Pune, Jan 26 (IANS) Legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman, creator of the iconic "The Common Man", died in a private hospital here Monday evening after a brief illness, his son said. He was 94.
Laxman, brother of late English novelist R.K. Narayan, is survived by writer wife Kamala, retired journalist son Srinivas and daughter-in-law Usha.
He had been admitted to a private hospital around 10 days ago for a urinary tract infection and lung problems, where he breathed his last at 6.10 p.m. Monday, Srinivas told IANS.
As there was no improvement in his condition, Laxman was shifted to the Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital here and put on ventilator last Sunday (Jan 18).
Laxman had suffered multiple organ failure, but had responded well to treatment and was bouncing back. Three days later, he was removed from ventilator and shifted to the intensive care unit.
He was renowned for his creation of "The Common Man", which ran for many decades in The Times of India under the brand name "You Said It".
"He was first admitted to a hospital nearby Jan 16, but his condition showed no improvement. Later, we moved him to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital where he showed a miraculous recovery," Srinivas told IANS.
He said Laxman's 89-year-old wife Kamala took the news of her husband's demise stoically.
"The past 10 days have been extremely unnerving... the uncertainty of his health was a concern for the entire family," Srinivas said from Pune.
Born in Mysore in Karnataka Oct 24, 1921, Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman was attracted to sketching from his early childhood.
He was first married to Bharatanatyam exponent and film actress Kamala, who was known in the film industry as 'Baby Kamala', and who later graduated to adult roles as 'Kumari Kamala'.
The couple split and Laxman subsequently married a prominent author of children's books, also named Kamala.
His son Srinivas Laxman is a senior journalist with The Times of India and a a specialist on aviation, space and defence.
People from all walks of life expressed shock and sadness at the demise of Laxman.
Vice President Hamid Ansari condoled Laxman's death, saying "he touched lives of millions by his incisive humour".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death, saying: "We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humour in our lives and always bringing smiles on our faces.
"My condolences to the family and countless well-wishers of a legend whose demise leaves a major void in our lives. RIP R.K. Laxman."
Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, expressing condolence, said Laxman "made his daily point while making us laugh".
Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar said: "The man who made us laugh has left us in tears. The legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman will always be remembered for his gentle humour."
Maharashtra Congress president Manikrao Thakre expressed deep grief on the demise of Laxman and offered condolences to his family.
BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said in a tweet that India has lost a great artist who taught people the nuances of creative satire with the prowess of his brush and brain -- both supremely sharp.
"Apart from everything else, he will be remembered as one who gave authentic voice to genuine agonies and aspirations of the common man," Sahasrabuddhe said.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said India has just lost her pre-eminent common man and Bollywood actor-director Farhan Akhtar said: "The common man has just lost its first citizen."
Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde described Laxman as "a great cartoonist and writer, his works gave the common man a voice and hope for a change".
Industrialist Anand Mahindra said Laxman "kept us in good humour as our country went through its growth pangs... we owe many embedded images of ourselves and India to him".
Shiv Sena youth leader Aditya Thackeray said it was an honour to meet Laxman a few years ago. "But to see my grandfather (the late Bal Thackeray) meet him, was to travel in a time machine to see mutual love and respect."
Transformers Rise Of The Beasts Review: Optimus Prime returns to save the world, tremendous action on emotion
Transformers Rise Of The Beasts Review: The flight of imagination in Hollywood cinema has attained escape velocity and reached the depths of space many years ago. The dwelling of different species on
Textbook Controversy: CM Bommai reacted to the controversy, said - Our government will discuss the Basav path, which will be discussed with saints
The state's opposition ruling party is attacking the BJP over the textbook controversy in Karnataka. However, amidst the ongoing controversy, the state CM Basavaraj Bommai has issued a statement. CM
Imran Khan Bail: Relief to Imran Khan in terrorism case, Anti-Terrorism Court extends interim bail
Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court has extended the interim bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan till September 12. Earlier in August, PTI chief Imran Khan was booked on a complaint by Islamabad
Rajasthan Politics: Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra is about to reach Rajasthan, Gehlot, and Pilot seen together amid ruckus over 'traitor'
A Congress meeting was held in Jaipur on Tuesday (29th November) regarding Bharat Jodo Yatra. CM Ashok Gehlot was also present in this meeting along with Congress leader KC Venugopal. Sachin Pilot
'The Coalition 2' to bring Creative Entrepreneurs together
Greater Noida, Feb 17 (IANS) Film producer Guneet Monga, Universal Music representative Devraj Sanyal and NGO Goonj founder-director Anshu Gupta among others will be part of 'The Coalition 2', a
Coronavirus Updates: After four days, the cases of Covid-19 increased again in the country, 3615 cases came in 24 hours
Corona cases have increased once again in the country. After four consecutive days of decline, there has been an increase in corona cases on Wednesday. The Health Ministry said that 3,615 new cases of
E-visa gives fillip to Tourism Sector: Economic Survey
New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) Easing of the Indian tourism visa regime through the expansion of Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will give a fillip to foreign tourist
Wayanad landslide: DNA testing of 349 human body parts has been completed so far, DNA testing of 52 parts could not be done due to decomposition
DNA testing of 401 body parts recovered from the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad on July 30 was completed on Tuesday. At the same time, 52 organs have not been tested so far due to excessive
European Union's warning to Elon Musk, Twitter can be banned in 27 countries for not following the rules
The European Union has threatened to ban Twitter. A top European Union official said on Wednesday that Twitter would have to comply with new rules. He said that if Twitter does not follow the rules,
IPL mini auction in Chennai on 18 February: India first choice for the tournament, UAE second option; All 8 teams will be able to spend Rs 196.6 crores
The mini-auction for the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place in Chennai on 18 February. IPL management confirmed this through social media. According to him, India is the
