Anant Pai (1929-2011), often likened to India's Walt Disney, is celebrated as the pioneer of the Indian comic book industry. His visionary work made history and Indian culture captivating for both children and adults. His comic book series, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), counts among its fans esteemed directors like Ramanand Sagar, creator of the epic TV series Ramayana, and Oscar-award winner Rajamouli, both of whom drew inspiration from ACK for their works.
In an era when comic books were dismissed as trivial, Anant Pai's Amar Chitra Katha series proved its significant educational value. His relentless efforts to shift this perception were validated when UNESCO recognized its contribution. The series quickly became a phenomenon, captivating audiences across India.
Anant Pai's journey was marked by adversity. Born in 1929 in Karkala, Karnataka, to Konkani-speaking Goud Saraswat Brahmin parents, he faced the loss of his parents at a young age. Raised initially by his grandparents and later by other relatives, he and his two sisters overcame these early challenges. At 12, he relocated to Bombay in 1941, adapting to a vast cultural shift. He devoted himself to his studies, swiftly learning new Indian languages and immersing himself in the nation's culture. Despite his family's expectations, which led him to earn an Engineering degree from the University of Bombay's Department of Chemical Engineering (UDCT), he soon realized his true calling was in storytelling.
Joining the Times of India in 1959 allowed him to stay in Bombay and be close to his college sweetheart, Lalita Goklani, whom he married in 1960 amidst some resistance. He played a crucial role in launching Indrajal Comics, introducing the superhero Phantom to Indian readers. His fervent wish to showcase Indian stories and promote the nation's culture inspired him to leave his job and partner with the Mirchandanis of India Book House in 1967.
Inspired by the iconic artist Raja Ravi Varma and the illustrations from the Jain epic, Kalakacharya Kathanaka, Anant crafted his vision to narrate India's rich heritage through visual stories. His narratives brought to life folktales, cultural anecdotes, religious legends, and epics from Indian mythology, showcasing the nation's greatest figures for children to learn and appreciate. Anant's work also contributed to national integration.
After the success of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), he introduced the children's magazine Tinkle in 1980. As a visionary leader, he identified and assembled talented teams to produce timeless art that has delighted multiple generations.
The original team of artists, beginning with Ram Waeerkar and Pratap Mulick, established the artistic direction for ACK comics. With increasing demand, Anant enlisted additional skilled artists like Yusuf Bangalorewala, Dilip Kadam, CM Vitankar, M Mohandas, Souren Roy, SB Tendle, KP Shankar, and Kavadi. Notably, Pradeep Sathe, VS Halbe, and Pramod Navalkar also contributed to Tinkle.
 |
| Image Courtesy - Uncle Pai by Rajessh M Iyer |
Anant invested considerable thought and effort into the script for the inaugural book, "The Story of Krishna," released in 1969. A revised edition followed months later, incorporating feedback to align with reader perceptions. As the collection expanded, writers such as Kamala Chandrakant, Luis Fernandes, Aabid Surti, B R Bhagat, Dolat Doongaji, AK Lavangia, and Subba Rao (whom Pai met during a school outreach program) joined the team. Nissim Ezekiel was even brought on as an advisor.
During its peak in the 1980s, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) sold over 75 million copies since its inception, with regional language editions outselling the English ones. Anant Pai, known affectionately as Uncle Pai, faced the formidable challenge of keeping a diverse team of artists and writers dedicated to his vision. In the 1990s, due to creative differences and disputes over remuneration, his original team disbanded. Despite declining sales with the advent of satellite TV, Pai persevered with a new team, driven by his conviction that the tales of ACK would remain "amar" (immortal).
"Uncle Pai" is not only the endearing term used by his young admirers but also the title of Anant Pai's biography penned by Rajessh M Iyer.