Debonair Magazine India 13 [work]

The Missing Man:A Study In Adil Jussawalla As A Poet - Academia.edu 18 Aug 2025 —

Debonair was launched by entrepreneur through the G. Claridge Printing Press. Its first official issue hit stands in April 1974 . The magazine became instantly famous for its topless centerfolds, a revolutionary move in the prudish landscape of 1970s India. Debonair Magazine India 13

Founded by Susheel Somani and originally printed by the G. Claridge Printing Press, Debonair was unapologetically modelled after Western giants like Playboy. However, reducing its legacy merely to its controversial, bold centerfolds misses a crucial chapter of Indian literary history. The Missing Man:A Study In Adil Jussawalla As

: Collectors and history enthusiasts frequently trade vintage physical copies on specialty e-commerce platforms like BidCurios or document archives on platforms like Scribd. The magazine became instantly famous for its topless

Some of India’s most celebrated literary figures edited or wrote for the publication. Figures like Vinod Mehta and Khushwant Singh lent their editorial expertise, ensuring the magazine featured robust political commentary, film reviews, and deeply reflective essays. This editorial sophistication gave readers a sense of intellectual justification for purchasing the magazine. 3. Shifting Taboos

The magazine features stunning visuals, with high-quality photographs and illustrations throughout. The design is sleek and modern, with a clear and easy-to-navigate layout.

The centerfold of issue 13 was a 6-page spread titled "Monsoon Diaries." Unlike the artificial studio setups of previous issues, this pictorial was shot on location in the backwaters of Kerala. The use of natural light, rain-soaked textures, and poetic black-and-white sequences was critically acclaimed. Photography critics later cited this spread as a turning point for Indian glamour photography, moving it from crude titillation to fine art.