MUMBAI: Pink Panther, that mischievous animated icon turns 40 on 11 April. MGM has announced that it will be honouring the cool cat with a series of celebrations around the world. In India, MGM has a 50:50 JV with Zee for the channel Zee MGM.

The celebrations will range from a US postage stamp to a Pink Panther retail store in China. On the programming front, MGM will start a special Pink Panther A-Thon from 11 April. Over 100 countries will witness a programming marathon of Pink Panther material, and many will take part in different types of promotions and contests.

MGM will also come out with a special edition DVD gift set. This will consist of the Pink Panther films which starred Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. For the US, the set will include digitally re-mastered versions of five Pink Panther movies and a bonus disc of special features including six original animated short films and commentary by the director.

Originally created in 1964 by animators Friz Freleng and David DePatie for the opening credits of the classic film comedy The Pink Panther the cool cat has gone from strength to strength. He has appeared in the Pink Panther live action movies and cartoon shorts as well as several successful television series which are still airing in worldwide syndication.