In the late 1950s, the comic strip Bobanum Moliyum by cartoonist V T Thomas, known as Toms, captivated Malayalis with the antics of 12-year-old twins Boban and Molly from Kizhukkamthookku village. These characters, along with others like the panchayat president ‘Ittunnan’ and his wife ‘Chettathy,’ provided humorous and satirical commentary on Kerala’s social and political landscape. However, in the late 1970s, a standout character named Appi Hippie emerged—a lanky, long-haired, guitar-playing roadside Romeo with a flirtatious charm. This character represented the ‘modern unemployed’ youths of that era and drew inspiration from a real person: Jacob Easo.
The Man Behind the Character
Jacob Easo, a 73-year-old guitarist from Kottayam, continues to wield his guitar skillfully, teaching many students in the vicinity. Despite the uncanny resemblance, Jacob is quick to clarify that only his looks inspired the character of Appi Hippie. “It’s just my features and looks that sparked Toms’ imagination. The flirty nature was a creative embellishment, entirely the artist’s freedom. It’s the exaggeration that really brought the character to life. I’ve always made it clear then and now that flirting was never my forte, not even in my heyday,” laughs Jacob.
A Musical Journey
Jacob’s love for music began early. After completing Class 10 in 1968, he decided not to pursue further education and instead embraced music, grooving to the tunes of The Beatles and adopting their style. He enrolled at RLV College of Music and Fine Arts in 1971 to avoid family pressure about his education. Although the institute primarily taught Carnatic music, Jacob found his niche in learning and performing guitar, eventually earning money through music shows and stage performances.
Jacob’s long hair and unconventional style drew the attention of Toms during a music show. “Before the programme, my team and I walked to the stage. That’s likely when Toms took notice of my appearance. I can say for certain that back in those days, there weren’t many people, especially in Kottayam, who sported a spunky look like mine,” Jacob chuckles.
A Brush with Fame
Jacob’s unique look eventually became the inspiration for Appi Hippie, though it took some time for the connection to be widely acknowledged. “There were talks about it, but no one came forward. However, in Toms’ autobiography in 2015, there was a mention of the character Appi Hippie and how his features were inspired by a guitarist. Also, I met his son Boban once, which also gave me confirmation on the origin of the character,” says Jacob.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite his busy schedule, Jacob ensured he got his hands on a copy of the book featuring Appi Hippie. He thoroughly enjoyed the humor and social commentary reflected in the stories. His musical career, which includes playing for movies like Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre and Mallanum Mathevanum, continues to thrive.
Jacob’s journey from a young music enthusiast to the real-life inspiration behind an iconic comic character is a testament to how art imitates life, often in the most unexpected ways. As he continues to teach and inspire new generations of musicians, the legacy of Appi Hippie lives on, reminding us of the vibrant and eclectic spirit of youth.