Entertainment

Scripting for animation series is different, you have to push your imagination, says Motu Patlu writer Niraj Vikram

Niraj Vikram, writer of Motu Patlu talked with APN News and shared how working in the animation industry is kinda different than scripting for live-action shows.

Published

4 years ago

June 23, 2022

Niraj Vikram is currently writing for Motu Patlu. He has 2-3 projects lined up including Pandavas for Pogo.

The animation industry in India has witnessed a considerable amount of growth in the last few years, especially the cartoon series. Some of the most popular animated cartoon series like Motu Patlu, Dabangg, and Gattu Battu have dominated the cartoon industry and notably, this industry has become the best medium of creative expression these days. Content preferences among kids have changed over the years.

While live-action television shows ruling the Indian entertainment industry for a long time, these animated series created a strong impression in recent years. The influence of animation is growing every day in India. But animating shows does not only mean good illustrations but also a captivating story and close attention to details.

We always chase people who are on camera but the real heroes are actually those who are behind the camera, who infatuate the viewers with their writing. And one such person is Niraj Vikram, the man behind the stories of India’s most popular animated show Motu Patlu, who works round the clock to connect with the kids to bring the best each time.

In a conversation with APN News, Neeraj Vikram shared how writing for animation shows is different from scripting for live-action shows.

Motu Patlu was already a popular franchise of Lotpot Comics and when we asked him how he felt when he was approached for this show, he said “I was really excited to write for Motu Patlu. Lotpot Comics is one of our favourite comics and we’ve grown up reading it. So, when I was approached for Motu Patlu, I was thrilled and ecstatic.”

Talking about the responsibility to maintain characters’ legacy, he said, “It’s very important to create the show without retouching the characters. Initially and even now I feel it’s a big responsibility as most of us have already read the comic and we feel connected to the characters. So, the first thing I keep in mind while writing for this show, is the characters’ style, habits and patterns.”

Niraj Vikram has also scripted for Shararat and Son Pari

Before scripting for Motu Patlu, Niraj Vikram had already scripted for big shows like Shararat, Shaka Laka Boom Boom, and Son Pari, and when we asked him how difficult was for him to shift from live-action shows to animation shows, he said, “Animation isn’t monotonous like live-action shows. You can stretch the animation to any level whereas in live-action shows it is a bit difficult to show your creativity as you have to write it according to the storyline. For me, it wasn’t really difficult as I always wanted to be in animation because it pushes your imagination”, he added.

One must write a motion script in accordance with the target audience, and a motion script writer requires a great deal of skill and dedication. Talking about this, he said, “There have been times when I write a certain script but it doesn’t turn out the same way I wanted it. I feel bad sometimes, but I don’t lose hope as I know that shows need to undergo certain production levels and there’s a limited-time delivery.

Niraj Vikram on Agnipath scheme

Niraj Vikram has also served in the Indian army for five years before entering the world of entertainment. We also asked him about the ongoing protests related to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, he said, “Government must have made the scheme after listing down its pros and cons. Instead of protesting, students need to give it a try. As the government has already said that if you don’t like the scheme, don’t join it. But I feel implementation is a must.”

Motu Patlu’s wax statue at Madame Tussauds

Talking about the achievements he is most proud of, he said “Having Motu Patlu’s wax statues at Madame Tussauds, New Delhi is literally the proudest moment as they are the first Indian animated character to have it installed at the wax museum. Other than this, Motu Patlu is completing its 10 years in October and has successfully completed 1,000 episodes.” He has also won the Best Writers Award in the Kids Choice Award in 2015 organized by Viacom 18.

Niraj is currently writing for Motu Patlu. He has 2-3 projects lined up including Pandavas for Pogo.

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Entertainment

Aasha Jaiswal Singh, Known for mimicking Meena Kumari, dies in Mumbai

Veteran actor and mimicry artist Aasha Jaiswal Singh died in Mumbai on August 22. Her son Akkash Bharadwaj confirmed the news and remembered her contribution to acting and mimicry.

Published

2 days ago

August 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor and mimicry artist Aasha Jaiswal Singh died in Mumbai on August 22. Her son, Akkash Bharadwaj, shared the news and remembered her for her work as an actor, social worker and mimicry artist.

Aasha Jaiswal Singh was particularly known for her ability to mimic the voice of legendary actor Meena Kumari. According to details shared by her son, she was also credited as India’s first female mimicry artist and worked as a character actor.

Aasha Jaiswal Singh’s death confirmed by son

Akkash Bharadwaj announced his mother’s death in a social media post. Remembering her, he described her as a “karmath loh-mahila”, or “iron lady”, and urged people to pray for her soul.

He also asked people to remember Aasha Jaiswal Singh by revisiting her work and contributions rather than only mourning her death.

According to the details shared by her son, Aasha Jaiswal Singh died on August 22. Her last rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, on August 23 at 10 am.

Aasha Jaiswal Singh was known for Meena Kumari mimicry

Aasha Jaiswal Singh’s work as a mimicry artist was an important part of her public identity. She was recognised for recreating the voice of Meena Kumari, one of Hindi cinema’s celebrated actors.

Alongside mimicry, she worked as a character actor and social worker. Her son also said that she was the founder, owner and operator of Aasha Events and Films.

