RK Lakshman's Common Man: Analysis

The documentation visually analyses the character, environment and situations of the 'Common Man' from the cartoon strip 'You Said It' in terms of Media and Culture studies.

1. RK LAKSHMAN 24 October 1921 – 26 January 2015 A n eminent cartoonist, illustrator, humourist and writer, f amously 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 A sian 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

2. 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

3. THE COMMON MAN General 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 N ehru collar. Westernized shoes Seems interested participant but passive

4. THE COMMON MAN GENERALIZATION 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

5. THE COMMON MAN PASSIVITY 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

6. THE COMMON MAN WITNESS V/S VICTIM Saved or blown away is the question!

7. THE COMMON MAN SILENT REBEL 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

8. THE COMMON MAN BACKING GANDHI 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Take 10 to 15 pics and try to analyse it in contexts Reference 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.