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The Tunnel of Time by R. K. Laxman
Snippets from the life of India’s best-loved cartoonist.R.K. Laxman has always had a rather unique way of looking at things. His Common Man cartoons have lampooned just about every aspect of political and social life over the past five decades. Now that he has, at long last, decided to write the story of his life, the narrative is imbued with the same acerbic wit and quizzical insights we are so familiar with, while the tone is that of a relaxed after-dinner conversation.There are anecdotes here that can rival the most uncanny adventures of the Common Man. Laxman is tormented by gamblers who are convinced they can see lucky numbers concealed in his cartoons, mistaken for a Mexican and debarred from attending an invitation dinner on Park Avenue because he is carrying a raincoat, and charged with importing obscene literature into the country because a friend has sent him a copy of Playboy. These descriptions are interspersed with delightful thumbnail sketches of luminaries ranging from Graham Greene to V.K. Krishna Menon.Always looking for the contradictions that make life unpredictable and reveling in absurd juxtapositions, Laxman embellishes his canvas with a keen sense of humour and the satirist’s ability to take a whimsical, cock-eyed look at just about anything under the sun. He is a gifted storyteller and pulls the reader along on an enchanting, comical journey down the corridors of time.
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
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About the author
R.K. Laxman
57 books88 followers'''Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman''' (born October 23 1924, Mysore, India) is an Indian cartoonist, illustrator and humorist. He is widely regarded as India's greatest-ever cartoonist and is best known for his creation ''The Common Man".
R. K. Laxman was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He has won many awards for his cartoons, including Asia's top journalism award, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, in 1984.
R. K. Laxman was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He has won many awards for his cartoons, including Asia's top journalism award, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 28, 2024
5.0 ⭐
GENRE - NON FICTION / AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Reminiscing my early days whilst in school, I would always make it a point to pick up a "TIMES OF INDIA" News paper while returning home and for what??? Just to catch a glimpse of Mr. R.K.LAXMAN cartoons in the newspaper his cartoons also featured in the start and end musical of the TV show Malgudi Days as well as the Cartooning done in all of R.K.Narayan's books are by R.K.Laxman itself,both being brother's.
Myself being a good 🎨 who loved Drawing, sketching and Cartooning always wanted to read or know something about Mr. Laxman.
About the Book :-
By far the best Autobiography of an indian by an indian I have read so far. Starting from his early life, his early career in journalism as cartoonist meeting notable cartoonist and journalists, his personal life aswell as his final days in the Times of India are very well explained by himself after reading this book I got to know that Mr. Laxman was not only a notable and world renowned cartoonist who won many awards and accolades for his accomplishments in his field but was also a brilliant writer 👏
Fun Fact - R.K.LAXMAN met WALT DISNEY.
Thanks 😊
GENRE - NON FICTION / AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
Reminiscing my early days whilst in school, I would always make it a point to pick up a "TIMES OF INDIA" News paper while returning home and for what??? Just to catch a glimpse of Mr. R.K.LAXMAN cartoons in the newspaper his cartoons also featured in the start and end musical of the TV show Malgudi Days as well as the Cartooning done in all of R.K.Narayan's books are by R.K.Laxman itself,both being brother's.
Myself being a good 🎨 who loved Drawing, sketching and Cartooning always wanted to read or know something about Mr. Laxman.
About the Book :-
By far the best Autobiography of an indian by an indian I have read so far. Starting from his early life, his early career in journalism as cartoonist meeting notable cartoonist and journalists, his personal life aswell as his final days in the Times of India are very well explained by himself after reading this book I got to know that Mr. Laxman was not only a notable and world renowned cartoonist who won many awards and accolades for his accomplishments in his field but was also a brilliant writer 👏
Fun Fact - R.K.LAXMAN met WALT DISNEY.
Thanks 😊
June 8, 2020
This is a delightful autobiography of India's most loved political cartoonist. Younger brother of famed author R.K. Narayan, Laxman is known for his creation- The Common man who appeared on the front page of India's leading English daily Times of India non stop for more than fifty years. The autobiography traces his childhood days in Mysore to his initial days of struggle at the Swarajya and Free Press Journal before finding fame and success with Times of India. Great read.
June 17, 2021
Ok, disclosure time: I'm a huge fan of R.K.Laxman and our Common Man. The sort who owns compilation books of his You Said It strips. So my take on the book is most probably coloured with that personal affection for the author and the curiosity behind his work.
