
Sumeet Nadkarni.
