20 years on, Bahadur makes a comeback

The crime fighter will wield modern gadgetry, and will fight terrorists with Bela, now his live-in girlfriend

After a 20-year absence, India's first superhero is back, this time with a 21st century twist. Bahadur, the crime fighter from Chambal, will now travel across urban India carrying his cell phone and making sure the innocent remain un-harmed by terrorists.


Braveheart: Aabid Surti, creator of Bahadur

Gone are the days when Bahadur and his lady love Bela fought dacoits, now it's about throwing terrorists and rapists behind bars. Bela and Bahadur are however more than a crime fighting couple they just happen to be in a live-in relationshipu00a0-- once, a taboo.

Starting Friday, weekly editions of the comic will be up online for fans to feast on. Aabid Surti, creator of the comic book, said, "The market has changed since it was discontinued in the 90's. We've decided to re-introduce him with all the problems of today's life. It will be an old syrup in a new bottle."

He added, "The main intention, like the original, will be to tell readers not to trust the government and to build your own defence system."

Surti, who has written the latest version of Bahadur, has left the hero in his familiar saffron kurta and jeans. Surti said, "The saffron is a symbol of India. It needed to be an East meets West ideology."

Illustrator Pramod Brahmania said, "When my father was the illustrator, Bahadur was always fighting dacoits in his village, it was rare for him go into the cities. That's one major change in comic now."

Excited readers
Vineet Rajan (26), a professional blogger, said, "One of my fondest memories is reading the comic on the train while travelling. It's a part of my childhood." He added, "It's very exciting. It's great that it's going to be online."

Moksh Juneja (29), a social media expert, said, "I think it's brilliant. I read them as a child and I'm very excited."

Anjan J (26), public relations executive, said, "I think men should be more like him. He was always so brave and committed."

1976 The year Bahadur was created

1990 The year when the series was stopped

$100 Price of Bahadur comics at some fan clubs in the US