Most toy brands get characters designed from talent overseas, or replicate an existing design, only to then manufacture in India - that too as a resultant of our government's push of import duty hike on toys by 70%, in last few years.
From the very beginning, we were determined to create original character designs of our toddler gods from scratch to finish, in Bharat.
Finding partners with the design skillset and who shares the vision, patience & capability to work with us, within our modest means was tall ask.
We are grateful to our design & making partners, who stood by us in this slow, intricate & highly emotional journey of bring alive our plushies. We interpreted their personality traits & striking features of our loved Gods & build-on aesthetics to match to the most iconic characters created by Disney, Marvel etc over decades.
In last one year of making multiple plushie versions to arrive at Happy Krishna, Lucky Ganesha & Mighty Hanuman we share with you today. During this process, we wanted to observe how kids interact with their baal-swarup friends. So we sent our initial versions to Happy-Lucky & Mighty to three families with young children, and a family with expecting mother to see how things shape up.
Here is their take:
Shivani
It felt like a dream come true to be one of the earliest folks to preview what went in recreating Lucky Ganesha in a huggable form. For me, it’s the playful eyes, and the smile thorugh the trunk, that I always kept telling the Jai Jai team to bring out better. And I’m so happy that after a year of design & hand stitching improvisations, they have arrived at my best friend you see today.
Himani
Happy Krishna brought Sidharth (my husband) & me even closer. Indian men have a tough time expressing their emotions, but childhood memories & the effect it has on our subconscious really helped. He’s always had a special connection with Krishna, and now we both find more ways, reasons & occasions to speak about diverse things while having our Happy Krishna around. We even have a little spot in our living room where we keep it, and it’s become a part of our everyday life. He’s our source of hope & happiness in the middle of this busy city.
Sandesh & Kanchan
Both my daughters Mahi & Yuvi got emotional and excited looking at the Jai Jai Superheroes. I am usually not a man of too many words, but I would like to say that these superheroes have literally become best friends of my daughters. As soon as they come back from school, first thing they do is to hug the superheroes.
Praveen and Shashi
I enjoy watching my daughters (Pihu and Mishti) play with Krishna Ji. It’s so heartwarming because they treat him like a little brother & their friend. You guys don’t believe that what is our favorite moment- When they play peekaboo with him! My wife and I laugh so much during those times. Sometimes, they even ask us to join in and we happily do. Both of them share their daily activities and little secrets with Kanha Ji.
Manish & Jyoti
Since the time, Jai Jai team has sent Mighty Hanuman to Shourya, his screen time has come down sharply. Mighty Hanuman has become hisbest friend, he talks to him, shares his secrets with him and has become emotionally connected with Superhero. We feel very happy when we see him sleeping with Mighty Hanuman tightly hugged to his chest. My son has got his best friend, and that friend is none other than our Mighty Hanuman.