Being an Indian Teenager: Instagram, Identity & the Chaos of Growing Up
Not just a comics. It’s a mirror for today’s Indian teens.
Teenage years in India are no longer just about exams, tuition classes, and “log kya kahenge.” They are about identity, expression, social media pressure, friendships that feel like family and parents who genuinely care but often don’t quite get it.
Being an Indian Teenager, published by Westland and Pratilipi Comics, captures this emotional rollercoaster with honesty, humour and heart. It doesn’t preach. It listens. And that’s exactly why it works.
The Story: Three Girls, One Insta Page & Zero Chill
Fourteen year old Bhanupriya Vaishnavi Puttuswamy, known as Riya at school, is done living life on instructions written by everyone else. Her parents speak a different emotional language, school is overwhelming and her brain is constantly stuck in “?! mode.”
Along with her best friends Sam and Alisa, Riya does what most modern teens instinctively understand—she creates an Instagram page:
@Being-an-Indian-Teen
What starts as a coping mechanism soon turns into a spiral of followers, unexpected fame, drama, validation, confusion and moments that make you pause and think:
“Wait… what just happened?”
The comic book beautifully portrays how teens today juggle:
- Peer pressure
- Social media expectations
- Friendships and misunderstandings
- Crush adjacent emotions
- The constant struggle to be heard
Why This Comics Hits Home for Indian Teenagers
This is not a fantasy superhero comics. This is real life, just illustrated!
Teenage challenges highlighted perfectly:
- The gap between parents intentions and teens emotions
- The pressure of being “sorted” too early
- Online validation vs real self-worth
- Fear of judgement, offline and online both
- The need to belong without losing individuality
The narrative doesn’t mock teenage confusion. It respects it.
A Rare Comics That Parents Should Read Too
What makes Being an Indian Teenager special is that it works for both sides of the generation gap.
For teenagers:
- It feels seen
- It feels honest
- It feels like someone finally understands
For parents:
- It offers perspective
- It explains what teens struggle to say out loud
- It opens doors for conversation without lectures
This is one of those rare graphic books that can sit on a shared bookshelf and actually start meaningful discussions.
About the Author: Real Life, Real Voice
Pooja Marwah writes like someone who has lived through chaos, parenting, lockdown madness and creative frustration because she has.
Drafted in parking lots and shaped during lockdown while sharing space with her children, this book carries lived-in authenticity. Her storytelling feels mischievous yet reflective, humorous yet deeply empathetic, perfect for a teenage narrative that refuses to be superficial.
Artwork & Format: Simple, Expressive & Relatable
At 120 pages, the comics is easy to read yet emotionally layered. The visuals complement the story without overpowering it making it accessible for teens who may not usually pick up a “book.”
It reads fast, but it stays with you.
Why This Is a Perfect Gift for Growing Kids
If you’re looking for:
- A meaningful gift for teenagers (15–18 years)
- Something beyond textbooks and exam guides
- A conversation starter between parents and children
This comics is a solid choice.
It acknowledges that growing up today is complicated, and that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.
Book Details
- Publisher: Westland
- Publication Date: 27 January 2026
- Language: English
- Pages: 120
- Age Group: 15–18 years
- Price: ₹399 (₹323 after discount)
- Buy on Amazon, Shakti Comics and Other Book Sellers
Final Verdict: Comics Byte Recommendation
Being an Indian Teenager is funny, heartfelt, awkward, chaotic and completely honest. It understands teenage life without judging it and offers parents a window into a world they often struggle to decode. Highly recommended for teenagers and parents alike. Cheers – Comics Byte!!
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The Story of Shiva: Classic Indian Comics
