Five years on, ACKAlive remains a vital cultural space helping Indian children reconnect with timeless stories through innovative interactive experiences.

Shikari Shambu Is Back And How!

Growing up, only half of the millennials had the exposure to incredible stories of ancient India and its culture. There’s a character called Shikari Shambhu, that I recently got to know. All those who were born in the 80s and the early 90s have had the pleasure of experiencing the adventures of Shikari Shambu. And now, I am sure that almost 75% of Gen Z has never heard of the term Amar Chitra Katha. And obviously, most of us are far from even knowing who Valmiki, Balarama or Amrapali is!

With the advent of technology, we unknowingly came so far from our roots and stories of our heroes. To bring them back to us and ignite the creative spirits, Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle have come together to form the first ever Creative Learning Centre in the country – Amar Chitra Katha Alive making Hyderabad its first stage.

Truth be told, I was so anxious and heartbroken the first time I heard of it. You know why! I hardly ever played in a playground. By the time I was in my early teens, Mobile phones were in full swing and we started ‘playing’ with creatures that appear on the screen. And so, to see such an immense space for the kids to play and explore various forms of arts made me envious. But later, of course, the amenity and features of the place warmed my heart so much.

With Story Telling and puppetry as the primary attractions, ACK Alive is offering a lot of courses and workshops in various art forms. Music, Classical Dance, theatre, art, calligraphy, aerial yoga, kalaripayattu and a lot of other creative and exhilarating arts and skills are going to be taught to the kids by professionals. Various rooms and halls have been allocated for different arts.

Actor Rana Daggubati who has been associated with ACK Alive from scratch has initiated the launch party on the 31^st of March, 2019. The Centre is now open with multiple summer camps and workshops. I can’t be more excited for the kids of this generation and myself too. Thankfully, it’s not exclusive for kids alone. Any and everybody can grab admission in any session of their choice and experience this mind-blowing world of creativity, imagination, and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACKAlive Hyderabad and where is it located?

ACKAlive is India’s first Creative Learning Centre by Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle magazine, located in Hyderabad. It’s designed as an interactive space where children can engage with Indian mythology, folklore, and cultural stories through storytelling, puppetry, art activities, and educational programmes that blend entertainment with cultural learning.

Is ACKAlive Hyderabad suitable for all age groups?

Yes, ACKAlive caters to children and young adults of various ages. The venue offers different activity zones and programmes designed for different age groups, from early childhood to teens, ensuring age-appropriate engagement with stories and creative arts while maintaining the fun and educational aspect.

What are the main attractions at ACKAlive Hyderabad?

The primary attractions include interactive storytelling sessions, traditional puppetry performances, art and craft workshops, and creative learning experiences inspired by Amar Chitra Katha comics. Visitors can engage with Indian cultural narratives through multiple sensory and artistic mediums designed to spark creativity and cultural awareness.

How does ACKAlive help reconnect Gen Z with Indian culture?

ACKAlive bridges the gap between digital native Gen Z and classical Indian stories by presenting mythology, folklore, and cultural narratives through modern interactive experiences, storytelling techniques, and creative arts rather than traditional comic formats, making cultural learning engaging and relevant to contemporary audiences.

What is Shikari Shambu and why is it important in Indian comics?

Shikari Shambu is a beloved character from Amar Chitra Katha comics, known for adventure stories that entertained generations born in the 1980s-90s. The character represents the rich legacy of Indian comic storytelling and remains culturally significant for introducing Indian children to adventure, values, and cultural awareness through engaging narratives.