Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year: Difference between revisions

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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Short description|2009 Indian film directed by Shimit Amin}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
| name           = Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
| image = Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year.jpg
| image         = Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| caption       = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Shimit Amin]]
| director       = [[Shimit Amin]]
| producer = [[Aditya Chopra]]
| producer       = [[Aditya Chopra]]
| writer = [[Jaideep Sahni]]
| writer         = [[Jaideep Sahni]]
| starring = [[Ranbir Kapoor]] <br /> [[Gauahar Khan]] <br /> [[Shazahn Padamsee]] <br /> [[Prem Chopra]]
| starring       = [[Ranbir Kapoor]] <br /> [[Gauahar Khan]] <br /> [[Shazahn Padamsee]] <br /> [[Prem Chopra]] <br /> [[Manish Chaudhari]] <br /> [[D. Santosh]]
| music = [[Salim–Sulaiman]]
| music         = [[Salim–Sulaiman]]
| cinematography = Vikash Nowlakha
| cinematography = [[Vikash Nowlakha]]
| editing = Arindam S Ghatak
| editing       = Arindam S. Ghatak
| distributor = [[Yash Raj Films]]
| studio        = [[Yash Raj Films]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2009|12|11}}
| distributor    = Yash Raj Films
| runtime = 156 minutes
| released       = {{Film date|df=yes|2009|12|11}}
| country = India
| runtime       = 156 minutes
| language = Hindi
| country       = India
| budget =  
| language       = Hindi
| gross =  
| budget         = {{INR}}16 crore<ref name=bud>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=159|title=Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year|publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>
| gross         = {{INR}}23.65 crore<ref name=bud/>
}}
}}
'''''Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year''''' is a 2009 Indian [[comedy drama film|comedy-drama film]] directed by [[Shimit Amin]] and produced by [[Aditya Chopra]] under the [[Yash Raj Films]] banner and released in 2009, based on a script by [[Jaideep Sahni]], who collaborated with Amin for ''[[Chak De! India]]''. The film stars [[Ranbir Kapoor]], [[D. Santosh]] and Naveen Kaushik in the leads roles. [[Prem Chopra]] and [[Shazahn Padamsee]] daughter of [[Alyque Padamsee]] and [[Sharon Prabhakar]], who makes her debut in the film, play supporting roles.
 
'''''Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year''''' is a 2009 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[satire]] [[Comedy drama|comedy-drama]] film directed by [[Shimit Amin]], written by [[Jaideep Sahni]], and produced by [[Aditya Chopra]] under the [[Yash Raj Films]] banner. It stars [[Ranbir Kapoor]] in the title role, with [[D. Santosh]], [[Gauahar Khan]], [[Naveen Kaushik]], [[Prem Chopra]], [[Manish Chaudhari]], and debutante [[Shazahn Padamsee]] in supporting roles. The narrative follows Harpreet, an honest and idealistic commerce graduate, who enters the competitive world of sales and forms his own parallel company after facing disillusionment at his workplace.
 
''Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year'' was released theatrically on 11 December 2009, and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics who praised the film's concept, writing, and Kapoor's performance. Although it was a commercial faliure, grossing ₹23.65 crore worldwide, it has gained [[cult following]] over the years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-17 |title=Cult classics in disguise: Bollywood movies that became beloved over time |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/cult-classics-in-disguise-bollywood-movies-that-became-beloved-over-time/photostory/121186380.cms |access-date=2025-10-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
At the [[55th Filmfare Awards]], the film received three nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]] (both for Sahni), and won [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor|Best Actor (Critics)]] for Kapoor. In conjunction with the release, ASTPL launched a mobile video game adaptation based on the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year |url=https://phoneky.com/games/?id=j3j86816 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=phoneky.com |language=en}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Harpreet Singh Bedi ([[Ranbir Kapoor]]), a [[Bachelor of Commerce|B Com]] graduate with approximately 39 percent marks becomes a salesman with a big corporate computer assembly and service company, AYS. Within a few days, a client asks for a [[Bribe|kick-back]]. The top salesmen at AYS acquire large client contracts through bribery. In such a corrupt company culture, Harpreet's honesty only brings him demotion and humiliation. After making concessions to a client for the company, Harpreet realizes that sales success depends on the customer; so if the customer is satisfied, bribery will not be necessary to secure these contracts. No one agrees with him but Harpreet remains firm on his belief and forms his own company, Rocket Sales Corporation, from within AYS. Rocket Sales is being managed by the AYS offices where the Rocket partners were still employed. Unlike AYS, Rocket Sales Corporation's overall strategic goal is customer service and customer satisfaction as opposed to just selling the product through bribes and providing zero customer service. Other disgruntled employees of AYS find their way to Rocket Sales – a place where even the guy who serves tea is an equal partner because he brings talent to the table.
Harpreet Singh Bedi, a recent [[Bachelor of Commerce|B.Com]] graduate with modest academic credentials, begins working as a salesman at AYS, a corporate computer sales and services firm led by managing director Sunil Puri. Guided initially by sales head Nitin Rathore, Harpreet struggles to reconcile his idealism with the company's corrupt practices. When he reports a client’s request for a [[Bribery|bribe]], his actions alienate him from colleagues and nearly cost him his job.


