The symbolic significance of cigarettes in “Sharmaji” is complex, curious, and at times contradictory. While cigarettes are undoubtedly a symbol of modernity, they often fail to conform with other such symbols and are sometimes in direct opposition to them. This is most obvious in the case of Sharma and Gupta’s frequent, lengthy smoke breaks. In these instances, the cigarette offers an escape from work and a rejection of the streamlined efficiency of the office and its division of labor, despite that fact that the cigarettes’ very existence is emblematic of a modern factory system of production and distribution. Indeed, cigarettes surprisingly function here just like Sharma’s beloved paan, a much older and definitively traditional addictive habit, suggesting the capacity of people and societies to incorporate modern practices and technology into traditional habits and rituals.
Cigarettes also exemplify the gender divide, as Rahul spreads rumors around the office about the fact that Miss Das smokes. While this is never explicitly confirmed or denied, the reactions to this rumor further suggest that cigarettes are charged with meaning—they not only stand for a certain kind of modernity but also for a mode of behavior previously reserved for men, making it a radical act for a woman like Miss Das to smoke, at least from the point of view of her male employees. Of course, the symbol of the cigarette is just as ambiguous in this regard, helping to express a general feeling of flux and instability resulting from rapidly changing traditions and gender norms.
Cigarettes Quotes in Sharmaji
In the corridor he bumped into Gupta smoking a cigarette. ‘What Gupta,’ he said, ‘you left me alone to face her.’
‘What to do?’ said Gupta. ‘She has already told me off twice. She thinks it is still Indiraji’s raj. Cigarette?’
‘Might as well,’ said Sharma, and took one. ‘So, how are things with you?’
Gupta lit his cigarette. ‘All right, so so.’ He gave a bashful smile. ‘My parents are searching for a girl for me. I have to get married before December. The astrologer has said that the two years after December will be very inauspicious for marriage.’
‘Are you looking for a working girl, or what?’
‘Yes. We think that might be preferable. How can we manage on my salary? But they bring less dowry. And my sister has to be married off next month. It is very difficult.’
They ordered tea. Sharma lit a cigarette and smoked sadly.
‘Sharmaji, said Adesh deliberately, ‘you had better mend your ways. I can’t help you out next time.’
The tea arrived.
‘What do you mean, mend my ways?’ asked Sharma sulkily.
‘You know what I mean. You don’t seem to know your limits.’
‘Don’t lecture me. You are the general secretary of the union. Your duty is to get me out of this, not give me speeches.’
‘You keep quiet. If you want me to help you, hold your tongue.’
Sharma simmered. Again, insults from someone so much younger.
Cigarettes Symbol Timeline in Sharmaji
