Legendary cartoonist R K Laxman passes away in Pune

Pune, Jan 26 (PTI) Eminent cartoonist R K Laxman passed away at a hospital here this evening after a prolonged illness. The 94-year old legendary artist was admitted at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital on January 17 where he was being treated for a urinary tract infection. He also underwent dialysis after which he was under observation at the intensive care unit of the hospital.

Laxman passed away at 6.50 PM, said Dr Sameer Jog. Laxman, the creator of ubiquitous mute spectator 'Common Man had suffered multi-organ failure and was put on ventilator. He is survived by wife Kamala and son Srinivas, a former journalist. Capturing the entire gamut of idiosyncrasies of Indian politicians in an innocuous newspaper box with his cartoons, R K Laxman immortalised the passive, hapless common man with an uncanny perception and sarcasm in a daily commentary on his life that brought smiles to millions.

Overcoming the setback in the death of his father, the young Laxman completed high school education and sought admission to Mumbai's J J School of Arts. Ironically his application was rejected by the dean who remarked that his drawings lacked the kind of talent required to qualify for enrolment in our institution as a student . Laxman subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from University of Mysore even as he continued with freelancing and contributed cartoons to Blitz , Swarajya and an animated film based on the mythological character of Narada .

With inputs from PTI

Image source: India.com

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