Not Every Show Wins, But Every Show Matters

 Not every story is a hit, but every effort teaches us something useful. Maharana Pratap, Mission Zombie, Pakshiraj, Shaadi Ya Sale, The Sword God, and Veer Warrior etc may not have gotten as many views as some of our other shows, but making them was just as important.

 The team spent countless hours behind the scenes coming up with new ideas, rewriting scenes, polishing dialogues, and brainstorming.We tried to match the dialects of our characters to the regions they lived in, we tried out character arcs that were out of the ordinary, and we took risks with formats that weren't always easy to pull off.  These shows taught us how to be strong, how important small things are, and how brave it is to keep coming up with new ideas.

 The process was still worthwhile, even though the results were mixed. It made us feel good, showed us what listeners like, and reminded us that being creative is just as much about trying new things as it is about succeeding.

 We appreciate every writer, editor, and performer who worked on these projects with all their heart.  These trips make me even more sure that every experiment, even the ones that don't work out, brings us one step closer to being better storytellers.

----------------

Beyond Numbers: Celebrating Creativity and Team Spirit

 

In the last few years, some of our audio shows have reached amazing heights.From Chanakya's wise words to Super Yoddha's epic adventures, Vashikaran's thrilling suspense, Insaani Dragon and Veer Warrior's fantasy worlds, Sherdil's heartfelt grit, and Zero to Hero's rise to fame, each story touched the hearts of millions.

 The numbers speak for themselves, but it's also the love from our fans and the hard work of our whole team that made this happen. Everyone who worked on these projects turned ideas into things that people connected with every day.

 This journey has been about more than just plays and ratings; it's been about working together, being creative, and trusting each other. Each milestone is a reminder that when we work together, we make something that lasts.

 Thank you so much to everyone on the team for putting their heart and soul into every script, sound, and episode.  And thanks to our listeners for letting these stories into your lives.

 Here's to more stories, more milestones, and more memories to come.

Further updates related to this will be shared shortly...

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एक घर जो कभी छोटा न पड़ता था...

 

देवबंद में नाना-नानी का दो मंजिला मकान काफी जगह में फैला था। बचपन में गर्मियों की छुट्टियों में इतने cousins और रिश्तेदार आ जाते थे, लेकिन जाने कैसे उस घर में सबके लिए भरपूर जगह निकल ही आती थी। जैसे उस घर में कोई जादू हो कि वो कभी छोटा नहीं पड़ता। पहले के बड़े मकान या हवेलियाँ इतनी खुली जगह में बनती थीं कि आजकल के architects भी सोच में पड़ जाएँ कि इतनी जगह क्यों waste कर दी।

घर के बाहर का रंग भी अलग ही था। शायद गुलाबी करवाया था, जो धूप पड़ते-पड़ते नारंगी और गुलाबी का एक अनोखा मेल बन गया था। हर किसी को अपनी उम्र के हिसाब से साथी मिल जाते थे और कुछ हफ्तों का एक routine सा बन जाता था। सुबह नाश्ता, फिर आंगन या पास की खाली जगह में खेलना। कभी-कभी मामा जी बच्चों को बाग में ले जाते थे। वहाँ मामा जी किसी guide की तरह हमें पेड़ों और कुछ वन्य जीवों के बारे में जानकारी देते थे, जो भूले-भटके वहाँ आ जाते थे।

दोपहर होते ही बड़े भाई-बहनों से कॉमिक्स-पत्रिकाओं की फरमाइश शुरू हो जाती। तभी दूर से कुल्फी वाले के भोंपू से पहले उसके जर्जर ठेले की bottles की आवाज़ सुनते ही बच्चों का गिरोह दौड़ पड़ता। पैसे कहाँ से आएँगे, कौन देगा, इसकी चिंता किये बिना ही ढेरों ऑर्डर दे दिए जाते। जब धूप का असर कम होता तो पास के बाज़ार में घूमने निकल जाते। वहाँ इतनी दुकानें थीं कि हर बार कुछ नया देखने को मिलता। कभी कंचे वाला soda लुभाता, तो कभी उस समय की नई सी लगने वाली wafer chocolates। कोशिश ये रहती कि झुंड के साथ एक-दो बड़े लोग रहें, ताकि खाना-पीना चलता रहे।