The five-member company targets previous clients of AYS, who were irritated with AYS's attitude and soon enjoys a strong client reputation. The company soon becomes successful because of its dedication to excellent customer service. Although it does not make much profit. Rocket Sales Corp is able to make a huge difference. AYS's sales start decreasing as many of the clients cancel their orders and place orders at Rocket Sales, which offers them better services. Harpreet starts a relationship with Sherena, his first client, whose fashion business had failed.
Determined to follow his values, Harpreet secretly forms a parallel company—Rocket Sales Corporation—with support from sympathetic coworkers: [[technician]] Girish “Giri” Reddy, [[receptionist]] Koena Shaikh, and tea boy Chotelal Mishra. They operate covertly from within AYS, prioritizing [[customer service]] over profit. Nitin eventually joins the venture, softening his stance on ethical sales practices.


The MD of AYS, Sunil Puri, becomes angered by the small company's success. Puri moves quickly to attempt to contact the MD of Rocket Sales Corporation and in a phone conversation attempts to entice him to sell Rocket Sales Corporation to AYS (he does not know it is Harpreet). Harpreet not only rejects Puri's offer but says that his company will buy AYS Computers. Afraid of Puri's attempts, Harpreet's partners have a discussion and move their headquarters to Sherena's house, making her a partner in the process. After multiple failed attempts in locating the Rocket Sales Corporation office, Puri decides to call the number on Rocket Sales Corporation's brochures and the phone at the AYS reception desk begins to ring. After thoroughly insulting him and firing both him and his partners, the MD has Harpreet sign a contract handing over Rocket Sales to him for a final compensation of Re. 1. However, AYS is unable to maintain Rocket Sales' commitment to customer satisfaction because of its cold and greedy personnel. The MD, realizing his downfall in purchasing Rocket Sales, visits Harpreet at his new job at [[Cromā|Croma]], an electronics store, and returns the contract to Harpreet in return for Re. 1. He also tells him never to become a businessman again, because he will fail again. However, this is not intended as an insult, but rather as a compliment; he implies that what made Harpreet so successful was his eschewing of 'normal' business practices such as kickbacks, false advertisement, and low wages.
Rocket Sales gradually draws business away from AYS, frustrating Puri, who attempts to buy the rival company. Unaware of Harpreet's involvement, he is stunned when Harpreet rejects the offer and later discovers the company has been operating from within AYS. Harpreet and his team are fired, and Rocket Sales is absorbed by AYS for a token amount.


