Why India Still Doesn’t Take Graphic Novels Seriously | Sarnath Banerjee | Ep 288 | The Mohua Show

Are we thinking more or imagining less in the age of algorithms, AI, and endless scrolling?

In this episode of The Mohua Show, host Mohua Chinappa sits down with acclaimed graphic novelist and storyteller Sarnath Banerjee, one of the pioneers of the Indian graphic novel movement. From his groundbreaking work Corridor to his latest book Absolute Jafar, Sarnath has consistently challenged conventional storytelling by blending art, literature, memory, history, and philosophy.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarnath shares why graphic novels remain a niche medium in India, how comics create meaning differently from literature and cinema, and why imagination is becoming increasingly important in a world dominated by processed content and algorithm-driven thinking.

We also explore the rise of AI-generated creativity, the value of artistic process, migration and identity, the cultural significance of cities like Delhi and Berlin, and what it means to preserve memory and local stories in a rapidly homogenizing world.

Whether you’re a writer, artist, reader, creator, or simply someone trying to make sense of the times we live in, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on creativity, belonging, and the future of storytelling.