Graphic novel on life of Hari Singh Nalwa out

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 23

In an attempt to reconnect the youth with the glorious Sikh history and also document the celebrated generals of the Sikh regime, noted theatre director and writer Mukesh Kundra and graphic artist George Emmanual have developed a graphic novel based on the life of Sikh warrior Hari Singh Nalwa. The novel, with its limited copies already published and being planned out in a series format, is the first such graphic documentation of the Sikh General’s life.

Inspired by the books written by several Sikh historians on Hari Singh Nalwa’s life, the novel scripts the war heroics of Nalwa. “The project was being developed since one year, and in collaboration with noted publishers Bhai Chattar Singh and Jeevan Singh, who wanted that not just the young generation here but overseas should take interest in Sikh history. The book so far has managed a good response, especially from the NRI readers,” said Kundra, who penned down the script of the novel.

Goerge Emmanuel, the graphic artist who worked on the visuals, said that a team of professionals worked progressively to get all the details right. “We read the books of Sikh history to know about the physical features of Hari Singh Nalwa, how he carried himself and the weaponry used by him in battles. Also, a lot of attention was given to not dramatize the events visually, while attempting to catch reader’s fancy.”

Sharing that more historical and significant figures should be highlighted through the art genre, George says that it’s the most important project of his life for now. “Projecting inspirational figures like Hari singh Nalwa requires a lot of in-depth knowledge. One has to conceive the anatomy of the character according to the facts and the story of the novel. Previous attempts at creating historical Sikh figures through graphic novels have been appreciated and I hope that our work too is acknowledged.”