The new Rocket Sales office building where a prospective worker is going in for an interview is the ending scene. The firm is implied to be very successful. It shows the former employees, all partners of the business, and finally closes with Harpreet smiling genially at a desk, showing that in the long run, honesty and hard work are sound business practices.
However, AYS fails to uphold Rocket Sales' values, leading to its decline. In a gesture of reluctant respect, Puri returns the company to Harpreet, who restarts the business independently. The film ends with Rocket Sales thriving as a customer-first company, affirming Harpreet’s belief in ethical business practices.
Also, this movie projects some entrepreneurial lessons such as dedication, honesty, self-start, incentivize, and prioritizing customers.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
* [[Ranbir Kapoor]] as Harpreet Singh Bedi  
* [[Ranbir Kapoor]] as Harpreet Singh Bedi  
* [[Gauahar Khan]] as Koena Sheikh
* [[Gauahar Khan]] as Koena Sheikh
* [[Shazahn Padamsee]] as Sherena Khanna
* [[Shazahn Padamsee]] as Sherena Khanna
* [[D. Santosh]] as Girish Reddy
* [[D. Santosh]] as Girish "Giri" Reddy
* [[Manish Choudhary (actor)|Manish Chaudhary]] as Sunil Puri
* [[Manish Chaudhari]] as Sunil Puri
* Naveen Kaushik as Nitin Rathore
* [[Naveen Kaushik]] as Nitin Rathore
* [[Neeraj Sood]] as Lalwani
* [[Neeraj Sood]] as Lalwani
* [[imdbname:1201151|Mukesh S Bhatt]] as Chhotelal Mishra
* Mukesh S. Bhatt as Chhotelal Mishra
* Moksha Dodwani as Tanmay (Taxi)
* Mokshad Dodwani as Taxi
* [[Rajesh Jais]] as Choudhary
* [[Bikramjeet Kanwarpal]] as Inamdar
* [[Amol Parashar]] as Sai
* [[Rajesh Jais]] as S. P. Chaudhary
* [[Debi Dutta]] as Aparna
* [[Amol Parashar]] as Sai Ram
* [[Prem Chopra]] as P.S.Bedi, Harpreet's grandfather
* [[Debi Dutta]] as Aparna "Appy" Singh
* Nidhi Oza as Vibha
* [[Prem Chopra]] as P. S. Bedi, Harpreet's grandfather
* Kayaan Contractor as Ayesha, Sherena's colleague
* Nidhi Oza as Vibha Ahuja
* [[Gireesh Sahedev]] as Wajahat
* Firdaus Mevawala as M. P. Sharma
* Akshat Kapil in a special appearance as Rocket Sales Corporation interviewee
}}


==Critical reception==
==Reception==
Film critic, Rachel Saltz of ''[[New York Times]]'' called it "a smart, focused Bollywood movie" and commended Ranbir Kapoor for "turning in a skillfully understated performance"<ref>{{cite news |title=Movie Review: Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/movies/15rocket.html |work=New York Times |date= 15 December 2009| first=Rachel | last=Saltz | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> while [[Anupama Chopra]] in her ''[[NDTV]]'' review gave it 3 out 5 stars.<ref>{{cite news |title=Review : Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=461 |publisher=[[NDTV]] Movies |date=11 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214063027/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=461 |archive-date=14 December 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
''Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year'' received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its grounded narrative and [[Ranbir Kapoor]]’s performance.


[[Nikhat Kazmi]] in ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3 stars out 5.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Movie-Reviews/Hindi/Rocket-Singh-Salesman-of-the-Year/moviereview/5326330.cms|date=11 December 2009 |work=[[The Times of India]] |first1=Nikhat |last1=Kazmi}}</ref> While ''[[The Economic Times]]'' review gave it a 4 stars out of 5 and called it, "one of the most rocking films of the year"<ref>{{cite news |title=Movie Review: Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Movie-Review-Rocket-Singh--Salesman-of-the-Year/articleshow/5328035.cms |publisher=[[The Economic Times]] |date=13 December 2009 }}</ref> An ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' review by [[Namrata Joshi]] gave it 3 out of 5 stars, saying that the film "Marks a continuum and a departure from the middle-class cinema of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and Sai Paranjape."<ref>{{cite web |title=showtime: Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?263372 |date=28 December 2009|publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] }}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] of CNN-IBN gave the movie 3.5 stars out of 5.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091214021236/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-rocket-singh-a-film-with-all-heart/106947-8.html Masand verdict: Rocket.. a clean, honest film]. Ibnlive.in.com (14 December 2009).</ref>
Rachel Saltz of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described it as "a smart, focused [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]] movie," commending Kapoor for delivering "a skillfully understated performance."<ref>{{cite news |last=Saltz |first=Rachel |date=15 December 2009 |title=Movie Review: Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/movies/15rocket.html |access-date=22 May 2010 |work=New York Times}}</ref> [[Anupama Chopra]] of ''[[NDTV]]'' rated the film 3 out of 5, while [[Nikhat Kazmi]] of ''[[The Times of India]]'' also gave it 3 stars.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 December 2009 |title=Review : Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=461 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214063027/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=461 |archive-date=14 December 2009 |publisher=[[NDTV]] Movies |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kazmi |first1=Nikhat |date=11 December 2009 |title=Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Movie-Reviews/Hindi/Rocket-Singh-Salesman-of-the-Year/moviereview/5326330.cms |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


