'Photo Bina Kitaab Samjh Nhi Aati': 8 Graphic Novels That Diljit Would Approve

Starting off with my all-time favourites, Bhimayana is a graphic novel that I would sing Dosanjh's Lover for. Capturing the life of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and his experiences with untouchability, the novel's art is done in the Gond art form by Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam. The beautiful colours, the art, and the motifs that flow across the pages surface the challenges of the Dalit community in the most nuanced and subtle ways. This is an unforgettable book, an absolute treasure, and I simply cannot rave enough about it. If you see this in a bookstore, don’t think twice about it.

Kari is a queer graphic novel by Amruta Patil, where art and narrative are interlocked in the most ingenious and perfect ways. The book is set in Mumbai and relays the story of Kari and the end dealings of her relationship with Ruth with an extended journey of her trying to find a place in the world. What I absolutely loved here is how the city plays a part in representing queer identities and how they interact, with relationships and friendship being a very important part. This is a great read that touches upon the ideas of sexuality, constructed/enforced gender roles, and femininity. It is a total classic, especially if you are looking to read more queer literature. 

Winner of the prestigious Jhalak Prize in 2022, Sabba Khan's debut graphic novel is an absolute must-read! The art will remind you of a simple old-timey comic, but the content reaches the forgotten depths that need to be remembered. The story encapsulates the British Pakistani diaspora's origins from Mirpur, which disappeared underwater as a result of post-Partition dams and mass migration. A personal exploration of identity, self, discoveries, and culture, this book's intimacy and vulnerability are mysteriously supreme, bringing the lost identities to the forefront with great bitter truths.

If you are a beginner in the world of graphic novels and want to go for something really simple, rooted, and home-like, then your (cc: vibe teri mildi aa) book would definitely be this one. Devi Menon's art is easy, distinctive, beautiful, and super comprehensive, delivering a great narrative and emotions in the simplest manner. Featuring Mili's journey from India to the United Kingdom, covering nostalgia, coming of age, and wholesome relations, this graphic novel will move you in more ways than one. It is one of my absolute personal favourites. Also, this one will make for a great present for any book enthusiast. 

Trust No Aunty is a hilarious autobiography by Maria Qamar, the brain behind the viral Instagram page Hatecopy. While everyone will enjoy this one, I know that Indian women will love it for its sheer relatability. Capturing the important role of desi aunties in our lives, Trust No Aunty is an illustrious survival guide to tackle the judgmental, moral-policing, overbearing aunty figures in our lives with cross-cultural nuances and hilarious quips of tongue-in-cheek humour. The art uses dark, bold colours to represent the emotional burden of the subject, and it is a book that you can easily share with all your girlfriends.

If you have loved Satrapi's Persepolis, Vanni by Benjamin Dix and Lindsay Pollock will delight you equally. Documenting the human side of the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers with a focus on one family, it captures the essence of trials, tribulations, and life-altering horrors that one faces in a displacement camp as they try to keep each other alive. 

Nandita Basu's Starry Starry Night is a fantastic graphic novel with wonderful art and a narrative enveloping a lovely tale of love, loss, grief, and friendship. United by extraordinary circumstances, Kunal and Tara are dealing with the loss of a loved one and have to help each other be 'okay' and process their grief. There is also a looming death figure that Tara sees everywhere. It's an easy, heartfelt novel that is perfect as a nighttime read.

A fun read that details the history and some fun facts, Batato Pao And All Things Portuguese recounts trips to Da Gama, the arrival of the Portuguese, and their journey up to headquarters in Goa. It also features different food practices that were incorporated into the Goan culture with a special focus on Batata Pao. This one is a delightful and informative read that will teach you remarkable things about the origins of your favourite delicacies.