Of late, two very different mediums have decided to shift the limelight from one of the most famous couples of Hindu mythology to their lesser-known offsprings, Luv and Kush.
A book and a 3D animation film have captured the life of the young princes, who were abandoned by their father. Kushal Ruia, creative head, animation at Amar Chitra Katha has created a 3D film, Sons of Ram, based on Anand Pai’s iconic comic strip with the same name. “The film tells Luv and Kush’s journey through enchanted forests into the revered land of Ayodhya, the home of their fabled heroes. Not much is known about characteristics of the brothers but I have tried to use my interpretation and portrayed them as polar opposites. While Luv is more restrained and thinks a lot before speaking, Kush is a rebel and speaks his mind. They are both different personalities yet love each other deeply. Just like most male siblings do,” says Ruia. The film released in three languages, Hindi, Tamil and Telegu across 400 screens in the country.
Ashok Banker, the author, launched the concluding part of his Ramayana series, Sons of Sita, published by Wisdom Tree. “The legitimacy of Luv and Kush was never really questioned by Rama. Yet he barred them from inheritance. Scholarly works tell us that he was furious over Sita for forcing him for war and genocide in Lanka. But where was the fault of his innocent sons? It is vital to answer these questions as well as talk about lives of Luv and Kush,” adds Banker.
For those who love to delve deep into Hindu mythology, the story of Luv and Kush is waiting to be explored!