Many of the serial entrepreneurs called it "a Learning Bollywood Movie for upcoming Entrepreneurs" - Take risk & build relationship with Clients is one of the lesson taught in the movie.
''[[The Economic Times]]'' awarded the film 4 out of 5, calling it "one of the most rocking films of the year."<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2009 |title=Movie Review: Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Movie-Review-Rocket-Singh--Salesman-of-the-Year/articleshow/5328035.cms |publisher=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> [[Namrata Joshi]] of [[Outlook (Indian magazine)|''Outlook'']] gave it 3 stars, noting that the film "marks a continuum and a departure from the [[Middle class|middle-class]] cinema of [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]], [[Basu Chatterjee]], and [[Sai Paranjpye]]."<ref>{{cite web |date=28 December 2009 |title=showtime: Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?263372 |publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] of ''[[CNN-News18|CNN-IBN]]'' rated it 3.5 out of 5, highlighting its refreshing take on ethical entrepreneurship.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091214021236/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-rocket-singh-a-film-with-all-heart/106947-8.html Masand verdict: Rocket.. a clean, honest film]. Ibnlive.in.com (14 December 2009).</ref>
 
The film was also well-received within entrepreneurial circles, with several commentators describing it as a “learning-curve Bollywood movie” for aspiring business owners due to its emphasis on values, risk-taking, and client relationships.


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
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| next_year    = 2010
| next_year    = 2010
}}
}}
The soundtrack is composed by [[Salim–Sulaiman]], with lyrics by [[Jaideep Sahni]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125071243/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/484228/Article1-483836.aspx Music review: Rocket Singh]. Hindustan Times (7 December 2009).</ref> this
The soundtrack is composed by [[Salim–Sulaiman]], with lyrics written by Jaideep Sahni.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125071243/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/484228/Article1-483836.aspx Music review: Rocket Singh]. Hindustan Times (7 December 2009).</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{{Track listing
|-
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
! #
| total_length  = 30:12
! Song
| all_writing  = [[Jaideep Sahni]]
! Singer(s)
| title1        = Pankho Ko Hawa Zara
! Duration
| length1      = 3:54
|-
| extra1        = [[Salim Merchant]]
|1
| title2        = Pocket Mein Rocket Hai
| Pankho Ko Hawa Zara
| length2      = 4:44
| [[Salim Merchant]]
| extra2        = [[Benny Dayal]], [[Neeraj Shridhar]]
| 3:54
| title3        = Gadbadi Hai Hadbadi Hai
|-
| length3      = 4:15
|2
| extra3        = [[Vishal Dadlani]]
| Pocket Mein Rocket Hai
}}
| [[Benny Dayal]], [[Neeraj Shridhar]]
|4:44
|-
|3
| Gadbadi Hai Hadbadi Hai
| [[Vishal Dadlani]]
| 4:15
|}


==Awards and nominations==
==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+
! scope="col" |Award
!Award
! scope="col" |Date of the ceremony
!Category
! scope="col" |Category
!Recipient(s) and nominee(s)
! scope="col" |Recipients
!Result
! scope="col" |Result
!Ref.
! class="unsortable" scope="col" |{{Refh}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="7" |[[Screen Awards]]
| rowspan="6" |[[Screen Awards]]
|Best Actor (Male)
| rowspan="6" |10 January 2010
|[[Screen Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|[[Ranbir Kapoor]]
|[[Ranbir Kapoor]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="7" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html|title=Nominations for Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009|date=2010-03-05|access-date=2017-12-29|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305210636/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html|archive-date=5 March 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| rowspan="6" |<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2010-03-05 |title=Nominations for Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305210636/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/31/5807/index.html |archive-date=5 March 2010 |access-date=2017-12-29 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
|[[Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Gauahar Khan]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Gauahar Khan]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|-
|-
|Most Promising Newcomer (Female)
|[[Screen Award for Best Female Debut|Best Female Debut]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|Most Promising Newcomer (Male)
|[[Screen Award for Best Comedian|Best Comedian]]
|Naveen Kaushik
|[[D. Santosh]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|-
|-
|Best Actor in a Negative Role
|[[Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role|Best Villain]]
|[[Manish Choudhary]]
|[[Manish Choudhary]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|-
|-
|Best Actor in a Comic Role
|[[Screen Award for Best Male Debut|Best Male Debut]]
|[[D. Santosh|D Santosh]]
|[[Naveen Kaushik]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|-
|-
|Best Background Music
| rowspan="2" scope="row" |[[Stardust Awards]]
|[[Salim–Sulaiman|Salim-Sulaiman]]
| rowspan="2" |17 January 2010
|[[Stardust Award for Breakthrough Performance – Female|Breakthrough Performance – Female]]
|Gauahar Khan
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Stardust awards 2010 : Nominees complete list |url=http://www.merinews.com/article/stardust-awards-2010--nominees-complete-list/15794549.shtml |access-date=2017-12-29 |website=www.merinews.com |archive-date=30 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114626/http://www.merinews.com/article/stardust-awards-2010--nominees-complete-list/15794549.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Filmfare Awards]]
|Exciting New Face
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]]
|[[Shazahn Padamsee]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Jaideep Sahni]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Filmfare Awards]]
|{{Nom}}
| rowspan="3" |[[55th Filmfare Awards South|27 February 2010]]
|
|[[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor|Best Actor (Critics)]]
|Ranbir Kapoor <small>(also for ''[[Wake Up Sid]]'' and ''[[Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani]]'')</small>
|{{won}}
| rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malhotra |first=Amit |date=2010-02-27 |title=55th Filmfare Awards 2010 Winners |url=https://www.desiblitz.com/content/55th-filmfare-awards-2010-winners |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=DESIblitz |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Stardust Awards]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]]
|Breakthrough Performance - Female
| rowspan="2" |[[Jaideep Sahni]]
|[[Gauahar Khan]]
|{{nom}}
|{{Nom}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merinews.com/article/stardust-awards-2010--nominees-complete-list/15794549.shtml|title=Stardust awards 2010 : Nominees complete list|website=www.merinews.com|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Exciting New Face
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]]
|[[Shazahn Padamsee]]
| {{nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|}
|}


