She comes from an era when reality shows had not yet turned into realities, but her passion for playback singing was never far away even as she took charge as an IPS officer. In fact, one of her first few projects brought her the chance to live life to the fullest.
Just over a decade after cracking the toughest exam in the country SP Vigilance Sambalpur Ms. Sara Sharma is among the top artists on All India Radio. One of her songs inspired by the famous ‘Manike Mage Hithe’ was used for creating awareness about corruption.
But it was not all a rosy walk. Just like many others from middle-class families the enigma of the silver screen beckoned Ms. Sara as a child, and she too faced the dilemma as the motto of these families that always veers toward a secure job.
Pining to be a singer since her childhood, Ms. Sharma tried to practice the songs she used to hear. Her parents too appreciated her talent and even started her singing classes. The now IPS officer, trained in Hindustani classical singing for five years.
Then lack of resources steered her away from her dreams and even her parents advised her to study hard and secure a government job.
That was it, she cracked one of the toughest exams in the country and joined the 2010 batch of IPS officers.
‘IT WILL HAPPEN’
Ms. Sharma, who hails from Odisha and is currently posted in Sambalpur, spoke to Indian Masterminds and says, “When I was growing up reality shows were not that popular and it was not easy for us to even reach the auditioning stage. So, the dream of becoming a playback singer took a back seat.”
She never lost hope. Today, her job demands confidentiality and she doesn’t get much time for singing. She is determined to start a proper YouTube channel where she can explore her art. “I am prepared. I will do it when I get a chance. It will happen someday. My dream will come true”, she said.
She has been using her singing for creating awareness. The officer, who also pens the lyrics for her songs, started with an overnight sensation of a song for the SHE team.
THE SHE TEAM
Ms. Sharma, who was the first woman Superintendent of Police of Gajapati district, during her tenure received a lot of complaints from women about eve-teasing, abuse, and domestic violence.
To end these, a dedicated team and full-time patrolling were needed. So, inspired by the concept of SHE Team in Hyderabad, Ms. Sharma also started a pilot project in Parlakhemundi in Gajapati district.
A team of seven constables led by a female Sub-Inspector (SI) was formed. There were assigned dedicated vehicles and a dress code. This team did round-the-clock patrolling and anyone could reach them on phone. After its success, the SHE team expanded in the entire district.
To popularise the SHE team, Ms. Sharma made a song along with an SI. Her guru composed the music. As hiring a singer was too costly, Ms. Sharma sang it.
“We used basic instruments and local artists. Our budget was strict but that led it to my debut in singing,” recalls Ms. Sharma. The song is in both Hindi and Odia and it helped in the massive popularity of the project. Even the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Naveen Patnaik was so impressed by her song that he praised her on many platforms.
Her childhood dream of serenading life in its myriad hues is being fulfilled and Ms. Sharma has been selected as an ‘A’ grade artist by AIR . She will be singing both modern and bhajans, catch her programme soon.
