By drawing 80 caricatures of himself, Ashok Adepal makes a witty commentary on society

At his exhibition of cartoons, Ashok Adepal launched a monthly humour magazine called ‘Selfie Cartoon’. It will publish articles by veteran humour writers like Ratilal Borisagar and Vinod Bhatt. 

“Laughter is the best medicine,” said celebrated humour writer Ratilal Borisagar. It’s an oft-repeated phrase, but it truly rings true at the latest Cartoon Selfie exhibition at Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan. Borisagar was the guest at cartoonist Ashok Adepal’s 5th solo exhibition, inaugurated on June 27. Ahmedabad-based illustrator Adepal is exhibiting more than 80 original comic prints. Intriguingly, in this series, he draws caricatures of himself placed in different situations. Hence, the title ‘Cartoon Selfie’. His witty pictures contain intelligent, hidden messages about society.

Adepal, a published cartoonist, has frequently contributed his works to newspapers like Daily News and Analysis and Ahmedabad Mirror. He initiated a magazine called Wah Bhai Wah in 2011, which ran for about three years before shutting down in 2013. At the exhibition, Adepal launched a new monthly humour magazine called Cartoon Selfie. It will, in Adepal’s words, serve as “an open platform for Gujarati comedy writers and cartoonists to contribute their work.” The journal will not only publish cartoons but also humorous articles written by veterans like Ratilal Borisagar and Late Vinod Bhatt. The magazine is being published by 21st Century Studio Publication, an initiative by Ahmedabad-based philanthropist and entrepreneur Girish Maheshwari.

Experts from various industries attended the lamp-lighting ceremony, including Jumana Shah of Gujarat Literature Festival and Hari Om Gandhi, the Director of Narcotics Control Bureau.

One can register for subscriptions by emailing selfiecartoon@gmail.com or calling on +91 63596 50012. Or visit the delightful exhibition at Ravishankar Raval Kala Bhavan between 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM to make your registration on the spot. Drop by before the show wraps up on July 1.