Archie dances to Bollywood songs on Mumbai visit

The adorable and appealing red-haired character would be showcased in an 'aamchi mumbai' style in the upcoming editions of the book's Indian editions published in Hindi and Malayalam.

The Delhi-based Variety Book Depot is publishing 12 titles of the Archies comics that will be distributed by EuroBooks, one of the leading publisher of children's books, according to a statement released here early this week.

"Archie comics have entertained fans for several generations. We wanted to give our fans in India something they could relate to. The move is to bring in some Indian flavour to the comic. It will be the same Archie, the same Veronica and Betty but with a 'desi' twist," said Jon Goldwater, co-CEO, Archie Comics.

"Fans can now expect Archie and Veronica to dance to the popular Bollywood number 'Aakhon ki gustakhiyaa' or see the gang sing some popular songs like the college classic 'Purani jeans' and oldie 'Kankariya maar ke jagaya' as smart chicks walk past the brood," he added.

In the Archie double digest number nine titled "Love me Baby, Mumbai", the plot is Bollywood like. A love triangle which has been the staple for Bollywood filmmakers, has crept into the comic world.

Raj Patel, the Indian character in the comic book, dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The amateur's ITube movie "Love Hate Triangle" that receives accolades from thousands catches the eye of Kunal Desai, an established Bollywood producer. The script of the comic book written by Tanua Del Rio explores whether Raj can turn a love hate triangle into an epic film.

The characters, spruced up in Indian attire will be dancing on Hindi film music. Archie will woo Betty and Veronica humming "Ankhon Ki Gustakhiyan" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" along with other tracks.

Also in the world of Archie double digest number 10 "Love me Baby, Mumbai" Part 2 Archie and the gang call it a wrap on Raj's film and learn that there are always two choices to make when it comes to love and compromise.

The publisher says there are rumours that the most puzzling love triangle of Betty, Archie and Veronica might come to an end. Archie first debuted in US on December 22, 1941.

Drawn by Bob Montana and written by Vic Bloom, publisher John Goldwater hoped the comic book would appeal to the fans of Andy Hardy movies starring Mickey Rooney.

The comic series is based on fictional teenagers Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle and Jughead Jones. The characters were created by John Goldwater, written by Vic Bloom and drawn by Bob Montana.

They were based in part on people met by Goldwater "in the Midwest" during his travels throughout the United States while looking for jobs and places to stay.