Toms (cartoonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toms |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | V. T. Thomas 6 June 1929 Kuttanad, India |
| Died | 27 April 2016 (aged 86) Kottayam, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Area(s) | Cartoonist |
|
Notable works
|
Boban and Molly |
| Spouse(s) | Thresiakutty |
| Children | 6 |
V. T. Thomas (born June 6, 1929 – died April 27, 2016) was a famous cartoonist from Kerala, India. He was also known as Toms. He is best known for creating the popular cartoon characters Boban and Molly.
Contents
Toms' Early Life and Career
Toms was born on June 6, 1929, in Kuttanad, Alappuzha district. His parents were Vaadakkal Thoppil Kunjuthomman Kunjithomman and Sicily Thomas. He studied at SB College in Changanassery.
After college, he briefly worked as an electrician in the army. However, he soon left this job to focus completely on drawing cartoons. His older brother, Peter Thomas, was a cartoonist for Shankar's Weekly. Peter inspired Toms to pursue his passion for drawing.
Toms started his cartooning career in 1950. He drew for Sathyadeepam, a Catholic weekly, and Kerala Kaumudi. In 1955, he joined Malayala Manorama, a major newspaper.
The World of Boban and Molly
Toms created the well-loved Malayalam cartoon characters, Boban and Molly. They are a brother and sister duo who often appear with a small puppy. These characters were based on two real children Toms knew in his neighborhood. He met them when he was in his 30s.
Boban and Molly (ബോബനും മോളിയും) first appeared in the cartoon section of Sathyadeepam. They became even more famous when they were published in Malayala Manorama starting in 1957.
In 1987, Toms left Malayala Manorama. He then started his own company called Toms Publications.
Other Fun Characters by Toms
Toms also created many other characters who appeared alongside Boban and Molly. These characters showed different types of people and lifestyles from Kerala.
- *Pothen Vakkeel and Wife* - They are the parents of Boban and Molly.
- *Appy Hippy* - A local character known for being a bit of a romantic.
- *Ittunnan and Chettathy* - The president of the village council (Panchayath) and his wife.
- *Motta* - A friend of Boban and Molly.
- *Unnikkuttan* - A mischievous and naughty child.
- *Kunchukuruppu* - A very smart and witty person.
- *Aasan* - A wise and knowledgeable character.
- *Uppayi Mapla* - A simple person from the village.
Boban and Molly on Screen
The popular characters of Boban and Molly were even made into a movie! A film called Bobanum Moliyum was released in 1971. It was directed by J. Sasikumar and starred actors Madhu and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Later, in 2006, an animated film based on the characters was also released.
Toms' Autobiography
Toms wrote a book about his life called Ente Bobanum Molliyum. This means "My Boban and Molly". The famous actor Mammootty released the book on December 29, 2015.
Toms' Family Life
Toms was married to Thresiakutty. They had six children together. Interestingly, two of their children were named Boban and Molly, just like his famous cartoon characters!
Toms' Passing
Toms passed away on April 27, 2016. He was at SH Medical Centre in Kottayam. He was 86 years old and had been suffering from illnesses related to his age.
