Meet the Bengaluru duo reviving Dakhni through comics and animation

The rubric of the Dakhni comic publication bid Hallubol — meaning “speak softly” successful the connection — comes from an look Rahil Mohsin and his cousins often heard increasing up successful Bengaluru’s Shivaji Nagar. “Whenever immoderate of america spoke successful Dakhni arsenic children, idiosyncratic would instantly say, ‘Hallubol re — talk softly.’ Speaking Dakhni came with a definite consciousness of debased self-esteem,” recalls Rahil. “We were made amusive of, and the mode Dakhni-speaking radical were portrayed successful the media lone reinforced stereotypes.”

Founded by Rahil, an animation artist, and his woman Alankrita Amaya successful 2023, Hallubol is simply a multimedia inaugural that brings the Dakhni connection and its vibrant civilization to the forefront done a bid of witty, relatable comic books and question comics. More than a storytelling platform, Hallubol seeks to span the spread betwixt Dakhni civilization and planetary audiences.

“At the bosom of Hallubol is simply a passionateness for preserving and celebrating Dakhni,” says Rahil. “This Indo-Aryan language, spoken crossed the Deccan region, wasn’t wide accepted erstwhile we were increasing up, oregon truthful we thought. I grew up successful a Dakhni-speaking household, and arsenic I got older, I realised however absent the connection was from mainstream media. Alankrita and I wanted to capable that void, utilizing our creation to make contented that resonated with Dakhni speakers and introduced the civilization to a wider audience.”

Their debut comic, Mard Bann, explored the societal expectations placed connected men successful India, addressing themes of toxic masculinity, generational trauma, and parental maltreatment done the lens of Dakhni identity. “We wanted to amusement a delicate portrayal of Dakhni men, beyond stereotypes,” Rahil explains. This was followed by Abba Ari, different communicative that draws humour and pathos from mundane Dakhni life.

Hallubol’s comics diagnostic eccentric yet acquainted characters and sharp, observational humour, often inspired by Rahil’s ain household and the satellite astir him. The duo weave successful language, customs, and societal nuances to connection an authentic glimpse into the Dakhni community.

To guarantee accessibility, they person adopted a bilingual format — presenting their comics successful some Dakhni and English. “This allows Dakhni speakers to consciousness represented portion inviting others to prosecute with the culture,” says Rahil. They person besides ventured into question comics — animated adaptations of their strips that bring characters and dialogues to beingness successful new, dynamic ways.

The squad of Hallu Bol volition beryllium astatine Hyderabad Comic Con, Hitex Exhibition, till November 2.