Clown Prince

There has already been a test launch of the new magazine in July. “We received an overwhelming response to the first issue,” says Savita Pai,V-P of Product Management,“There were emails from children who loved the new approach we were taking to this timeless character.” Not too much has changed about the constant bungler’s physical appearance. “I think part of his comic appeal lies in his funny appearance—he’s thin,with a long head and long chin and that just cracks people up,” ventures Pai. Suppandi’s adventures are classics of humour—among other things,he once tried to swallow a whole coconut because one of his employers once told him that eating a fruit with its skin on has health benefits. This literal-mindedness continues to be a part of his charm as well. The stories may have relied a great deal on slapstick,but their genius lay in turning even the most mundane,everyday situations into comic treasure.

Of course,in the three decades since Suppandi first appeared on the pages of Tinkle,things have changed in a rapidly evolving India. For starters,the terminology ‘master’ and ‘servant’ is out. “Suppandi now is an ‘employee’ with ‘employers’ and ‘bosses’,” explains Patil,“And the situations have also changed,what with the advent of gadgets such as mobile phones and iPods — there is a greater scope for exploring new territories.” But with all his goof-ups,how does Suppandi continue to find employers? Patil laughs as he says,“Given India’s exploding population and growing employment opportunities,he does find jobs—believe it or not,he even ends up working in places such as BPOs.” As for the name of the magazine,Patil explains,it’s because each issue will have 48 pages.

The really good news,however,is that fans will finally get to see a new side of Suppandi. The new magazine will explore what the character does outside his work hours,who his friends are and who his family is. Pai says,“He has an uncle who’ll be a recurring character in the magazine and who’ll narrate Suppandi’s childhood adventures,and readers will also be introduced to his friends and sister.” Those who were hoping that the goofy hero will find a love interest,however,are in for some disappointment,says Patil. “I don’t think there is any girl out there who can tolerate his bumbling ways.” Also in the offing is an animated 3D feature film on Suppandi. “It’s definitely on track,but is taking slightly longer than we’d estimated,” he says.

For now the magazine is going to be a quarterly,with the first regular issue,being available on the stands by October 30. “We’re pretty sure it will do well,so we’re looking forward to making it a monthly,with a subscription,” says Pai.