@niyogibooks
Established in 2004, in Delhi, we are an independent publishing house with more than 600 titles—and the list continues to grow.
RK Laxman - Remembering the Uncommon Man. A Conversation with Veteran Cartoonist & Author, EP Unny.
And today we remember him in this conversation with veteran political cartoonist Mr. EP unny, who recently came out with his book RK luxman back with a Punch, published by Niyogi books, mr. Rooney's book journeys R. K. Luckman's, the influences that led him to become a much loved cartoonist, his work ethic and the nuances of his craft. It is a tribute from a leading cartoonist to a master of his art. And I'm really honored to have Mr. Rooney join me in this conversation today on swell
But the common man was sitting away from daily in a city and looking at news with a certain level of detachment. That is how the Indian military at the time who went to big cities to migrate to big cities for a job, that's how they looked at politics. Leshman's common man watches politics but doesn't want to say anything about it because he's not sure whether he would upset the authorities. At the same time, he was distrustful of the authorities
Thank you so much for sharing that. Sir, I think there is this bit in your book where you're talking about how political cartoons is an art of the moment, that political cartoons generally do not have too long a shelf life, so to speak. But despite that, why do you think Mr. Luksman's cartoons are seen as evergreen and prophetic and have managed to stay relevant in today's India?
And I find that the Scotlands do an excellent run on the internet, competing with many of our work, contemporary cartoonist work and doing pretty well. This is because I think the Indian state is hardened enough to make an old soft, engaging Legsman cartoon, almost punched and particularly skating. He didn't mean a cartoon. He probably didn't make a scathing statement about the state as it existed 20 years ago
Sir, in your book, you also talk about how in the political cartoonists held way, their work was admired by both the common man and politicians alike. Leaders used to follow, react and respond to their cartoons indira Gandhi, Karna Nibi and even Jayla Lita. Do you think the current social media wave of meme culture has somewhat eroded the impact that political cartooning once had?
And anything that contributes to irreverence, like the social media or memes and so on, done tastefully, that kind of a thing is always good. You get your sense of irreverence if it expands. It's good for cartoon. I don't think memes or anything that happens on the social media interests of cartoon, anything that promotes a certain degree of reverence in the country is in the interests of cartoony
It looks like the setting of in a palace. It's obviously a minister of manor. This gentleman is telling a news reporter sitting across the you see, we can't take socialism before we give it to the people first. We promised it to the people first, so we are giving it to them first. Then we will become socialist. Such a really telling cartoon. This is one another big cartoon of his which is completely, totally memorable
And with that, Mr. Romee, I'll let you go. I've really enjoyed this conversation around the uncommon genius who gave us the Common Man cartoon series. It was such a pleasure talking with you, sir, and I hope we can have you back on for more such conversations on the well, thank you so much for your time and let me take this opportunity to quickly wish you a very happy divali. Thank you