The Tunnel of Time is not an autobiography in the strict and usual sense, but rather a wonderful recollection of memories and thoughts. It reads more like how your grandfather might tuck you in with his stories (I'll know, I grew up with one). The pages are thus dedicated to the days, rather than to the events, providing a more intimate and beautiful canvas of both the person and the times in which he lived. It truly traces the story of his life, starting from his earliest recollections of growing up in Mysore among relatives and friends, in environs where everyone knows everyone in wholly innocent and good times. On to the days of the emergency, to the end of the millennium. There are loads of anecdotes and stories of his growing up, experiences, travels, work, philosphies and life. The book paints a very evocative and vivid picture of India's gradual change (economically, culturally, socially, politically) from pre-Independence to the millennium, parallelly tracing the changes in life and lifestyle in India across the decades.
It's also personally satisfying that I read the book in Madurai, where in my own way, as with everyone, I've also seen more innocent times slowly change into the present, more responsible, modernity. And for reading this grandfatherly book while lying next to my grandfather, at the same place I'd started my love of reading itself.
Memoirs sometimes fall into the trap of just recounting major events. This book steers clear of that. For instance, his account of his winning the Ramon Magsaysay award does not talk at all about why and how he won it; it rather refreshingly talks about the lovely Filipino ladies from the committee who visited him in the guise of journalists, the last minute rush to prepare to leave for the airport because his wife who was already travelling was stuck at the airport with lost baggage, his random thoughts during the long flight, the people he met at the ceremony, etc. An altogether more enjoyable way of writing one's memoir, I say. And one can't help identifying with his words to new-age cartoonists: The reader shouldn't fail to understand the cartoon, modestly assuming that the cartoon's subject was beyond his intelligence or knowledge. The reader should indeed grasp the central concept, he shouldn't wonder if he was missing some subtle satire.
So, for all the years of making us smile and think, for the born satirist and the born-again cartoonist, for a wonderful memoir filled with entertaining stories and graphic descriptions, and for the grandfatherly feel to the whole affair: 5 stars.
The Tunnel of Time is not an autobiography in the strict and usual sense, but rather a wonderful recollection of memories and thoughts. It reads more like how your grandfather might tuck you in with his stories (I'll know, I grew up with one). The pages are thus dedicated to the days, rather than to the events, providing a more intimate and beautiful canvas of both the person and the times in which he lived. It truly traces the story of his life, starting from his earliest recollections of growing up in Mysore among relatives and friends, in environs where everyone knows everyone in wholly innocent and good times. On to the days of the emergency, to the end of the millennium. There are loads of anecdotes and stories of his growing up, experiences, travels, work, philosphies and life. The book paints a very evocative and vivid picture of India's gradual change (economically, culturally, socially, politically) from pre-Independence to the millennium, parallelly tracing the changes in life and lifestyle in India across the decades.
It's also personally satisfying that I read the book in Madurai, where in my own way, as with everyone, I've also seen more innocent times slowly change into the present, more responsible, modernity. And for reading this grandfatherly book while lying next to my grandfather, at the same place I'd started my love of reading itself.
Memoirs sometimes fall into the trap of just recounting major events. This book steers clear of that. For instance, his account of his winning the Ramon Magsaysay award does not talk at all about why and how he won it; it rather refreshingly talks about the lovely Filipino ladies from the committee who visited him in the guise of journalists, the last minute rush to prepare to leave for the airport because his wife who was already travelling was stuck at the airport with lost baggage, his random thoughts during the long flight, the people he met at the ceremony, etc. An altogether more enjoyable way of writing one's memoir, I say. And one can't help identifying with his words to new-age cartoonists: The reader shouldn't fail to understand the cartoon, modestly assuming that the cartoon's subject was beyond his intelligence or knowledge. The reader should indeed grasp the central concept, he shouldn't wonder if he was missing some subtle satire.
So, for all the years of making us smile and think, for the born satirist and the born-again cartoonist, for a wonderful memoir filled with entertaining stories and graphic descriptions, and for the grandfatherly feel to the whole affair: 5 stars.
May 29, 2020
This was a really wonderful read & something that will remain with me forever. I have started to like R.K.Laxman & his writings, but my favorite will definitely be his elder brother R.K.Narayan. Being a hard core R.K.Narayan fan, it was an amazing experience to read the autobiography 'The Tunnel of Time'. It is a wonderful book about R.K.Laxman, his cartoons, his life as a political cartoonist, his writings, his meetings with other famous personalities both in India & abroad. I just loved it all & I'm sure everyone who loves at least one of these tow amazing brothers will love this book. Go grab your copy of this book today.
