ESCAPADES INTO ANIME WORLD

It was 2004. Fourth-grader Gowtham Sekkilar would return from school to his silent home. His parents would be out, snowed under work. This was when he turned to his 'companions' to kill his loneliness. This pal came from a different universe.

- SONU M KOTHARI

Now an AI engineer, Gowtham had given the nickname 'companions' to anime characters. He recalls, "I started watching anime when I was very young. My brother was in college at that time. He used to come back home and watch anime on the computer, and I sat beside him." He not only watched the shows, but built a relationship with the world because he knew there was more to anime. More than just vibrant graphics and dramatic expressions, it was a safe space for him, a reflection of life, and a guide to his future.

The anime Hungry Heart inspired Gowtham to take up football. "I watched it because we used to play football in school. The show's protagonist wanted to make a mark in the world, but he is also troubled and rebellious. He found solace in practicing the sport after school hours." Seeing the character, Gowtham started playing the game. After school, along with his friends, he found a spot and played football. Then, one of his teachers saw him play and pushed him to join sports. "I think anime does change you—at least your way of thought," he notes.

Comforting frames

Anime is subtly influencing hearts, minds, and individual identities—from assisting teenagers in naming their feelings and providing comfort in this fast-paced world. From disproportionate figures to unknown, unheard language, anime has an impact on individuals. At its core, anime can be viewed as an escape from reality, a cathartic experience providing comfort, validation, and hope. "Anime connects with your emotions at times. There are many normal happenings that you can possibly relate to life, in terms of achieving something or going towards a perfect goal. It resonates with your sense of feeling," points out Nilesh Subramanian, a cricketer.

For Nilesh, anime, especially Naruto, was the voice that soothed him when he was recovering from an accident in 2014. He explains, "