Multifaceted pioneer

Himanshu Rai, founder of Bombay Talkies, was one of the pathfinders of Indian cinema. Pran Nevile writes about The Light of Asia, the first film of this versatile actor, director, producer and writer. After this film, Indian cinema found its place on the world map

Hailing from a distinguished Bengali family, Himanshu Rai gave up his law studies in London in the early 1920s to join the stage for reviving the long-neglected, dramatic traditions of India. His family considered it disgraceful and stopped his allowances. This only spurred his zeal to pursue his chosen vocation. He had first appeared in London in a Rabindranath Tagore play, Maharani of Arakan.

Return of the comics
After a decade-long hiatus, the Indian comic industry is showing signs of revival, writes Ashwaq Masoodi
BE it the wit of the red turbaned Chacha Chaudhary or the bravery of super commando Dhruv, the Indian comic characters seem to have successfully revived their popularity, after a hiatus of nearly a decade. The Indian comic industry saw a decline in sale and readership from around the mid 1990 to early 2004 but now the major publishers of comic books in the country are hoping better days.

Eco-friendly Ganesha idols
Ganesha idols made of clay and paper pulp, or which use naturally extracted colours, have found many takers in Mumbai this year, as environment-conscious residents are making sure that the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations do not come at a cost to nature.