December 31, 2024
ಜನರಿಗೆ ಅರಿವನ್ನು ಮೂಡಿಸುವಂತ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯ ಜ್ಞಾನಿಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಕಲಾವಿದರಿಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ, ತಮ್ಮ ವ್ಯಂಗ್ಯಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪ್ರಜ್ಞೆಯನ್ನು ಬಿತ್ತಿದ ಆರ್ ಕೆ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣ್ ರವರ ಆತ್ಮಕಥೆವಿದು, ಸರಾಗವಾಗಿ ಓದಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ, ಯಾವುದೇ ಪೂರ್ವಗ್ರಹಿಕೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ಸಮಚಿತ್ತರಾಗಿ ತಮ್ಮ ವೃತ್ತಿಜೀವನ ತೆರೆದಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
April 17, 2024
The tunnel of time - An Autobiography
R K Laxman.
Rating 3.5/5
A short book, of which I enjoyed most parts. Written with simple vocabulary the book was an easy read. RK Laxman starts with his childhood, goes into his teenage years then full throttle with his career and cartoons. Infused in between include his travels to England, Italy and then Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
All the while the emphasis is on RKLaxman himself and his work. It seems other characters are unimportant and abstract or rather muted. Not many characters have been named.
There are many other pieces of information which I anticipated I would be equipped post reading this book, but, nope, I wasn't. There is very little mention of his siblings including RKNarayan who pops up only when RK Laxman ends up illustrating his stories else not much into the personal aspect of life.
What equation he shared with his siblings, what they grew up to be or rather their kids/family, get together - no such details popup. Some of the personal details his marriage, kids growing up have all been left out. Only time RK Laxman introduces the reader to his son - was when he was looking for a 'PERFECT' bride for his son.
RKLaxman then speaks about politics, emergency and post Indira Gandhi period. Overall an interesting read but lacks an in-depth personal perspective which I was looking as part of an autobiography. Much of everything was work driven and that makes me kind of infer RK Laxman was all into work and less play.
One area where RKLaxman liberally mentions is the consumption of alcohol. There is no mention of any financial struggle as part of his growing up or work years - which leaves me to guess - he was rather well off than most fellow country men of that period.
The book ends with his retirement leaving the reader wanting more of him only to realize that - he wont get any.
RKLaxman was all about wit, sarcasm but there is one more person who was witty as well from the same era and he has written a piece of about the two brothers RKN and RKL. It is none other than Khushwant Singh. One should definitely go through the interesting article written by Khushwant Singh about RKN/RKL.
Cheers,
R K Laxman.
Rating 3.5/5
A short book, of which I enjoyed most parts. Written with simple vocabulary the book was an easy read. RK Laxman starts with his childhood, goes into his teenage years then full throttle with his career and cartoons. Infused in between include his travels to England, Italy and then Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
All the while the emphasis is on RKLaxman himself and his work. It seems other characters are unimportant and abstract or rather muted. Not many characters have been named.
There are many other pieces of information which I anticipated I would be equipped post reading this book, but, nope, I wasn't. There is very little mention of his siblings including RKNarayan who pops up only when RK Laxman ends up illustrating his stories else not much into the personal aspect of life.
What equation he shared with his siblings, what they grew up to be or rather their kids/family, get together - no such details popup. Some of the personal details his marriage, kids growing up have all been left out. Only time RK Laxman introduces the reader to his son - was when he was looking for a 'PERFECT' bride for his son.
RKLaxman then speaks about politics, emergency and post Indira Gandhi period. Overall an interesting read but lacks an in-depth personal perspective which I was looking as part of an autobiography. Much of everything was work driven and that makes me kind of infer RK Laxman was all into work and less play.
One area where RKLaxman liberally mentions is the consumption of alcohol. There is no mention of any financial struggle as part of his growing up or work years - which leaves me to guess - he was rather well off than most fellow country men of that period.
The book ends with his retirement leaving the reader wanting more of him only to realize that - he wont get any.
RKLaxman was all about wit, sarcasm but there is one more person who was witty as well from the same era and he has written a piece of about the two brothers RKN and RKL. It is none other than Khushwant Singh. One should definitely go through the interesting article written by Khushwant Singh about RKN/RKL.