शाम को कभी cartoons देख लेते। रात में light आती तो ठीक, लेकिन अगर ज्यादा देर के लिए चली जाती, तो सबके बिस्तर छत पर लग जाते। अब इतनी भीड़ में आसानी से नींद आ जाए, ये कैसे हो सकता था। कोई Disney hour पर बहस कर रहा होता, कोई मामा जी की चीते से लड़ने की कहानी सुन रहा होता, कहीं भूत-चुड़ैल के address verify किए जा रहे होते, तो कहीं इस पर चर्चा होती कि India Champions Trophy में कैसे qualify करेगी। ऐसे में अगर नीचे जाकर पानी, चादर आदि लाने को हम छोटे बच्चों को कहा जाता, तो अँधेरे जीने में जाना सबसे बड़ा challenge लगता।

उस दिन छोटे मामा जी के देहांत पर जब देवबंद पहुँचा तो मेरे भीतर का बच्चा अपने जाने-पहचाने spots को ढूँढ रहा था। आस-पास सबने अपने घर तुड़वाकर नए तरीके से बनवा लिए थे। ननिहाल के घर की थोड़ी मरम्मत ज़रूर हुई थी, लेकिन वो अब भी पुरानी यादों जैसा ही था। बाहर के गुलाबी रंग की quality बेहतर हो गई थी, जिसका मुझे अफ़सोस था, क्योंकि मेरे मन में तो वही पुराना गुलाबी-नारंगी रंग देखने की इच्छा थी। पहले के बने जरोखे, न जाने paint के कितने coats से ढक गए थे, और मज़बूत दरवाज़े अब भी वही थे।

देवबंद के बाज़ार में बड़े-बड़े hoardings लगे थे। पता नहीं इस सब के बीच वो दुकानदार अब भी होगा क्या, जिससे हम Big Fun और Big Babool के साथ cricket cards लिया करते थे। बाग जाने का मन हुआ, लेकिन पता चला अब हर जगह colony कट रही हैं। वहां का रास्ता पहले जैसा नहीं रहा, और मुझे साथ ले जाने वाला कोई “बड़ा” भी तो नहीं था।

मामा जी तस्वीर में मुस्कुरा रहे थे और सबकी आँखें नम थीं। पहले जब हम आते थे तो वे न जाने कैसे गरमा-गरम चाट, समोसे, fresh फल और मिठाई तुरंत ले आते थे, जबकि दुकानों का रास्ता इतना पास भी नहीं था। ऐसा लगता था जैसे दुकान वाले खुद दौड़कर उन्हें पकड़ा गए हों कि भांजे-भांजियों को सब कुछ ताज़ा मिलना चाहिए।

हमारे बचपन को सुंदर बनाने वाले मामा जी चले गए। अब देवबंद का नाम सुनते ही मन में खुशी नहीं, बस एक गहरी उदासी उतर आती है।

#ज़हन

Recognized Among India’s Top Comic Creators at WAVES 2025

I’m truly honored to be among the finalists in the Professional Category of the WAVES Comics Creator Championship, an initiative by the Indian Comics Association in partnership with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Being selected alongside so many talented creators across India is a proud moment for me and my co-creator Ayush Kumar. This platform celebrates creative storytelling and artistic innovation, aiming to take Indian comics to the global stage.

Grateful to the esteemed jury and organizers for this recognition. Excited to represent my work at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 in Mumbai this May. Thank you to everyone who has supported my creative journey so far, this is for all of us who believe in the power of stories and comics.

Official Press Release (WAVES CCC)

#WAVES2025 #ComicsCreatorChampionship #CreateInIndia #Finalist

Introducing Jugaadu Jasoos JJ, the detective who solves the toughest cases with the simplest tricks.

This is not your typical high-tech investigator. Jugaadu Jasoos believes that every problem has a solution, sometimes hidden in the most unexpected places. From using a broken mirror to track suspects to fixing a disguise with whatever he can find around him, JJ’s style is raw, funny and full of street-smart thinking.

