<p>Superhero Priya, who came into existence in 2014 following the brutal Delhi gang rape, has returned in a new comic titled ‘Priya’s Mask’.</p>.<p>Brainchild of Indian-American filmmaker Ram Devineni, Priya was born as a reaction to the general apathy towards rape. The character became India’s first female comic book superhero.</p>.<p>Priya's Shakti was honoured by UN Women as “Gender Equality Champion”. In the new series, the character tackles the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.<p>The project was funded through a grant from the North India Office (NIO) of the US Embassy in New Delhi, in coordination with the Regional English Language Office (RELO), as part of the US-India cooperation to combat the pandemic.</p>.<p>Released as an augmented reality comic book, it is paired with an animated short film featuring the voices of Rosanna Arquette, Vidya Balan, Mrunal Thakur, and Sairah Kabir.</p>.<p>The comic book and film were released worldwide on December 2 and premiered at the Global Health Film Festival in London.</p>.<p>Set against the backdrop of Jodhpur, the plot follows Priya befriending eight-year-old Meena to show her the importance of frontline healthcare workers and instilling courage and compassion in her.</p>.<p>With her flying tiger, Sahas, Priya explains the importance of wearing a mask and working together to end the pandemic.</p>.<p>This instalment will also present a debut alliance between Priya and Pakistan’s Burka Avenger.</p>.<p>The comic book series is available as a free download on www.priyashakti.com.</p>
<p>Superhero Priya, who came into existence in 2014 following the brutal Delhi gang rape, has returned in a new comic titled ‘Priya’s Mask’.</p>.<p>Brainchild of Indian-American filmmaker Ram Devineni, Priya was born as a reaction to the general apathy towards rape. The character became India’s first female comic book superhero.</p>.<p>Priya's Shakti was honoured by UN Women as “Gender Equality Champion”. In the new series, the character tackles the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>.<p>The project was funded through a grant from the North India Office (NIO) of the US Embassy in New Delhi, in coordination with the Regional English Language Office (RELO), as part of the US-India cooperation to combat the pandemic.</p>.<p>Released as an augmented reality comic book, it is paired with an animated short film featuring the voices of Rosanna Arquette, Vidya Balan, Mrunal Thakur, and Sairah Kabir.</p>.<p>The comic book and film were released worldwide on December 2 and premiered at the Global Health Film Festival in London.</p>.<p>Set against the backdrop of Jodhpur, the plot follows Priya befriending eight-year-old Meena to show her the importance of frontline healthcare workers and instilling courage and compassion in her.</p>.<p>With her flying tiger, Sahas, Priya explains the importance of wearing a mask and working together to end the pandemic.</p>.<p>This instalment will also present a debut alliance between Priya and Pakistan’s Burka Avenger.</p>.<p>The comic book series is available as a free download on www.priyashakti.com.</p>