Bankelal is a character in Indian comics series and one of the popular titles published and distributed by Raj Comics. Bankelal is a funny character, unlike the other action heroes in Raj Comics universe. He is portrayed as the King of Comedy (Hasya Samrat) as the primary objective is to evoke laughter amongst the comics readers through his humourous mischief. The character of Bankelal was created by Jitendra Bedi. His first appearance was in the comic book issue titled "Kar Bura To Ho Bhala". The comic books of Bankelal are very famous and much admired by Hindi comics readers in the country.
Concept of Bankelal
According to the plot of the series, Bankelal is the son of the Nanku, a farmer and Gulabati. Initially the couple failed to have any children; but as Gulabati was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, they were offered a child as a blessing from the Lord. Nanku and Gulabati named him Bankelal. Once when Lord Shiva and his spouse Goddess Parvati visited Bankelal in his home, his mother offered them a glass of milk. But Gulabati was unaware that her mischievous son had put a frog in the glass. When the truth was revealed, Lord Shiva cursed Bankelal that whenever he tried to harm anyone, the person would be blessed with good fortune and some portion of that will be rubbed on Bankelal as well.
The series basically follows the standalone comic format and issue contains of a single plot. Usually the stories illustrate that Bankelal discovers some secret about King Vikram Singh and plans to use it against him and seize over the throne. He desires to become the new King of Vishalgarh. The plotline is thickened with the introduction of Sadhus and sages, gods and demi-gods and Rakshas and other demons. These characters further increase the humour and add a twist to the story. In the climax, the plans and efforts of Bankelal fail to materialize and the King gets several favours instead of being harmed. Some issues continue the link of the plot in future issues in which King Vikram Singh and Bankelal travel to different worlds known as Lokas.
The character of Bankelal is incredibly stupid but has an impish mind. He is portrayed as a mini-devil who always schemes some mischief. But due to the curse from Lord Shiva, who ever he wants to hurt gets blessed instead and whatever evil activities that Bankelal wants to commit turns out to be a good deed. Bankelal has two 2 buck teeth that stick out when he laughs and a small moustache similar to that of actor Charlie Chaplin. All the stories of Bankelal are generally funny and humourous which appeals to the comics readers.
Family, Friends and Enemies of Bankelal
Nanku and Gulabati are the parents of Bankelal. He also has a horse named Chetak which is a very humourous character in the series. Bankelal considers King Vikram Singh as his arch nemesis. His main aim is to dethrone Vikram Singh and become the King himself. Queen Mohini is the wife of King Vikram Singh. Mohak Singh is the prince of Vishalgarh and is rather aware of Bankelal`s evil plans. The courtiers, which includes Mahamantri, Prabandh Mantri, Senapati and others, are envious of Bankelal`s fame. Bhokal and Tilismdev have also been featured in the series in guest appearances.
Publications of Bankelal
Raj Comics has published several issues of the Bankelal series, some of the titles include Bankelal Ka Kamaal, Kar Bura Ho Bhala, Rajkosh Ke Lutere, Bankelal Aur Yakshkumar, Muqaddar Ka Dhani, Bankelal Aur Shadi Ka Shadyantra, Tilismi Jaal, Paras Patthar, Swarg Ki Musibat, Laash Ki Talaash, Khatre Ka Avatar, Chalis Chor, Pariyon Ki Musibat, Jadugar Danga, Patal Rakshash, Murda Shaitan, Sadyantarkaari Aatma, Yashkumar, Maut Ka Trishool, Angulimaal, Talab Ke Chor, Rakshasho Ki Kheti, Dhartijakad, Banke And Tilism Dev, Devta Ki Mani, Kankaallok Me, Dev Lok Me, Sarplok Me, Vanarlok Me, Bankelaal And Dankaru, Pretlok Me, Aswalok Me, Shaitanji, Khujaalraj, Chor Khopdi, Chamatkaari Vriksh, Aadamkhor Anguli, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, Peeche Pada Bhalu, Lo Main Aa Gaya, Nagpanchmi, Khoda Shaitan, Muchchad Manhus, Dhapor Sankh, Jadui Muhaware, Ichchamani, Swayamvar, Shok Vatika, Raja Bankelaal, Kathakaar, Aai Bala Talo, Chaurasi Ghante, Sani Ki Chaya and many others.
Some of the recent issues are Pasu Buddhi, Devraj Indra, Bankelal Aur Kalyug, Bankelaal Aur Bhokal, Sundar Sena, Sanjeevani, Kumbh Ka Mela, Chatni Swyamvar, Daku Chidiya, Kailash Pati, Sankat Ketu, Shaitan Dev, Shapit Khajana, Param Sukh Mantra, Ek Et Ka Mahal, Char Sau Budhdhi, Akkad Bakkad, Manav Aur Danav, Vardan, Mrityu Yog, Jadu Ka Ghada, Shaitaan Chalisa, Pyaj Wali Chudail, Bankelaal And Vhetak, Khaban, Rakshash Aur Bhagwaan, Sivji Ki Baarat, Kuber Ka Khajana etc.
