R. K. Laxman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
R.K. Laxman
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| Born |
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman
24 October 1921 |
| Died | 26 January 2015 (aged 93) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Cartoonist, illustrator |
| Known for | Common Man |
| Spouse(s) | Kumari Kamala, Kamala Laxman |
| Relatives | R. K. Narayan (Brother) |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan Padma Vibhushan Ramon Magsaysay Award |
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Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman (born October 24, 1921 – died January 26, 2015) was a very famous Indian cartoonist, illustrator, and humorist. He is best known for creating his popular character, The Common Man. He also drew a daily cartoon strip called You Said It for The Times of India newspaper, which started in 1951.
R. K. Laxman began his career drawing cartoons part-time for local newspapers and magazines. While he was still a college student, he drew pictures for his older brother R. K. Narayan's stories in The Hindu. His first full-time job was as a political cartoonist for The Free Press Journal in Mumbai. Later, he joined The Times of India. There, he became very famous for his "Common Man" character, which changed his life.
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Early Life and Childhood
R. K. Laxman was born in Mysore, India, in 1921. He came from a Tamil Hindu family. His father was a headmaster, and Laxman was the youngest of eight children. His older brother was the well-known writer R.K. Narayan.
Even before he could read, Laxman loved the pictures in magazines like The Strand and Punch. Soon, he started drawing everywhere, on the floors, walls, and doors of his house. He also drew funny pictures, called caricatures, of his teachers at school. A teacher once praised his drawing of a peepal leaf, which made him feel like he was meant to be an artist.
Another big influence on Laxman was the work of British cartoonist Sir David Low. Laxman was also the captain of his local cricket team. His fun adventures even inspired stories written by his brother, Narayan.
After finishing high school, Laxman wanted to study drawing and painting. He applied to the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art. However, the school told him his drawings were not good enough. He was refused admission. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mysore. During this time, he kept drawing cartoons for different publications.
Laxman's Amazing Career
How It Started
R.K. Laxman's first drawings appeared in newspapers and magazines like Swarajya and Blitz. While he was still studying at the Maharaja College of Mysore, he began drawing pictures for his elder brother R. K. Narayan's stories in The Hindu. He also drew political cartoons for local newspapers.
Laxman also drew cartoons for a Kannada humor magazine called Koravanji. This magazine was started in 1942 by Dr. M. Shivaram, who encouraged Laxman's talent.
Laxman's first full-time job was as a political cartoonist for The Free Press Journal in Mumbai. In 1951, Laxman joined The Times of India in Mumbai. He worked there for over fifty years! His "Common Man" character became very popular. This character often watched important events in India, especially about democracy.
Other Creative Works
Laxman also created a popular mascot named "Gattu" for the Asian Paints Ltd company in 1954. He wrote a few novels too, including The Hotel Riviera. His cartoons even appeared in Hindi films like Mr. & Mrs. '55.
He also drew sketches for the TV show Malgudi Days. This show was based on stories written by his elder brother, R. K. Narayan. Laxman also drew funny pictures of famous people like David Low and T.S. Eliot.
Personal Life
Laxman was first married to Kumari Kamala, a dancer and film actress. They did not have any children. After their divorce in 1960, Laxman married his niece, whose first name was also Kamala. She was the author and children's book writer Kamala Laxman. They had a son named Srinivas.
In September 2003, Laxman had a stroke, which affected the left side of his body. He slowly recovered from it. In June 2010, he was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after being flown in from Pune.
Laxman's Passing
Laxman passed away in a hospital in Pune on India's Republic Day in 2015. He was 93 years old. He had been in the hospital for a few days due to an infection and chest problems. These issues led to many of his organs failing. He had also suffered several strokes since 2010.
After his death, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared a cartoon Laxman had drawn about the successful landing of Mangalyaan on Mars. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced that Laxman would receive a state funeral. A memorial would also be built in his honor. Laxman's body was cremated at the Vaikunth crematorium.
Awards and Special Recognition
R. K. Laxman received many important awards for his work:
- Padma Bhushan – from the Government of India – 1973
- Padma Vibhushan – from the Government of India – 2005
- Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts – 1984
- Karnataka Rajyotsava Award – from the Government of Karnataka – 1983
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalism – CNN IBN TV18 – 2008
- Pune Pandit Award for excellence in 'Creative Communication' – 2012
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mysore – 2004
There is even a special position named after R. K. Laxman at Symbiosis International University.
Laxman in Popular Culture
- In the web series Scam 1992, an actor played R.K. Laxman. He was shown working at The Times of India in Mumbai.
- On October 24, 2015, Google honored Laxman with a special Google Doodle on his 94th birthday.
Multimedia About Laxman
- India Through The Eyes of R. K. Laxman – Then To Now (CD-ROM).
- R K Laxman Ki Duniya, a television show on SAB TV.
- Wagle Ki Duniya, a television show on DD National.
