Cartoon characters are not just illustrations; they are childhood friends, full of kinks, giggles, and moral lessons hidden ingeniously in their adventures. From Tom chasing Jerry around the house to Popeye's muscles gained from spinach, these characters have become a part of our psyche. But even as global icons occupied the television screens, India treated us with a bounty of indigenous heroes that reflected our society and way of life.
1. Mowgli- The Jungle Book
Rudyard Kipling's creation, Mowgli, is a household name. From Bagheera to Bhalu, the adventures of Mowgli have been remade into films, cartoons, and songs that still fascinate generations. "Jungle Jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai…" is etched in the memories of those who grew up in the '90s.
2. Chacha Chaudhary and Sabu
Conceived by Pran Kumar Sharma in 1971, Chacha Chaudhary's mind "functions quicker than a computer." With his wife or Chachi, Sabu, and his faithful dog Rocket, Chachaji solves mysteries with humor and prudence. Chachaji in his turban and wooden stick, and Chachiji with her belan and polka-dotted saree reflect a typical middle-class Indian family.
3. Suppandi
Tinkle's lovable moron, created by Ram Wadeerkar, is the loyal servant whose innocence and interfering nature have everyone in stitches. Suppandi is endearing because he is simple and down-to-earth.
4. Shikari Shambu
Born out of the imagination of Vasant Halbe and Luis Fernandes, Shambu is the slothful hunter whose incidental bravery generates mirth and thrill for Tinkle readers. His moustache, hunter's get-up, and humorously inopportune luck render him indelible.
5. Chhota Bheem
Rajiv Chilaka's Dholakpur hero is a valiant, heroic boy whose laddoo-powered acts of strength defend the innocent. Chhota Bheem and his gang of friends represent rural India with folklore-laden adventures.
6. Motu Patlu
Inspired by Laurel and Hardy, chunky Motlu and scrawny Patlu fight misadventures with wit. Developed by Kripa Shankar Bharadwaj, their escapades are still a hit with kids and adults.
7. Feluda
Satyajit Ray's sleuth Feluda, based on the lines of Sherlock Holmes, often assisted by his cousin Topshe, uses brains and keen observation. Feluda stars in novels and short stories and is not a cartoon in the strict sense, but one of the most popular fictional characters in West Bengal. Feluda has been depicted in cartoons, movies, and television serials, entrancing generations.
Cartoons are beyond fiction.
These characters are mirrors of real life. These characters are more than just entertainment; they capture the feelings, bonds, and difficulties of real life.
Suppandi mimics naive foolishness, Chhota Bheem teaches courage and unity, and Chacha Chaudhary reminds us of wise elders. Cartoons are a lively method of revealing life's truths via humor and adventure.
