India introduces new Sesame characters

Sesame India coproducers Sesame Workshop, Turner and Miditech have unveiled the four new Muppet characters to be introduced to young viewers in mid 2006 on India’s Cartoon Network and POGO.

Five-year-old Chamki asks constant questions and is always ready to explore the world around her, while her best friend is six-year-old Googly, a meticulous introvert who loves to read. Aanchoo is the storyteller who takes children to faraway places every time she sneezes, and Boombah is Sesame India’s cuddly lion, who loves to dance and hails from the royal family of Boombagarh.

The new Muppets (above) have Indian nuances in both their physical appearances and their personalities, celebrating India’s multiple cultures and the similarities and differences that are a part of children’s every day lives.

Anshuman Misra, MD of Turner International Pvt Ltd, India, said: “Turner has always been passionate about kids, and with Sesame our mission is to create innovative and engaging content that maximises the educational power of media to help children across India reach their highest potential.”

Niret Alva, president of Miditech, said: “Sesame India will be the country’s first children’s series that teaches and inspires, using humour as the foundation. It will build bridges between regions, languages and cultures, emphasising what unites children across India.”