Cheers,
May 28, 2016
RK Narayan’s genius lay in the unassuming way he would draw you into his world. He would use ordinary words extraordinarily and lead you gently by the hand, and before you knew it, you are walking the streets of Malgudi. There is a certain comfort in his writing, a certain unifying “Indian-ness”, the comfort found in a hot cup of kaapi or chai on both sides of the Deccan plateau.
His cartoonist brother RK Laxman too had made the unassuming his moniker. Famous as the creator of the Common Man, a bald, bespectacled man in a checked jacket and dhoti, with a permanently bemused expression on his face, Laxman’s political cartoons appeared under the Times of India masthead for more than 50 years. In the process, as his autobiography The Tunnel of Time tells us, he has been subjected to gamblers convinced that they can see lucky numbers in his cartoons, political leaders who insisted that he made them look too fat and the common man asking his help with common civic problems. These are just a few among the fascinating vignettes that the book allows you to peep into, and Laxman with his tongue-in-cheek humour paints a telling picture of India and the world.
The story meanders and dips, skipping the rigidity of chronology and exact dates. We drink with Laxman and Graham Greene in London and then swiftly find ourselves in Morarji Desai’s India of prohibition. From there it is a short ride to State Censor Bureaus set up during Mrs. Gandhi’s Emergency and then Rajeev Gandhi.
Laxman is disillusioned in the last few pages, both with the fate of his craft and the political situation of the country. With politicians becoming unabashedly corrupt, stories of scams and financial misdemeanors have lost their shock and awe value, making life difficult for the political cartoonist in search of inspiration. He rues the lack of perfection in political cartoons, the sacrifice of satire and quality draftsmanship in the altar of slapstick. What will sustain the profession, he reasons, is not the originality of ideas but the public’s insatiable appetite to degenerate the powers that be, never mind how.
With recent debates on intolerance in the media and attacks on satirists, I wonder how Laxman, a man who survived the Emergency, would fare in the Times of India of today. There is enough variety of issues in the socio-political atmosphere now to make his hands itch for his drawing board, but there is also the censorship which doesn’t need a state sponsored bureau anymore. It starts right at the editor’s desk.
His cartoonist brother RK Laxman too had made the unassuming his moniker. Famous as the creator of the Common Man, a bald, bespectacled man in a checked jacket and dhoti, with a permanently bemused expression on his face, Laxman’s political cartoons appeared under the Times of India masthead for more than 50 years. In the process, as his autobiography The Tunnel of Time tells us, he has been subjected to gamblers convinced that they can see lucky numbers in his cartoons, political leaders who insisted that he made them look too fat and the common man asking his help with common civic problems. These are just a few among the fascinating vignettes that the book allows you to peep into, and Laxman with his tongue-in-cheek humour paints a telling picture of India and the world.
The story meanders and dips, skipping the rigidity of chronology and exact dates. We drink with Laxman and Graham Greene in London and then swiftly find ourselves in Morarji Desai’s India of prohibition. From there it is a short ride to State Censor Bureaus set up during Mrs. Gandhi’s Emergency and then Rajeev Gandhi.
Laxman is disillusioned in the last few pages, both with the fate of his craft and the political situation of the country. With politicians becoming unabashedly corrupt, stories of scams and financial misdemeanors have lost their shock and awe value, making life difficult for the political cartoonist in search of inspiration. He rues the lack of perfection in political cartoons, the sacrifice of satire and quality draftsmanship in the altar of slapstick. What will sustain the profession, he reasons, is not the originality of ideas but the public’s insatiable appetite to degenerate the powers that be, never mind how.
With recent debates on intolerance in the media and attacks on satirists, I wonder how Laxman, a man who survived the Emergency, would fare in the Times of India of today. There is enough variety of issues in the socio-political atmosphere now to make his hands itch for his drawing board, but there is also the censorship which doesn’t need a state sponsored bureau anymore. It starts right at the editor’s desk.
October 22, 2017
The Tunnel of Time: An Autobiography- R K Laxman famous Indian cartoonist, humorist and illustrator, is an interesting book as the reader is able to fall in line with the story- rejection from admission in J J School of Art, Bombay because his drawings lacked "the kind of talent to qualify for enrolment in our institution as a student". He qualified from Mysore, started working as a political cartoonist in Free Press Journal newspaper with Bal Thackeray. Later he joined Times of India as political cartoonist and remained for about 50 years. His description about journey to England is charming. He took a room on weekly rent. The house owner came every week, collected rent, examined the cleanliness and maintenance of the apartment and left. One night he drank more than capacity and slept for more than 24 hours on waking up he was surprised. People play music on the road and bystanders pay them. An illustrator and cartoonist sees the world from his own point of view to find the unique, different qualities, facial features from other people. His autobiography is also written in a style illustrated with caricatures. It is a must read book.
