People across the nation mourn the death of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle creator Anant Pai
People across the nation mourn the death of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle creator Anant Pai
A scholar once said, "Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale of all." However, one beautiful tale came to an end yesterday with the death of Anant Pai, famously called Uncle Pai.
The creator of Tinkle comics and Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) series, which brought a smile to several thousand children across the country, smiled his last grin at the age of 81.
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He suffered a heart attack and died around 5 pm yesterday. He is survived by his wife Lalitha Pai (72). "He had a heart attack and passed away because of age related complications," says Samir Patil, CEO, ACK Media.
Fond of weaving stories, Pai began his career, which later catapulted him to fame, in 1967 when he created the Amar Chitra Katha retelling traditional Indian folk tales, mythological stories, and biographies of historical characters.
When asked about Uncle Pai, Patil quickly adds, "I grew up reading him. He was dedicated to the art of storytelling." The sudden demise of Pai has created ripples in the publishing world.
For many, his demise is not just a professional loss but a personal loss as well.u00a0"We had published three of Pai's books on personality development.
We had also published more than 300 books of ACK in Hindi," said Narendra Kumar Verma, Chairman, Diamond Pocket books.
Remembering Pai's attitude, Verma added, "His simplicity was very endearing. He would often visit us in Delhi and he preferred a simple meal.
He would often insist on having just one curry with his meal. A man who believed in simple living and high thinking, he will always be remembered."
In 1980, Pai created Tinkle comics, which revolutionised the way Indians perceived comics.
His work saw him receive several awards across his time and his contribution to the comic world was forever etched into history books when he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at India's first-ever comic convention held in New Delhi on February 19-20.
"Unfortunately, he couldn't make it as he was in the hospital. Nevertheless, his wife sent us a sweet video message which was really touching," says Jatin Varma, founder, Comic Con, India.
"He was so thrilled to hear about the comic festival. He told me that he was eagerly waiting for the festival," added Varma.
Unfortunately, his fans were left disappointed, as Uncle Pai couldn't make it owing to his poor health. "I think he is the father of storytelling," concluded Varma.
Although Pai lives no more, his spirit is still present and he will forever be remembered.
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And for the millions of fans that Pai made over the years, Uncle Pai will always be remembered as the bearded man surrounded by a group of kids, whose legacy will live on forever.
Feeling of loss
"Uncle Pai so wonderfully wove history and mythological figures into the series, it was amazing. I used to read a lot of Tinkle when I was small.
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Shikari Shambhu and Kalia the Crow were my favourites," says Akshay Hudar (24), with childlike enthusiasm.
"For me Uncle Pai was the best. I learned so much and yet it was so much of fun. The country has lost one of its most famous storytellers," said Anil (35).
On Twitter
While people grieved the loss of their beloved Uncle Pai, social networking sites were flooded with tweets in his memory.
A tear and a prayer for the demise of the legendary Anant Pai. He is as much a part of my childhood as my education at school. RIP uncle Pai.
Actor Siddharth
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I don't have TV, or get newspapers, so just heard that we've lost Uncle Pai. If I ran a channel/newspaper, he'd be the top headline all day.
Singer Vishal Dadlani
How we'd like some ppl to keep living! Uncle Pai will always live memories!u00a0
Rahul Sharma
I was reprimanded in school once for writing a book review on a Tinkle comic. To me it was the best book in the world. Thanks Uncle Pai.
Niyantha Shekar
Did you know?
Amar Chitra Katha, sells about three million comic books a year, in English and more than 20 Indian languages, and has sold about 100 million copies since it inception in 1967.
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