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- "Here comes the Shankar Shimmy!"
- ― Shankar
Shankar's Makeover is a magazine story illustrated using images from the television series. Originally published in an unknown year, it was republished in 2025 as part of the "Classic Thomas Story Collection" series with slight alterations to the images and text.
Plot[]
It is the end of another day on the Indian Railway and Shankar is busy shunting using his special shunting move - "the Shankar Shimmy". Back at the sheds, Thomas is very excited as tomorrow is the Fancy Dress Costume Contest and all the locomotives are taking part. All except Shankar. Rajiv explains that they ask him each year and he always says no. Thomas is puzzled, but Shankar says he can't think of anything worse than everyone staring at him. Rajiv, on the other hand, can't think of anything better! Thomas decides Shankar should enter the contest and that he would enjoy it, even if he is nervous. Thomas tells Charubala that Shankar wants to participate in the event.
The next day, all the engines dress up in their costumes for the contest. Thomas is an elephant, Ashima is covered in flowers, Noor Jehan was a fairy and Rajiv looks more regal than ever. But Shankar is missing. Thomas spots Shankar hiding and puffs over to him. Thomas tells his friend that he looks amazing, but Shankar says he looks ridiculous and doesn't want anyone to see him. Thomas finally manages to persuade Shankar to show everyone his costume and he wins first prize. The crowd calls for Shankar to perform the "Shankar Shimmy", but when he obliges, the costume falls off. Shankar is embarrassed and Thomas tells Charubala that he feels bad about entering Shankar in the contest against his wishes. Charubala tells Thomas that not everyone likes being in the spotlight.
Shankar asks Charubala if he can go back to the shunting yard. Charubala agrees, but reminds Shankar that the cars here need shunting too. Shankar obliges again and this time he performs the "Shankar Shimmy" to perfection.
Characters[]
2025[]
Trivia[]
- This story is based on the twenty-fourth series episode of the same name.
- The first image has been officially edited to make it appear as if it is daylight. The second image has also been edited to move Rajiv and Thomas closer together.
Goofs[]
- Because the second image is edited, this causes a continuity error with the third image which shows Ashima next to Rajiv. Ashima is not featured in the second image.
- Chaubala refers to the trucks as "cars".
Gallery[]