June 10, 2013
Disappointing.
One would thing the work of a satirical cartoonist would be immensely interesting but sadly you are left high and dry. Most of the figures were not named or just not in the story line. I would have personally loved to see the sketches of the respected cartoonist alongside the literature that discussed.
The auto-biography is just 'that'. Plain, simple, to the point; with accounts of travels, meetings with people ranging from cartoonists from america, England or Russia.
If you were expecting more, you are in for great disappointment.
One would thing the work of a satirical cartoonist would be immensely interesting but sadly you are left high and dry. Most of the figures were not named or just not in the story line. I would have personally loved to see the sketches of the respected cartoonist alongside the literature that discussed.
The auto-biography is just 'that'. Plain, simple, to the point; with accounts of travels, meetings with people ranging from cartoonists from america, England or Russia.
If you were expecting more, you are in for great disappointment.
December 17, 2021
Great snippet of a man who made us all smile every morning. Awesome account of his life as an artist and his achievements. Though there is a faint glimpse of his family life I wish he had spoken more of his wife and son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Loved it. ❤️ He is one of my favourite artist since childhood. I used to admire his cartoons in the newspaper. Really enjoyed reading his journey and got to know he and RK Narayan are brothers (another favourite).
July 4, 2018
So... I was totally enthralled by the title of the book. Unfortunately, the thing that lacked in the book was a chronological arrangement of events of the notable life of the renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman. The best part that a reader loves after reading the book is a fascinating roller-coaster ride (especially the hardships he faced in London, during Emergency and in a legal case) of R.K. Laxman. Some incidents are really heart-touching and inspirational (the way he learns public speaking, how he adjusts in so many new environments and his childhood memory of viewing world through broken glass panes). The language is colloquial and enriching at the same time. It depicts how the author is exceptional in every way. The ending is mesmerising.
I did not find a psychological element in the tone of the author. Unfortunately, I did not find the art of drawing cartoons and caricatures, running through the words and reaching the reader. At times, I got disengaged because of poor alignment of incidents.
Anyway, for a light-read, this book is recommended. It opens a new perspective of world through the lens of a satirical cartoonist!
I did not find a psychological element in the tone of the author. Unfortunately, I did not find the art of drawing cartoons and caricatures, running through the words and reaching the reader. At times, I got disengaged because of poor alignment of incidents.
Anyway, for a light-read, this book is recommended. It opens a new perspective of world through the lens of a satirical cartoonist!
September 21, 2020
R.K.Laxman might not be known (At least when compared with his 'Common Man' cartoons) for being a great novelist and yet he shows his versatility in this as well. He brings in the same observation power & wit of his cartoons to this autobiography as well.
Don't expect '21 lessons to great cartoon making' or '8 characteristics to win Padma Bhushan' in this... It is a plain, simple and beautiful sketch of his life. He is honest about the problems that he has faced, the decisions he had to make & all the emotions in between.
So why is this just 4 stars & not a 5-star book? I would love to hear more about his creative process... He does give a brief glimpse about but not much. Maybe all the complex things that people write about creativity are not required for someone if all that he thinks of is drawing!!
Don't expect '21 lessons to great cartoon making' or '8 characteristics to win Padma Bhushan' in this... It is a plain, simple and beautiful sketch of his life. He is honest about the problems that he has faced, the decisions he had to make & all the emotions in between.
So why is this just 4 stars & not a 5-star book? I would love to hear more about his creative process... He does give a brief glimpse about but not much. Maybe all the complex things that people write about creativity are not required for someone if all that he thinks of is drawing!!
February 6, 2015
It runs in the family.
Do all the RK brothers have this god given gift of observing the pleasures of daily life?
And also Genius can also be, to use the south Indian English phrase 'just like that' and not as intense as the imitation games types.
Tunnel of Time is one of the finest memoirs, even bettering RKN's My Days in its recollection of early days of the author. Being the artist that he is Laxman is able to paint the picture of pre Independence Mysore also lending perspective as to how much of Malgudi would have been present in Indian towns of the time.
Laxman also has no sense of chronology, so he walks in and out of his life at different points like the common man which adds to the humor.
Do all the RK brothers have this god given gift of observing the pleasures of daily life?