Happy to share that this is my own comic creation. The series will soon be available on Fiction Comics. Get ready for a mystery ride filled with clever twists and everyday jugaad.

Ho-Ho-Horror: Zombie Saiyaan Drops Next on Fiction Comics

 At its heart Zombie Saiyaan is a twisted Bollywood love letter. Our undead Santa will stop at nothing to reach his idol Rashi, dragging the star into a cat-and-mouse showdown that pits stunt training against supernatural strength. Expect dramatic musical cues, brutal fight choreography and sly nods to classic masala cinema. 

I created every beat of this madness and you can read it exclusively on Fiction Comics once the launch window opens.

Funky Foofa: My New Comic Creation Celebrating Life’s Funny Side

 Life throws curveballs, but Funky Foofa knows how to swing back… in the quirkiest way possible! Whether it’s a simple task like fixing a bulb or handling a nosy neighbor, Foofa’s over-the-top solutions often lead to hilarious chaos. Dive into this fun-filled comic world where nothing is “normal”, but everything is entertaining! 

This is my latest creation...Sarkari Babu waale vibes liye hain apne Funky Foofa, Fiction Comics par uplabdh!

Set #29 (Fiction Comics)

कुछ शामें गुज़रती नहीं...

कुछ लंबी शामें सिरहाने पड़ी...

बीतने का नाम न ले रहीं।

कुछ दबी शिकायतें अनकही,

कुछ रूठी सदाएँ अनसुनी।

एक दुनिया को कहते थे सगी,

हमारे मखौल से उसकी महफ़िलें सजने लगी। 

ज़ख्म रिसते हैं,

मर्ज़ की बात नहीं....

सब तो मालूम है,

पर कुछ हाथ नहीं!

जवाब तैयार रखे थे,

सवालों की बिसात नहीं।

इतने सपनों को ठगने वाली...

इस रात की सुबह नहीं।

खैर. .फिर कभी ये दौर याद करेंगे,

गुमसुम हालातों से बात करेंगे...

कभी चलना सिखाया था दुनिया को. ..

फिर कभी इसकी रफ़्तार में साथ चलेंगे।

जय हिंद!

#ज़हन

Triumph in Comics Character League Season 2

The Comics Character League (CCL) Season 2, June-August 2024, concluded with an exhilarating display of strategy and competition, culminating in Team 3's triumphant ascent to the championship. Under the leadership of Mohit Trendster, Team 3 showcased remarkable consistency and tactical prowess, ultimately securing the top spot in the league.

Round 1: Establishing a Strong Foundation

Team 3 kicked off their campaign with a solid performance in Round 1, participating in seven matches. They achieved four wins and suffered three losses, accumulating 11 points and leading the leaderboard with a vote share of 59.2%. A key factor in their early success was the acquisition of three bonus points—the highest in the league—highlighting their ability to seize critical opportunities.

Key Statistics from Round 1:

• Total Matches Played: 7
• Wins: 4
• Losses: 3
• Bonus Points: 3
• Vote Share: 59.2%
• Average Vote Share per Match: 59.2%
• Highest Vote Share in a Match: 89%
• Lowest Vote Share in a Match: 50.5%

Noteworthy victories included an 80% vote share win in an early match and an impressive 89% margin in a pivotal contest. Despite facing tough competition that led to a few close defeats, Team 3's strategic use of bonus points kept them ahead, setting the stage for their continued success in subsequent rounds.

Round 2: Demonstrating Dominance

Building on their initial success, Team 3 dominated Round 2, winning all three of their matches and securing an additional 7 points with a vote share of 63.7%. Their flawless performance included a narrow 4% victory over Team 8’s Mahamanav, a decisive 32% margin against Team 6’s Miss Killer, and a commanding 46% win over Team 7’s Lomdi. This perfect record not only solidified their position but also established Team 3 as the foremost contender heading into the finals.

Key Statistics from Round 2:

• Total Matches Played: 3
• Wins: 3
• Losses: 0
• Bonus Point: 1
• Points Secured: 7
• Average Vote Share per Match: 63.7%
• Highest Vote Share in a Match: 73%
• Lowest Vote Share in a Match: 52%

Additionally, Team 3's overall performance across both rounds boasted a cumulative vote share increase of 4.5%, underscoring their growing popularity and strategic enhancements as the league progressed.