Her death marks the loss of an artist remembered for combining acting with mimicry and social work.

Aasha Jaiswal Singh’s final rites held in Mumbai

The family conducted her last rites on August 23 at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle West. The rites took place at 10 am, according to details shared by her son.

Entertainment

Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad draws criticism over modern festive look

Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement has sparked an online debate, with some social media users questioning her contemporary festive outfit and the campaign’s concept.

Published

2 days ago

August 24, 2026

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Kriti Sanon’s latest festive appearance has triggered a debate on social media after the actor featured in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement wearing a contemporary outfit.

In the advertisement, Kriti Sanon is seen in an off-white bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. While the actor has previously experimented with contemporary interpretations of traditional fashion, some social media users criticised her look in the festive campaign.

The criticism was directed particularly at the choice of outfit for a Raksha Bandhan-themed advertisement, with several users questioning whether the look was appropriate for the occasion.

Advertisement’s pet dog sequence also draws reactions

The concept of the advertisement also became a point of discussion online. In the campaign, Kriti is seen tying a traditional rakhi on a dog after the pet barks at her.

The advertisement presents the ritual as a way of including the pet in the family’s Raksha Bandhan celebrations. However, several social media users questioned the decision to include the dog in the festive ritual.

Some commenters accused the brand of making a mockery of Indian festivals, while others said they disagreed with the overall concept of the advertisement.

Social media users criticise Kriti Sanon’s festive look

Kriti Sanon’s outfit became one of the main talking points among those criticising the advertisement. Some users described the outfit as inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan campaign.

One social media user wrote that Kriti was tying rakhi in a “bra kinda attire” and questioned the use of such an outfit during the festival.

Another commenter compared the treatment of Raksha Bandhan with other festivals and criticised the advertisement’s presentation of the celebration.

Other reactions focused on traditional elements associated with Raksha Bandhan. One user questioned the absence of a puja thali and tilak while also criticising Kriti’s outfit.

A separate comment objected to the inclusion of the dog, arguing that the campaign was not representative of the traditional spirit of Raksha Bandhan.

These comments reflect the views of individual social media users and do not establish a broader consensus about the advertisement.

Kriti Sanon yet to respond to criticism

The Raksha Bandhan advertisement continues to receive mixed reactions on social media. While some users have criticised the actor’s outfit and the campaign’s concept, Kriti Sanon is yet to respond to the criticism.

The debate comes as brands increasingly use contemporary interpretations of traditional festivals in advertising, with the campaign’s presentation becoming a subject of discussion among social media users.

Entertainment

Awarapan 2 box office collection day 6: Emraan Hashmi film crosses Rs 107 crore in India

Awarapan 2 has maintained its momentum at the box office, collecting Rs 6.75 crore on Day 6 and taking its India net total to Rs 107.50 crore.

Published

6 days ago

August 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 continues its strong run at the box office. The sequel to the 2007 film Awarapan added Rs 6.75 crore to its India net collection on Day 6, taking its total domestic net earnings to Rs 107.50 crore.

According to the figures cited in the report, the film recorded the Day 6 collection across 11,071 shows. With its latest earnings, Awarapan 2 has maintained its momentum after crossing the Rs 100 crore mark in five days.

Awarapan 2 box office collection day 6

Awarapan 2 earned Rs 6.75 crore net in India on its sixth day. Its India gross collection has reached Rs 128.29 crore, while the net collection stands at Rs 107.50 crore.

The film also recorded Rs 1.50 crore from overseas markets on Day 6. Its overseas gross collection now stands at Rs 25.30 crore.

Combining its India and overseas earnings, Awarapan 2’s worldwide gross collection has reached Rs 153.59 crore.

Awarapan 2 box office collection: Day-wise breakdown

The film opened with Rs 22 crore across 9,033 shows on its first day. It then witnessed a rise over the weekend, earning Rs 33.75 crore on Saturday and Rs 26 crore on Sunday.

On Monday, the film collected Rs 9.25 crore and continued to hold its ground at the box office. Its Day 6 collection stood at Rs 6.75 crore.

The reported India net collections are:

Day 1: Rs 22 crore
Saturday: Rs 33.75 crore
Sunday: Rs 26 crore
Monday: Rs 9.25 crore
Day 6: Rs 6.75 crore
Total: Rs 107.50 crore

Awarapan 2 surpasses Awarapan and Emraan Hashmi’s other films

Awarapan 2 crossed the lifetime India net collection of the 2007 film Awarapan on its opening day. The original film had earned Rs 7.75 crore over its lifetime.

The sequel also moved past the final collections of several of Emraan Hashmi’s films by Saturday. These included Haq, which collected Rs 20 crore, Raaz 2 with Rs 25.50 crore, Ek Thi Daayan with Rs 26 crore and Jannat with Rs 30 crore.

Awarapan 2 leads Independence Day box office race

The film also emerged as the top performer in the Independence Day box office race mentioned in the report. Awarapan 2 collected Rs 40.50 crore, ahead of Tamil Vishwanath & Sons at Rs 26 crore and Batwara 1947 at Rs 16.20 crore.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day collected Rs 12 crore, while the DC movie recorded Rs 6.30 crore.