Two friends, who have known each other for more than 50 years, met, reliving old times and shedding a tear or two on the memories.
Nothing unusual except that the two are legendary cartoonists R.K. Laxman and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Mr. Thackeray (85) visited Mr. Laxman (90) in his Pune residence on Thursday evening to enquire about his health.
“When he saw me, the poor chap started crying,” Mr. Thackeray, who is a cartoonist himself, told journalists.
First meeting
The two first met in 1945 when Mr. Laxman joined The Free Press Journal, where Mr. Thackeray was already working as cartoonist.
“We worked together till 1950 after which he joined The Times of India,” he said. He was accompanied by his son Uddhav Thackeray and grandson Aditya.
“Today, only I was speaking, as Laxman cannot talk. The very hand that sketched politicians is shaking today,” Mr Thackeray said. Mr. Laxman, who suffered a stroke in 2010, cannot talk, and uses his hands much.
In spite of that, he drew his favourite character, the Common Man, for his old friend, which Mr. Thackeray proudly displayed to reporters.
“The standard of caricaturists has gone down today. In our times, one cartoon was equal to a hundred editorials. Today's cartoons lack that fun element,” Mr Thackeray said.
Speaking to The Hindu earlier in the day, Mr. Laxman's wife Kamala said, “We have known him for very long. Laxman is very fond of him. He is visiting us in Pune for the first time.”
Keywords: Bal Thackeray, R.K. Laxman, cartoonists
Politics & personnel life is always different.This is same in every human being.only situations & ambition makes person to have different view on one matter. Bal Thackeray has big crowd behind him for very long.so he is real in his own perception.
It was a real treat for the eyes to see the picture of 2 cartoonists.Iam proud to write that both were friends of my maternal uncle Shri B.Sheshgiri Rao,who was chief reporter of'The Times of India.'I wish both GREAT cartoonists long & healthy life.
It is great to see 2 LIONs ofworld of cartoonist.A rare picture of 2 together.a real treat for the eyes.
Thanks for the Hindu for publishing the news. I am from pune and none of
the newspapers have covered the news so nicely as you have.
Bal Thackeray may have his own political views, agenda, but felt great
to see his love towards his friend.
Sri. Thackeray family don't break the bridge they crossed over. They always keep the relations alive. He has an ability to take knocks and bounce back. I wish him good health and long life.
I don't know how Indian Media take this news but kudos to Hindu for keeping Politics away from true friendship. Very few of Non-Maharashtrian people would have known this side of Mr. Bal Thackrey. But this Cartoonist inside him made him to foray into Politics. Your true Personality remains with you, you can not hide it. Hope this friendship will remain eternal.
Although Bal Thackeray has gone into a complete transformation from Cartoonist to an opportune politician - always controversial - it is heartening to see his humane side. The picture was touching indeed.
A rare meeting of two good friends, after a long gap. If both of them cried during the meet, it is natural, and this happens amongst close friends. I am amazed, the greatest living Cartoonist, inspire of his ill health, drew a caricature of the COMMON MAN and presented it To his good friend. That shows the great mans concern for the common man, a point Stressed by Katju J, in the recent past. Sir. My salutations to you. The common men of India will remember you for ever.
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Amruta Byatnal has done a good story. She truly deserves byline
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