TV show a way to keep Laxman's work alive: Family

Mumbai, Nov 14 (IANS) Family members of veteran cartoonist R.K. Laxman Monday said they will be involved in a TV show inspired by his cartoons to ensure that his works are kept alive.

Mumbai, Nov 14 (IANS) Family members of veteran cartoonist R.K. Laxman Monday said they will be involved in a TV show inspired by his cartoons to ensure that his works are kept alive.

'Father's popular creation 'The Common Man' has inspired a TV show 'R.K. Laxman Ki Duniya', which will deal with the aspirations and troubles of the common Indian men and women,' Usha Laxman, his daughter-in-law said.

'We are fully involved in the show as we want to ensure that his works are adapted in the right manner,' she added.

To be aired on SAB TV, the show will see comedian Atul Parchure essay the common man, while Vandana Pathak will be seen as his wife. The show will go on air Nov 28.

'We have requested that Mr Laxman be shown the pilot episode of the show. The producers have agreed and it will go on air once Mr Laxman gives it the go-ahead,' said Nandu Gupta, a businessman and a close family friend involved in the project.

Laxman, who turned 90 last month, portrayed the Common Man in Times of India cartoons that dealt with scheming politicians, gossiping housewives and corrupt bureaucrats, among a vast variety of subjects.

'We have given the rights of telecasting 150 episodes of the show based on father's works of past 60 years to J.D. Majethia of Hats Off Productions and Dharmesh Mehta of NamanRaj Productions,' Usha said.

The episodes and incidents of the show would involve happenings in the life of the common man, and represent his hopes, aspirations, troubles, and weaknesses in day-to-day life.

Laxman, who celebrated his 90th birthday last month has been keeping unwell. He, however, continues to sketch and draw everyday.

'His speech has been affected after he suffered a second stroke last year and hence we are not involving him directly with the show,' Usha said.

Laxman had in 1988 been actively involved in a show on Doordarshan 'Wagle ki Duniya'. He had conceptualised the show and wrote each episode on the spot.

'Unlike 'Wagle ki Duniya', father will not be able to be actively involved in this show. Hence, we are chipping in as family members,' Usha said.

Usha, however, said that Laxman who is very emotionally attached to the Times of India that has carried his works for 60 years. 'Times of India did carry his works from its archives when father could not continue to contribute due to his illness. But that too has been stopped now. He is slightly sad about this,' she said.

Usha also said that now that Laxman's works have been featured across print and television, the family would look forward to a film being made on his works in the future.

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Vandana Pathak Thumbnail

Vandana Pathak

Atul Parchure Thumbnail

Atul Parchure

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