R.K. Laxman’s caricatures, showcasing vignettes of the life of the common man in India and occasionally reflecting on the life and times of those who governed this country are irresistible. On his 93rd birthday, the Indian Institute of Cartoonists has organised an exhibition of 60 of Laxman’s caricatures. There are caricatures of characters from the Indian political stage, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi, Lal Krishna Advani and Sonia Gandhi, comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, statesmen such as Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Naseer and Yugoslav leader General Tito. Indian scientists such as Homi Jahangir Bhabha are also featured in the collection.
The caricatures of Mahatma Gandhi showcase him as a jovial man, content with his life. Jawahar Lal Nehru appears in a pensive mood, without his trademark cap, in a garden, with a copy of his book, The Discovery of India. The first vice president of the republic, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan appears in a caricature surrounded by numerous books. The genial Lal Bahadur Shastri is immortalized with a grin. Indira Gandhi appears in a younger version of herself, surrounded by a bunch of flowers. Morarji Desai is seen seating on a wooden chair, with a small crown attached at the top of the chair. Sanjay Gandhi makes an appearance and seems to be delivering an election speech. The caricature of a visibly excited Atal Behari Vajpayee and one of Advani sauntering about, with a crown on his head makes for interesting viewing. Another caricature that grabs your attention is one of Homi Bhaba, solving complex formulas in his lab. Mohammad Ali Jinnah seems to be a man in a hurry, while Charlie Chaplin seems a little terrified. The caricatures of Mao and his red book also make for interesting viewing as does the caricature of Gamal Naseer flashing a toothy smile. Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Govind Ballabh Pant and former presidents KR Naryanan and Zakir Hussian also find space.
If you are a keen follower of Indian politics and the art of caricatures, head to the Indian cartoon Gallery, Midford Road, behind Kids Kemp.
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The exhibition is on till November 8.