The Finals: Securing the Championship

The finals, conducted between July 31 and August 2, 2024, pitted Team 3 against Team 7, led by Mohan Mourya. In the first matchup, Team 3's Anthony triumphed over Team 7’s Maharavan with 64% of the votes. The second contest saw Team 3's The Common Man narrowly defeating Team 7’s Supandi, securing 50% of the votes. These consecutive victories ensured Team 3's championship title, rendering the third match unnecessary and underscoring their dominance throughout the league.

Finals Statistics:

• Total Finals Matches Played: 2
• Wins for Team 3: 2
• Vote Share in First Match: 84%
• Vote Share in Second Match: 72%
• Overall Finals Vote Share for Team 3: 78%

Final Standings

• Winner: Team 3 – Mohit Sharma Trendster
• Runner-up: Team 7 – Mohan Lal Mourya
• Bronze Medal: Team 6 – Manoj Kumar Garg
• Semi-Finalist: Team 8 – Ravi Yadav
• Rank 5: Team 4 – Khushi
• Rank 6: Team 2 – Prakash Sharma
• Rank 7: Team 1 – Rishabh Tiwari
• Rank 8: Team 5 – Smit Singh

A Season to Remember

Team 3's victory in CCL Season 2 is a testament to Mohit Sharma’s strategic leadership and the consistent excellence of his team characters. From their robust performance in Round 1 to their impeccable execution in Round 2 and their decisive wins in the finals, Team 3 demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork.

Overall Season Statistics for Team 3:

• Total Matches Played: 12
• Total Wins: 9
• Total Losses: 3
• Total Points: 22
• Average Vote Share: 64.2%
• Total Bonus Points: 4

Comics Character League 2 (2024) - Round 1 Summary

 

The first round of the Comics Character League Season 2 by Indian Comics Universe Fan Club (ICUFC) in association with Comics Republic (CoRe) has concluded, spanning from June 21 to July 18, 2024. This round was filled with thrilling battles, close contests, and surprising upsets, showcasing the prowess of various teams led by iconic comic characters.

Point Table and Rankings:

1. Team 3 - Mohit Sharma Trendster (Q):

   • Rank 1: With 4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 bonus points, Team 3 leads the table with 11 points and a vote share of 59.2% (R2 Qualified).

2. Team 7 - Mohan Lal Mourya (Q):

   • Rank 2: Securing 4 wins and 2 bonus points, Team 7 stands strong with 10 points and a slightly higher vote share of 59.8% (R2 Qualified).

3. Team 6 - Manoj Kumar Garg (Q):

   • Rank 3: Achieving 4 wins, 1 tie, and 1 bonus point, Team 6 has 10 points with a vote share of 50.1% (R2 Qualified).

4. Team 8 - Ravi Yadav (Q):

   • Rank 4: Leading in terms of wins, Team 8 has 5 wins and 10 points, with a vote share of 49.7% (R2 Qualified).

5. Team 4 - Khushi (E):

   • Rank 5: With 4 wins and 1 bonus point, Team 4 accumulates 9 points and a vote share of 55.4% (Eliminated).
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6. Team 2 - Prakash Sharma (E):

   • Rank 6: Despite 3 wins and 1 bonus point, Team 2 has 7 points and a vote share of 49.4% (Eliminated).

7. Team 1 - Rishabh Tiwari (E):

   • Rank 7: With 2 wins, 1 tie, and 1 bonus point, Team 1 has 6 points and a vote share of 42.5% (Eliminated).

8. Team 5 - Smit Singh (E):

• Rank 8: Struggling with only 1 win and no bonus points, Team 5 stands at the bottom with 2 points and a vote share of 33.9% (Eliminated).

Round 1 of the Comics Character League S2 has been an intense and unpredictable affair, with teams battling fiercely for supremacy. The varied performances and close contests hint at an enthralling season ahead, with each team vying for the top spot. Stay tuned for more action and drama as the league continues!

Points Table and Match Stats

ICUFC Group

ICUFC Official Blog

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#ज़हन