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* [http://www.yashrajfilms.com/microsites/rocketsingh/rswebsite.html Official website]
* [http://www.yashrajfilms.com/microsites/rocketsingh/rswebsite.html Official website]
* {{IMDb title|1434447}}
* {{IMDb title|1434447}}
* [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/cast/14121/index.html Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year] [[Bollywood Hungama]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090515101154/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/cast/14121/index.html Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year] [[Bollywood Hungama]]


{{Shimit Amin}}
{{Shimit Amin}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2009 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2009 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2009 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2000s business films]]
[[Category:2000s business films]]
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[[Category:Films about Sikhism]]
[[Category:Films about Sikhism]]
[[Category:Indian business films]]
[[Category:Indian business films]]
[[Category:2009 comedy films]]
[[Category:2009 drama films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Shimit Amin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Shimit Amin]]
[[Category:Films about salespeople]]
[[Category:Hindi-language comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Films adapted for other media]]
[[Category:Termination of employment in popular culture]]

Latest revision as of 14:48, 17 March 2026


Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
Theatrical release poster
Directed byShimit Amin
Produced byAditya Chopra
Written byJaideep Sahni
StarringRanbir Kapoor
Gauahar Khan
Shazahn Padamsee
Prem Chopra
Manish Chaudhari
D. Santosh
Music bySalim–Sulaiman
CinematographyVikash Nowlakha
Edited byArindam S. Ghatak
Production
company
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 11 December 2009 (2009-12-11)
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹16 crore[1]
Box office₹23.65 crore[1]

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language satire comedy-drama film directed by Shimit Amin, written by Jaideep Sahni, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. It stars Ranbir Kapoor in the title role, with D. Santosh, Gauahar Khan, Naveen Kaushik, Prem Chopra, Manish Chaudhari, and debutante Shazahn Padamsee in supporting roles. The narrative follows Harpreet, an honest and idealistic commerce graduate, who enters the competitive world of sales and forms his own parallel company after facing disillusionment at his workplace.

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year was released theatrically on 11 December 2009, and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics who praised the film's concept, writing, and Kapoor's performance. Although it was a commercial faliure, grossing ₹23.65 crore worldwide, it has gained cult following over the years.[2]

At the 55th Filmfare Awards, the film received three nominations, including Best Story and Best Dialogue (both for Sahni), and won Best Actor (Critics) for Kapoor. In conjunction with the release, ASTPL launched a mobile video game adaptation based on the film.[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Harpreet Singh Bedi, a recent B.Com graduate with modest academic credentials, begins working as a salesman at AYS, a corporate computer sales and services firm led by managing director Sunil Puri. Guided initially by sales head Nitin Rathore, Harpreet struggles to reconcile his idealism with the company's corrupt practices. When he reports a client’s request for a bribe, his actions alienate him from colleagues and nearly cost him his job.

