Chacha Chaudhary is India’s first indigenous superhero comic series. He is like no other and his superpower is his faster-than-a-computer brain. Always seen with a turban and a moustache that is unrivalled by no one other than Hercule Poirot, The character of Chacha was created by the renowned cartoonist, Pran Kumar Sharma for the Hindi magazine “Lotpot”. The larger than life Chacha soon became a household name in India. His pet dog Rocket, Sabu his trusted aide, Chachiji, Pinky and Billoo are all recurring characters we have grown to love. We are honoured to interview Chacha Chaudhary and Nikhil Pran-the person who has completely reinvented Chacha to make him contemporary and relevant in today’s times.
Please share the idea behind creating Chacha Chaudhary.
P- Chacha Chaudhary is a wise old man who solves problems by using his brain. We Indians are known to be intelligent across the world. Cartoonist Pran was inspired by Confucius, an intelligent and profound Chinese philosopher to create a superhero who everybody loves, to date. Pranji wanted to bring a smile on our face through his humour in the comics. And with the laughs, he would share a subtle social message too.
C- I am an Indian superhero whose brain works faster than a computer and solves the problems of our society. Our country is known for having an elderly person in every household-a matriarch or a patriarch who would guide and mentor us. The tenet behind the comic series is the same, to seek guidance from our elders and learn. All comic ideas are based on our Indian society and humour.
How relevant are you Chachaji in today’s times?
C- It is important to keep re-inventing the wheel. When children stopped reading comics, I came and met them daily through television, and now on Disney Hotstar I am an animated series. So, yes I have evolved too. I know more about technology now. People like me will be always needed, as our society still has many deep-rooted prejudices and problems. Together, we can definitely try to make our country a better place.
Share some thoughts that go behind creating the series while trying to keep it interesting even today.
P- Unlike other international comic characters, Chacha Chaudhary comics are based on Indian themes. The storyline is based on the latest ideas of our society. Recently, we created stories based on surgical strikes and the bullet train. To keep it interesting and exciting we add adventure and suspense in our stories. We collaborate with young minds, research on what is topical. In fact, we recently had an interesting round of discussions with the editors of this paper, to create Billoo !!
Books , TV series , cartoons what can be next for Chacha Chaudhary?
C- Digital comics, mobile games, merchandising and maybe even space. If Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson could travel to space, I definitely can. Besides, my loyal and faithful friend, Sabu, is from Jupiter, so maybe a trip to Jupiter to meet his family !
How have comics evolved with technology?
P- Earlier comics used to be hand drawn. But now with computers, the process has become faster. Drawing, inking , colouring and compilation of comics is all done using technology. It still is sheer hard work to curate fresh and exciting content week on week.
How old are Chacha , Chachi and Sabu ?
C- Cartoonist Pran created us in 1960. An interesting fact in the comic world is that cartoon characters never grow old. Even after 50 years, I still look the same. Maybe, after meeting you all, I will feel younger and more energetic too.
If made into a movie, who do you think can play Chacha and the other characters in today’s times ?
P-Aamir Khan would be a perfect actor to play the role of Chacha Chaudhary. Just like Chacha, he is dimunitive in his appearance, naughty yet wise.
C- I would love to have a Hollywood hero cast alongside as Sabu, maybe Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman. He could fit the role of Sabu to a T. What fun it would be, our series then truly becomes global.
What is Chacha Chaudhary’s advice to children?
P- There are no short cuts in life. Whatever you want to achieve in life, set a goal and work for it hard, until you get it.
C- Do not take yourselves too seriously. Childhood is also about having fun, meeting friends, playing and reading lots of comics in the summers. So, do JUST THAT !!
Cheers !