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RK LAKSHMAN24 October 1921 – 26 January 2015
An eminent cartoonist, illustrator, humourist and writer, famously known for his cartoon strip ‘You said it’ featured in The Times of India since 1951.
Inspired by renowned British cartoonist, Sir David Low he started early, drawing inspiration from looking at illustrations in magazines such as Punch and Bystander.
He has also gave illustrations to his brother RK Narain’s works like Malgudi Days and created popular mascot Gattu for Asian Paints in 1954.
He is best known for his satirical representations of political scenario specially through his popular character – The Common Man – in his cartoon strip.
He has also illustrated series of pocket cartoons.
I drew objects that caught my eye outside the window of my room – the
dry twigs, leaves and lizard-like creatures crawling about, the servant chopping firewood and, of course, and number of crows in various postures on the rooftops of the buildings opposite
— R. K. Laxman
LAKSHMAN’s STYLE
Satirical approach towards Indian Politics and Political Leaders An ironical representation of politics in
India Humoristic approach towards social and
political scenarios Confusion, chaos and helplessness Minimalistic compositions inspired by day-
to-day events. The Common Man character acts as a
passive victim of all happenings
THE COMMON MANGeneral insight into the character
Is a passive witness to all the political drama around him.
Depicted as a old aged man with a mid aged wife (shown sometimes)
Indianized look with signature dhoti-kurta and checked safari coat with Nehru collar.
Westernized shoes Seems interested participant but passive
THE
COM
MO
N
MAN
GEN
ERAL
IZAT
IO
N
No specific identity disclosure
No regional influences included in the character
No significant references of profession or bureaucratic attachment
Mirroring mass opinion on socio-political issues
THE
COM
MO
N
MAN
PASS
IVIT
Y Subject in contexts but
like an object to the surroundings
Keen observer (wide eyes open most of the times)
Neglected or taken for granted
Omnipresence Silent, passive worry,
accepting and helpless
THE
COM
MO
N
MAN
WIT
NES
S V/
S VI
CTIM
Saved or blown away is the question!
THE
COM
MO
N
MAN
SILE
NT
REB
EL Conscious awareness about
the socio-political drama Non verbal (body language)
expression and response Reflecting the agitation in
the common Indian masses directly and indirectly
THE
COM
MO
N
MAN
BACK
ING
G
AND
HI
The dhoti style resembling the classic style of Mahatma Gandhi
The old age, bent back and bald head maybe inspired from Gandhi’s look
The iconic Gandhian spectacles Passiveness of the common man
may be attributed to Non-violence and tolerance
Commonly accepted image can be none other than Gandhi’s.
SOCIO -CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON THE COMMON MAN
The cartoon reflected the common Indian citizens
opinion. It was inspired by the day to day occurrences in the society. It brought out notions of concern in the society in a
humorous way that was entertaining as well as satirical
SOCIO -CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON THE COMMON MAN
It was soon seen the revolution of the common man into a more active
participant. With RK Lakshman’s common man being a readily
accepted notion in Indian society many social and political groups adopted the ‘common man’ to
outreach the general Indian masses
Take 10 to 15 pics and try to analyse it in contextsReference needed
Time magazine remarked in a review of a book of his cartoons - Each morning, Laxman’s frazzled character, known as the Common Man, confronts India’s latest heartbreak with a kind of wry resignation. Meek, doddering and with a moustache that bristles like an electrocuted mongoose, he’s a witness to everything: Scheming politicians, rapacious bureaucrats and gossiping housewives. What’s common about this character is that like most Indians, he sees his country being forced through endless indignities by its leaders and yet doesn’t even whimper in protest.
