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What the kids are watching on TV
Ever wondered who Shin Chan is and what Doraemon is all about?
Well, your kid might know them as these exotic names are none other than hugely popular kiddie animated shows doing the rounds on television.
With Children's Day coiming up this weekend, we decided to explore some of these cartoon shows. Take a look.
Shin Chan
With bushy eye brows, a wicked grin and a grating voice, the star of this TV show is mischief-personified.
From little kids to teenage girls (yes, have heard them going weak knee-d at the mention of his name), the precocious five-year-old Shin Chan Nohara Shin Chan is loved by all children and hated by their parents!
Reason? He can be nasty, downright disgusting (baring his backside and doing a little jig is one of his favourite activities) and a 'bad' influence on children.
But try telling your kids not to watch him, and see if they listen. As if Shin Chan was not enough, his baby sister Himawari is following into his footsteps!
Doraemon
A 22nd century robot cat called Doraemon, his little owner Nobita and the latter's gang of friends make up this show.
The friends include a sweet, polite girl Shizuka who Nobita has a crush on, bully Jaian (who despite a bad voice nurses a dream of becoming a singer) and his sidekick, the lopsided-faced Suneo.
Nobita is like any average kid, who doesn't like the thought of going to school, has issues with Jaian, often gets shouted at by his mother, is lazy and hates homework.
So it's left to Doraemon, the super efficient, smart robot who bails out Nobita with his fancy gadgets which makes things easier for him.
But Nobita loves to misuse them and most often than not lands in trouble till Doraemon comes to his rescue again. But wait, it's not all that bad as it's also a lesson in moral values.
As they say: Sabki zindagi yeh sawaare, yeh hai Doraemon!
Chhota Bheem
He is a mighty knee high village boy, who has his loyal friends, including a monkey and Princess Indumati.
Clad in a dhoti, Chhota Bheem could well be the story of Bheem from the Mahabharata in his childhood. Every episode has Bheem being challenged by village bullies and all sundry.
But our boy braves triumphs with his physical and mental strength, his intelligence and sharp skills. And there is a message for everyone at the end.
Krishna and Balarama
This one heavily fictionalises the mythical tales about Krishna and his older brother Balarama, whom he affectionately calls Baladau.
But it's fun while it lasts.
The naughty Krishna loitering around with his friends, Baladau's constant monitoring of his precocious kid brother, their tales of bravery and valour, their encounters with demons and wicked kings are all part of these tales.
What's more, your kid can brush up their English vocabulary listening to these two.
Mr Bean
The long nosed, suited and booted Mr Bean can be a pain in the neck.
He loves to poke his long nose in everything and ends up goofing up all the time. He loves to dig his own grave but by the end of it all, manages to nicely come out of it until his next antic.
While adults personally didn't think much of this mister, the kids vouch for him.
Power Rangers SPD
Flying Power Rangers in blue, green, yellow, red and black battle armour swish swords and zoom across your TV screens.
Jack, Sky, Bridge, Z, Sam and Sidney work for Doggie Cruger and his assistant Dr Kat Max. The Power Rangers are individuals who morph from ordinary people into powerful superheroes. Their helmets protect their secret identities.
A morphed Ranger generally possesses superhuman strength, durability, and ability in hand-to-hand combat. They also possess superhuman abilities such as super speed or invisibility.
When not on duty, they pull each other's legs, flirt around and generally have fun.
Ben 10
This one hugely popular with the bachcha set.
When 10-year-old Ben Tennyson discovers a mysterious device, he gains the power to change into 10 different alien heroes, each with uniquely awe-inspiring powers.
Aided by these super skills, he feels boy enough to help the world at large, foil attempts of evil doers and save the innocents, but of course never ever forgetting that at heart he is just a 10-year-old.
Ninja Hattori
Ding ding ding. That's Ninja Hattori's signature line.
This one is again about 10-year old Ken'ichi Mitsuba, an average kid coping with the hardships of school, peer pressure and nagging parents.
Meanwhile, a little ninja named Hattori Kanzo, Shishi-maru (a ninja dog) and Kanzo's little brother Shinzo befriend Ken'ichi and follow him like a shadow.
Yumeko-chan is Ken'ichi's girlfriend. Kemumaki, a koga ninja (please don't ask what that means) is the villain of the piece who is the bane of Keni'ichi's existence. He and his ninja cat Kagekiyo are the troublemakers.
And so each episode is revenge time for Hattori and Ken'ichi. Ding ding ding ding...
Tom & Jerry
This one is for all seasons and for all reasons.
From eight-year-olds to the over 80, everyone loves the crazy tu tu main main that is Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse.
While some love the audacity of Jerry, others sympathise with Tom's miseries.
Though the cartoons are very violent, they never fail to evoke a smile. These two can uplift the mood of the grouchiest of them all and are a sure shot stress-buster!
My favourite billi chuha.