Cartoonist R.K. Laxman’s condition critical but stable

MUMBAI - The condition of renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman, who was airlifted from Pune to Mumbai after he suffered a stroke, continues to be critical but stable, family sources said here Monday.

The 86-year-old Laxman was Sunday rushed to the intensive care unit of Breach Candy Hospital after he suffered a massive stroke last Thursday in Pune, where he has settled down since the past more than two years.

“He was taken to the Sahyadri Hospital but his condition did not show any appreciable change and he suffered two more strokes, impairing his speech. So we decided to airlift him to Mumbai and admit him to Breach Candy,” said the family member, requesting anonymity.

“His condition is now critical, but stable. However, it continues to be a matter of concern for us all,” the family member added.

Laxman has been suffering from diabetes and kidney problems besides some blood infection.

Laxman, a Magsaysay Award laureate and winner of a host of national and international honours, is a household name due to his front page pocket cartoons featured for decades in The Times Of India, highlighting the problems of The Common Man.

He had suffered a first major stroke in 2003 which had hit the left side of his body.

Though he shifted to Pune to get away from the hectic life of Mumbai, Laxman — the younger brother of the late legendary novelist R.K. Narayan, who died nine years ago — still continues to work and draw cartoons.