The series now sells over 85 million copies with more than 400 titles in close to 40 different languages. It could almost four years for Amar Chitra Katha to take off. Mirchandani of India Book House, brought out the first issue of the series, “Krishna”. He left his job in The Times of India and with the help of G.L. He noticed that children could answer questions in Greek mythology but drew a blank when they had to name Lord Rama's mother. He started off with a children's magazine called Manav, which didn't see too much success.Ī Doordarshan quiz he happened to watch changed the course of his life. Despite the scientifically inclined academic background, Uncle Pai had a passion for comics. He studied chemistry, physics and chemical technology at the University of Bombay and had a dual degree. He lost his parents when he was two years old. Tinkle has always maintained a healthy interaction with its readers, filling its pages with contributions from them in the shape of “It Happened to Me” stories, quizzes and stories.Īnant Pai was born on Septemin Karkala, Karnataka. It was an honour, to get your letter published, and the luckiest ones got replies printed alongside.

Letters were written to Uncle Pai thanking him and suggesting changes. Tinkle gave us Supandi and Shikari Shambhu and many many more such characters. He was also the creator of Tinkle, the still popular magazine. It's been more than two decades since Amar Chitra Katha became the reason why children all over the country remember the brave Pandavas and the devoted Hanuman. Known to at least two generations of Indians as Uncle Pai, he showed millions of Indians a way to connect with their roots.

Two days before his demise, Anant Pai won the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Indian Comicon (Comic Convention) held in New Delhi. He is mourned by a nation that grew up on these beautifully illustrated and ingeniously crafted comics. The man behind the Amar Chitra Kathas and Tinkles of our childhood passed away on February 24, 2011. A twitter update said, “RIP Uncle Pai! I learned more from you than from my textbooks, AND you made it fun!”

Amar chitra katha rama