Legendary cartoonist R K Laxman passes away in Pune
The cartoonist has been bedridden for many months
Pune: India's legendary cartoonist R K Laxman passed away on Monday after a complicated urinary tract infection. He was 94.
He was being admitted in ICU of Dinanath Mangeshker hospital in Pune. The cartoonist has been bedridden for many months. He admitted to a hospital on 16 January for altered sensorium and breathlessness.
Laxman was put on ventilator support after multi-organ failure. He has reportedly suffered multiple strokes since 2010.
He took a dig at politicians, through his iconic character 'The Common Man'.
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS & all ranks of the Army pay our condolences on the demise of the cartoonist Shri RK Laxman pic.twitter.com/usN8GN51VC
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 26, 2015In his career spanning over 60 years, Laxman fearlessly drew cartoons on Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and several others leaders.
Born in 1924 in Mysore, his big career break came in Mumbai first with the Blitz magazine.
Later, he worked with Free Press journal, alongside cartoonist Bal Thackeray, who then went on to form the political party, Shiv Sena.
Laxman received top honours, including, the Magsaysay award. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
India will miss you RK Laxman. We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humour in our lives & always bringing smiles on our faces.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2015My condolences to the family & countless well-wishers of a legend whose demise leaves a major void in our lives. RIP RK Laxman.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2015