The Shooting Star

Ever since he began his adventures almost 80 years ago, Tintin,the snub nosed reporter with his trademark quiff of hair- who makes news more often than he reports it- has endeared himself to millions of fans, cutting across age, nationality and boundaries. India too, has been no exception. Interestingly, Herge, Tintin's creator, wanted to set an adventure in Calcutta, since the city, he felt offered immense comic possibilities. Although that didn't happen, Tintin's association with India has still been strong. Not only has the country featured in 2 Tintin adventures, the boy reporter's fan following in India is also immense, especially in Bengal, where he enjoys cult status.

Click here to read my tribute to Herge on his 100th birth anniversary.