A crash course in Indian superheroes before Bhavesh Joshi Superhero

Here’s a look at the famous desi superheroes India has seen.

Much before Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff donned a mask and cape and swooped in as the first few Indian superheroes, the comic world had introduced children to the real deal -- the desi superheroes who were rooted in local context. While these desi superheroes never made to the big screen, they were more Indian than Krrish or Flying Jatt who owe more to a Batman or Superman than we know.

With filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane is all set to introduce us to a vigilante superhero, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, played by Harshvardhan Kapoor, it is time to dust out our comics and take a quick refresher in the world of Indian comic book superheroes with their colourful suits and innovative hairstyles.

Doga

Doga wore the mask of a dog and was a kind of Pied Piper for dogs. With one ultrasonic whistle, all dogs in the vicinity would run to Doga’s aid. He was adopted by a dacoit, Halkan Singh, and he grew up in the company of dogs. A superhero and street dogs, now that is what we call a story.

BhokaalThis superhero came from the fairy land, Parilok, to take revenge for his parents’ death from humans, only to realise later that his real parents were humans! Bhokaal is a king’s warrior who summons his powers by calling out ‘Bhokaal’.

Super Indian A dhoti-clad superhero, Super Indian was the clone of his evil father, Ahankari. Brought up and saved by Rudraksh Baba, he was on the side of angels.

Nagraj

Nagraj had a green snake-skin body and could shoot long lines of poisonous snakes. Much like what is believed about snakes in Indian culture, Nagraj loved milk and he even drank milk while frequenting pubs! Nagraj specialised in fighting terrorists who disturbed his city, Mahanagar.

Super Commando Dhruv

Super Commando Dhruv drove a bike, could swing like Tarzan and was adopted by a cop when his parents, circus acrobats, passed away. Dhruv also had a superwoman who helped him, Chandika.

ShaktiA desi superwoman and one that fought for women’s rights, Shakti emerged after Chanda sought Goddess Kali’s help in punishing her husband who had been killing her daughters before they were born. Kali blesses Chanda with the power to awaken her inner Shakti each time women needed help.

Shaktimaan

Superhero to every 90s kids, Shaktimaan was played by Mukesh Khanna. A naive common man Gangadhar by the day, he transformed into superhero Shaktimaan when people called out in distress. His main enemy was Tamraj Kilvish. Shaktimaan’s source of superpowers was meditation and yoga.