When a mediaperson chases Lalu Prasad Yadav right up to his bathroom,he shoots back: Ab kya iha se bhi live dikhaoge kya (will you now show me live from here too)? Not a real-life incident,this is a scene from Lalu Toonz,a 26-minute animation film by Bihar cartoonist Pawan on the Union Railway Minister. The theme is medias chase of Lalu everywhere and the RJD supremo enjoying every bit of it. Full of animated discussions,the film raises a good number of laughs. In one scene,Lalu and Rabri are watching Sonia Gandhi on TV where she calls herself daughter of India. Otherwise reticent Rabri is quick to ask Lalu,Why cant I be called daughter of Bihar? Lalu replies: Because I am the son of Bihar,so you can be just daughter-in-law. Pawan,who has done several cartoons on Lalu over the years,says: When I thought of an animation film,there could not have been a better protagonist than Lalu. He can be as strong as Tom and Jerry. Mimic artist Shashi has lent his voice for Lalu. It took us seven months to shoot this film. Dubbing for Lalu was a great experience for Shashi. Lalus saying hat tere ki (oh,no) at regular intervals to show his pretended displeasure at media attention has gone down pretty well. His other catchline is khaderle hai (they keep on chasing me). Pawan had showed one-and-a-half minute film to Lalu,Rabri and their family. Laluji was pleased and wanted me to complete it before the Lok Sabha elections, he says. Since the film is complete now,Laluji may be guarded in his response because of his political compulsions. Political circle is abuzz with reactions as well. Lalus colourful personality has inspired the film. It will be a big hit like other marketing products crackers,candles and chocolates on Laluji, says RJD leader and Patna MP Ramkripal Yadav. JD(U) national spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari does not miss to take pot shots at Lalu either. He has been a cartoon in politics. He has gone to the right place. He might not be jobless after elections and can concentrate on cartoons that can regale audience.