Determined to follow his values, Harpreet secretly forms a parallel company—Rocket Sales Corporation—with support from sympathetic coworkers: technician Girish “Giri” Reddy, receptionist Koena Shaikh, and tea boy Chotelal Mishra. They operate covertly from within AYS, prioritizing customer service over profit. Nitin eventually joins the venture, softening his stance on ethical sales practices.

Rocket Sales gradually draws business away from AYS, frustrating Puri, who attempts to buy the rival company. Unaware of Harpreet's involvement, he is stunned when Harpreet rejects the offer and later discovers the company has been operating from within AYS. Harpreet and his team are fired, and Rocket Sales is absorbed by AYS for a token amount.

However, AYS fails to uphold Rocket Sales' values, leading to its decline. In a gesture of reluctant respect, Puri returns the company to Harpreet, who restarts the business independently. The film ends with Rocket Sales thriving as a customer-first company, affirming Harpreet’s belief in ethical business practices.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its grounded narrative and Ranbir Kapoor’s performance.

Rachel Saltz of The New York Times described it as "a smart, focused Bollywood movie," commending Kapoor for delivering "a skillfully understated performance."[4] Anupama Chopra of NDTV rated the film 3 out of 5, while Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India also gave it 3 stars.[5][6]

The Economic Times awarded the film 4 out of 5, calling it "one of the most rocking films of the year."[7] Namrata Joshi of Outlook gave it 3 stars, noting that the film "marks a continuum and a departure from the middle-class cinema of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, and Sai Paranjpye."[8] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN rated it 3.5 out of 5, highlighting its refreshing take on ethical entrepreneurship.[9]

The film was also well-received within entrepreneurial circles, with several commentators describing it as a “learning-curve Bollywood movie” for aspiring business owners due to its emphasis on values, risk-taking, and client relationships.

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
Soundtrack album by
Salim–Sulaiman
Released13 November 2009 (2009-11-13)
Recorded2007
StudioYRF Studios, Mumbai
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length30:12
LanguageHindi
LabelYRF Music
ProducerYash Raj Films
Salim–Sulaiman chronology
Kurbaan
(2009) 		Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
(2009) 		Pyaar Impossible!
(2010)

The soundtrack is composed by Salim–Sulaiman, with lyrics written by Jaideep Sahni.[10]

All tracks are written by Jaideep Sahni.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Pankho Ko Hawa Zara"Salim Merchant3:54
2."Pocket Mein Rocket Hai"Benny Dayal, Neeraj Shridhar4:44
3."Gadbadi Hai Hadbadi Hai"Vishal Dadlani4:15
Total length:30:12

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Award Date of the ceremony Category Recipients Result Ref.
Screen Awards 10 January 2010 Best Actor Ranbir Kapoor Nominated [11]
Best Supporting Actress Gauahar Khan Nominated
Best Female Debut Nominated
Best Comedian D. Santosh Nominated
Best Villain Manish Choudhary Nominated
Best Male Debut Naveen Kaushik Nominated
Stardust Awards 17 January 2010 Breakthrough Performance – Female Gauahar Khan Nominated [12]
Exciting New Face Shazahn Padamsee Nominated
Filmfare Awards 27 February 2010 Best Actor (Critics) Ranbir Kapoor (also for Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani) Won [13]
Best Story Jaideep Sahni Nominated
Best Dialogue Nominated

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year". Box Office India.
  2. ↑ "Cult classics in disguise: Bollywood movies that became beloved over time". The Times of India. 17 May 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year". phoneky.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  4. ↑ Saltz, Rachel (15 December 2009). "Movie Review: Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year". New York Times. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  5. ↑ "Review : Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year". NDTV Movies. 11 December 2009. Archived from the original on 14 December 2009.
  6. ↑ Kazmi, Nikhat (11 December 2009). "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year". The Times of India.
  7. ↑ "Movie Review: Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year". The Economic Times. 13 December 2009.
  8. ↑ "showtime: Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year". Outlook. 28 December 2009.
  9. ↑ Masand verdict: Rocket.. a clean, honest film. Ibnlive.in.com (14 December 2009).
  10. ↑ Music review: Rocket Singh. Hindustan Times (7 December 2009).
  11. ↑ "Nominations for Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama. 5 March 2010. Archived from the original on 5 March 2010. Retrieved 29 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  12. ↑ "Stardust awards 2010 : Nominees complete list". www.merinews.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  13. ↑ Malhotra, Amit (27 February 2010). "55th Filmfare Awards 2010 Winners". DESIblitz. Retrieved 28 May 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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