Munchi Character Analysis in The Henna Artist

Munchi (whom Lakshmi and Radha often call Munchi-ji) is an elderly man in Ajar, the small town the sisters were raised in. Munchi is a mentor to both young women: he teaches Lakshmi to draw and Radha how to make special pastes and paints, both skills they will later use in the henna business. Munchi also offers important advice, especially as the girls figure out how to leave Ajar.

Munchi Character Timeline in The Henna Artist

The timeline below shows where the character Munchi appears in The Henna Artist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Three days earlier, Radha consulted with Munchi, a disabled old man in the village. Munchi urged Radha to find her sister’s husband,... (full context)

Choice, Independence and Women’s Freedoms Theme Icon

...Nasreen. The elaborate designs she practiced with these “pleasure women” reminded her of drawing with Munchi, the old man in Ajar. It was with Hazi and Nasreen that Lakshmi first met... (full context)

...will help Radha grow up well, and the two bond over their shared love of Munchi-ji, back in Ajar. Radha reveals that although she has no painting skill, she is great... (full context)