Long before Marvel superheroes dominated pop culture, India’s biggest film icon, Amitabh Bachchan, had already stepped into a superhero’s shoes — not on screen, but in comic books. In the early 1980s, when Bachchan was at the peak of his stardom as Bollywood’s “angry young man,” he was transformed into a comic book hero called Supremo. This unique creation captured the imagination of a generation that already saw Bachchan as larger than life.
The idea for the comic series emerged shortly after Bachchan’s near-fatal accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982, an incident that left the nation in shock. Fans saw him as invincible, and his recovery only strengthened that image. Around this time, film magazine editor Pammi Bakshi observed that children playing on the streets would fight over who got to be Amitabh Bachchan instead of Batman or Superman. Realising how deeply the actor had influenced young minds, she decided to turn him into an actual superhero.
How ‘Supremo’ Was Created
Bakshi approached Bachchan with the concept, and he immediately agreed — on one condition. The character, he insisted, should not look like a caricature. She roped in lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar as the script consultant and illustrator Pratap Mullick, who had earlier worked on Amar Chitra Katha and would later create Nagraj for Raj Comics, to bring the superhero to life.
Mullick designed multiple looks for the character before Bachchan selected the final one. The result was a bold and distinctive appearance — a red bodysuit, a yellow belt with a holster, knee-length boots, gloves, and a dhoti-style skirt over the pants. A mask covered his eyes, and he wore a chakra-shaped pendant and retro headphones attached to a Walkman.
Each comic edition followed the adventures of Supremo — a superstar by day and a crime-fighter when duty called. While he had no supernatural powers, he was portrayed as a brave and intelligent hero who relied on his strength and wit.
Sidekicks, Adventures, and Hidden Symbolism
According to Jagran, in The Adventures of Amitabh Bachchan (also known in Hindi as Kisse Amitabh Ke), Supremo was aided by two trusted companions — Vijay and Anthony, both names borrowed from some of Bachchan’s most famous on-screen roles. He also had a falcon named Shaheen, who signalled him whenever danger loomed, and a golden whale named Sonali, who guarded his island.
The stories often began with Bachchan shooting a film scene before being alerted to a crisis — a hijacked plane, a bank heist, or a stolen artefact. He would then transform into Supremo and save the day. The blend of cinema and heroism made the comic relatable to fans who adored him as both an actor and a symbol of justice.
The Name That Stuck
The name Supremo was inspired by an incident during the shooting of Pukar in Goa. Actor Randhir Kapoor, witnessing the crowd frenzy every time Bachchan arrived, jokingly called him “Supremo.” The nickname resonated with Bakshi, who decided it was the perfect name for her superhero.
The monthly comic, published for about two years, gained a loyal following among children. Gulzar occasionally interacted with readers through letters printed in the issues, while Bachchan himself penned notes thanking fans for their concern after his accident.
Although Supremo comics eventually ended when Bakshi moved abroad, the concept remains a fascinating chapter in Indian pop culture. At a time when Hollywood superheroes had not yet captured Indian audiences, Amitabh Bachchan had already become one — not through superpowers, but through sheer charisma and mass appeal.
The idea for the comic series emerged shortly after Bachchan’s near-fatal accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982, an incident that left the nation in shock. Fans saw him as invincible, and his recovery only strengthened that image. Around this time, film magazine editor Pammi Bakshi observed that children playing on the streets would fight over who got to be Amitabh Bachchan instead of Batman or Superman. Realising how deeply the actor had influenced young minds, she decided to turn him into an actual superhero.
How ‘Supremo’ Was Created
Bakshi approached Bachchan with the concept, and he immediately agreed — on one condition. The character, he insisted, should not look like a caricature. She roped in lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar as the script consultant and illustrator Pratap Mullick, who had earlier worked on Amar Chitra Katha and would later create Nagraj for Raj Comics, to bring the superhero to life.
Mullick designed multiple looks for the character before Bachchan selected the final one. The result was a bold and distinctive appearance — a red bodysuit, a yellow belt with a holster, knee-length boots, gloves, and a dhoti-style skirt over the pants. A mask covered his eyes, and he wore a chakra-shaped pendant and retro headphones attached to a Walkman.
Each comic edition followed the adventures of Supremo — a superstar by day and a crime-fighter when duty called. While he had no supernatural powers, he was portrayed as a brave and intelligent hero who relied on his strength and wit.
yes .. and it was brought out by a journalist .. https://t.co/JqIBOPssfp
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 2, 2022
Sidekicks, Adventures, and Hidden Symbolism
According to Jagran, in The Adventures of Amitabh Bachchan (also known in Hindi as Kisse Amitabh Ke), Supremo was aided by two trusted companions — Vijay and Anthony, both names borrowed from some of Bachchan’s most famous on-screen roles. He also had a falcon named Shaheen, who signalled him whenever danger loomed, and a golden whale named Sonali, who guarded his island.
The stories often began with Bachchan shooting a film scene before being alerted to a crisis — a hijacked plane, a bank heist, or a stolen artefact. He would then transform into Supremo and save the day. The blend of cinema and heroism made the comic relatable to fans who adored him as both an actor and a symbol of justice.
The Name That Stuck
The name Supremo was inspired by an incident during the shooting of Pukar in Goa. Actor Randhir Kapoor, witnessing the crowd frenzy every time Bachchan arrived, jokingly called him “Supremo.” The nickname resonated with Bakshi, who decided it was the perfect name for her superhero.
The monthly comic, published for about two years, gained a loyal following among children. Gulzar occasionally interacted with readers through letters printed in the issues, while Bachchan himself penned notes thanking fans for their concern after his accident.
Although Supremo comics eventually ended when Bakshi moved abroad, the concept remains a fascinating chapter in Indian pop culture. At a time when Hollywood superheroes had not yet captured Indian audiences, Amitabh Bachchan had already become one — not through superpowers, but through sheer charisma and mass appeal.
You may also like
Coronation Street boss reveals new Carla and Lisa twists as 'villain' Becky exposed
Centre has no plan to raise 'creamy layer' income cap
Kobbie Mainoo sends one-word message as Man Utd star's behaviour speaks volumes
Antiques Roadshow expert says 'my knees are shaking' over rare £1,800 item
Plane crash horror as huge plume of smoke fills the air - 'multiple vehicles on fire'
