At the recent Anime India Convention, the Indian comics community witnessed an important milestone—BhASA was officially introduced as a structured initiative to unite comic creators, publishers, and designers across the country.
The coverage, originally featured in Mid-Day, highlighted the vision shared by Alok Sharma (extreme right in the photograph), who proposed Bhasa as a pan-Indian platform for nurturing comics as both an art form and an industry. Speaking at the convention, Alok emphasized:
“From aspects of sales, insurance, rights for creators and shaping policy, the idea is to bring the spotlight back on Indian comics.”
(Yes, you heard that right—insurance for comic creators. Because let’s be honest, drawing superheroes is fun, but medical bills? Not so much.)
The Bhasa Representation
Bhasa’s presence at the event was led by three stalwarts of the Indian comic and illustration world:
- Alok Sharma – Comic writer, director, producer, and Vice President of Animation at Graphic India. Alok has worked across television, animation, feature films, and radio, and is known for projects such as Astra Force (with Amitabh Bachchan), Bulletproof Anand, and his documentary Chitrakatha: Indian Comics Beyond Balloons and Panels. His career began at Gotham Comics in 2004, and today he continues to be one of the most passionate advocates for Indian comics. (Think of him as the Nick Fury of Indian comics—bringing the team together.)
- Abhijeet Kini – One of India’s most recognizable comic creators, founder of Abhijeet Kini Studios, known for works like Angry Maushi and Fanboys. Abhijeet has been at the forefront of the independent comics scene, blending satire, humor, and Indian ethos in his storytelling.
- Saumin Suresh Patel – A celebrated illustrator, visual storyteller, and art director, Saumin has contributed to comics, graphic novels, and Bollywood projects. Known for his striking illustration style and collaborative projects with independent publishers, he brings a contemporary edge to Indian sequential art.
Why This Matters
The Anime India Convention provided a rare platform where Indian comics could be discussed alongside global pop culture phenomena like anime and manga. For Bhasa, this was an opportunity to:
- Present its vision for policy, funding, and creator rights in India.
- Highlight the need for insurance and support systems for comic professionals.
- Introduce itself as a tribe of storytellers working collectively to elevate comics in India.
- Build bridges between Indian creators and global industry counterparts.
The Road Ahead
With leaders like Alok Sharma, Abhijeet Kini, and Saumin Suresh Patel championing the cause, Bhasa is set to push forward initiatives in:
- Residency programs for creators.
- Archiving Indian comic history.
- International collaborations with festivals and cultural institutions.
- Support systems including legal, financial, and health assistance for creators.
Bhasa’s debut at Anime India Convention marks only the beginning. As the association grows, it aims to ensure that Indian comics are not just remembered for nostalgia, but recognized as a thriving, respected art form on the global stage.
(And who knows—someday, the world may look at Indian comics the way it looks at sushi or K-pop: with admiration, curiosity, and maybe even a little obsession.)