
AIR INDIA - JUMBO
Offset on Paper
Circa
1970
Size (cms)
62.1 X 99
Artist
V.V. Shetye
V.V. Shetye was a renowned Indian artist known for his work as a poster artist for Air India. His art played a pivotal role in promoting the airline, especially during its golden era in the mid-20th century. Shetye’s distinctive style helped to elevate the visual identity of Air India.
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Publisher
Air India
Printer
Prasad Process (P). Ltd, Madras. Active
More Info
This poster designed by V.V. Shetye, highlights Air India's Boeing 747 jumbo jet service. The central image depicts an elephant, adorned with vibrant traditional Indian patterns, flying through the air, symbolizing the luxurious and majestic experience of flying with Air India. The royal Maharaja, dressed in traditional attire, sits atop the elephant along with others in similar clothing, reflecting the airline's strong connection to Indian culture and heritage.
The Air India Maharaja was introduced to help the airline distinguish itself from its competitors. First appearing in the mid-1940s on an in-flight memo pad, the jovial, rotund Maharaja was conceived by SK (Bobby) Kooka, Air India's Commercial Director at the time, and illustrated by Umesh Rao, an artist at J. Walter Thompson in Bombay. The character quickly became synonymous with the airline, appearing in a wide range of advertisements and promotional materials. Over time, the Maharaja's playful antics and clever puns were used to introduce new flight routes and promote Air India's services with a unique mix of humor, charm, and elegance.
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