Toonz Media Group and New York-based Sharmaji Productions have partnered on the production of a full season of Uma and Devan Namaste!, a new animated preschool series that is the first to explore the daily lives of Indian-American families. The show follows sister and brother Uma (age 5) and Devan (almost 4) as they balance growing up in the US while staying true to their Indian heritage.
“For Toonz, it is of utmost importance to find creative and philosophical synergies with our partners, and we found it in Sharmaji Productions,” said Toonz Media Group’s CEO, P. Jayakumar. “Uma and Devan Namaste! is an amazing series which will connect well with kids across the world. We have great hopes for the show and this wonderful collaboration.”
“Namaste,” a respectful greeting meaning “I bow to you,” conveys a message that recognizes and emphasizes the good in each individual – a central focus of the series. As the siblings navigate their multicultural world (with the help of family and friends), each episode highlights important, universal lessons while incorporating aspects of Indian culture. Uma and Devan also encounter the unique cultural practices of their friends, learning to respect and celebrate the diversity within modern America.
The series also features Uma and Devan’s loving family members: their grandparents Dadi and Dadu, first-generation immigrants; their US-born parents; and their eccentric uncle, Mamu. Among the sibling’s planned adventures for the series are making Rangoli, playing cricket, practicing yoga, baking roti and celebrating Holi.
Jayakumar and his team will be at Kidscreen next week to present the series to potential partners. More information is available at umadevannamaste.com.
