In the vibrant world of Hindi literature, few names shine as brightly as Ved Prakash Sharma, the undisputed ‘King of Suspense’ who revolutionized pulp fiction. Born on June 10, 1955, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Sharma captured the imagination of millions with his gripping spy thrillers and detective novels. His death on February 17, 2017, marks a somber anniversary today, yet his legacy endures through over 170 novels that sold in the lakhs.
Sharma’s genius lay in his ability to weave everyday newspaper headlines into pulse-pounding tales of crime, betrayal, and justice. His language was simple, conversational Hindi that resonated with the common reader, turning reluctant readers into avid fans. Books like ‘Vardi Wala Gunda’ didn’t just sell; they created a frenzy. Published in 1993, it sold nearly 15 lakh copies on its very first day—a record that stunned the publishing world.
The inspiration for ‘Vardi Wala Gunda’ came from a stark real-life encounter. Strolling through Meerut’s Begumpul area, Sharma witnessed a police officer mercilessly thrashing civilians with his baton. The sight of a uniformed man acting like a thug sparked a profound question: Can power corrupt even those sworn to protect? This raw incident birthed one of his most iconic stories, blending social commentary with high-stakes thriller elements.
Beyond ‘Vardi Wala Gunda’, hits like ‘Bahoon Maange Insaaf’, ‘Sadhe Teen Ghante’, ‘Kaid No. 100’, and ‘Daulat Par Topka Khoon’ dominated bookshelves. Readers devoured these thick volumes in days, often renting them to fuel their addiction. Sharma’s narratives packed mystery, romance, murder, and moral dilemmas, mirroring society’s underbelly.
His influence transcended pages. Akshay Kumar starred in the film ‘Khiladi’, adapted from ‘Sabse Bada Khiladi’. Sharma penned the screenplay for ‘International Khiladi’, while ‘Bahoon Maange Insaaf’ hit screens in 1985. Zee TV’s 2010 series featured his detective Keshav Pandit, and Aamir Khan once sought his scripting prowess for a Meerut-set film. Awards like Meerut Ratna in 1995 and Natraj Bhushan in 2003 crowned his career. Even today, his books thrill new generations, proving pulp fiction’s timeless appeal.