And also Genius can also be, to use the south Indian English phrase 'just like that' and not as intense as the imitation games types.
Tunnel of Time is one of the finest memoirs, even bettering RKN's My Days in its recollection of early days of the author. Being the artist that he is Laxman is able to paint the picture of pre Independence Mysore also lending perspective as to how much of Malgudi would have been present in Indian towns of the time.
Laxman also has no sense of chronology, so he walks in and out of his life at different points like the common man which adds to the humor.
July 10, 2008
A great book to have insight into the life of one of the greatest cartoonist of india since last 60 yrs . His 'you said it' cartoon is coming in times of india since last 5 decades ridiculing indian politicians , attacking there policies and practices . I have been throughly touched by his personality and unique talent that he has and the way he expresses every serious matter in the most amusing way . His cartoons are really thoughtful and make one giggle .
January 22, 2021
The best book I have read in quite some time.
A good autobiography is a rarity and I mostly avoided them. Read it when a friend recommended it highly.
Probably, it was only possible for a genuine genius political cartoonist to be so subtle and so very irreverent.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy understated humour and satire.
A good autobiography is a rarity and I mostly avoided them. Read it when a friend recommended it highly.
Probably, it was only possible for a genuine genius political cartoonist to be so subtle and so very irreverent.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy understated humour and satire.
January 21, 2018
I think this book was good. My mom loves this book, and I had a school assignment for which I had to read an autobiography, so i picked this up. A cartoonist's life is very interesting. I just don't think, I'd ever want to read it again.
February 24, 2010
autobiography
April 12, 2011
a good account of the greatest cartoonist of india....as well as a southie.
March 27, 2019
Gives wonderful insights into the life of R.K.Laxman, showing how closely knit his art and life were.
August 14, 2013
Now not just for his cartoons, but also for this simple narration of his life, R.K.Laxman can celebrated as the best cartoonist/author ever.
February 14, 2014
Some amazing anecdotes... Nice and refreshing book...
February 20, 2015
This book is a must read. A delightful read. The humility and modesty of R K Laxman is charming! Loved it!
Read
July 17, 2015Not a very structured autobiogrqaphy, but rather a trip down memory lane...just giving glimpses of events & memories over the years.
January 15, 2020
A well written autobiography, One will start noticing the outside world, trees,birds,passer by and so on so forth to make a good caricature for sure after completing this book
October 14, 2023
The beautiful autobiography by RK Laxman, covers the man, the way that I thought out to be. One had known a lot about (and read about RK Narayan) but not so much about the younger sibling!
RK Laxman is India's most famous cartoonist and a Padma Bhushan, well-travelled, well-read and the book covers different facets of his personality, his not-so-well-known writing skills, his movie making skills (which, though died a natural death!); there were even 13 episodes of YOU SAID IT, which as per his own comments, must be gathering dust in the official Doordarshan archives, somewhere!
Writing about his mother, siblings and slightly strict father, with honesty, open-ness and clarity, he starts by saying he is a man not given to writing diaries or notes. The autobiography makes for very interesting and engaging reading.
The honest and easy-to-read biography tells us about his insecurities at the various stages of his life, his challenges and how he desired to make his mark in his chosen profession, his diligence to his task, day in and day out, his desire to stick to what he does best, he being tutored by friends and elder brother, a romantic at heart, a compulsive traveller, a responsible father and a doting grandfather and finally, a COMMON family man!
It states an underlying theme that one can enjoy life, if you choose to make your passion your profession!
RK Laxman is India's most famous cartoonist and a Padma Bhushan, well-travelled, well-read and the book covers different facets of his personality, his not-so-well-known writing skills, his movie making skills (which, though died a natural death!); there were even 13 episodes of YOU SAID IT, which as per his own comments, must be gathering dust in the official Doordarshan archives, somewhere!
Writing about his mother, siblings and slightly strict father, with honesty, open-ness and clarity, he starts by saying he is a man not given to writing diaries or notes. The autobiography makes for very interesting and engaging reading.
The honest and easy-to-read biography tells us about his insecurities at the various stages of his life, his challenges and how he desired to make his mark in his chosen profession, his diligence to his task, day in and day out, his desire to stick to what he does best, he being tutored by friends and elder brother, a romantic at heart, a compulsive traveller, a responsible father and a doting grandfather and finally, a COMMON family man!
It states an underlying theme that one can enjoy life, if you choose to make your passion your profession!
November 11, 2023
3.5 stars - This is semi-autobiographical book written by RK Laxman. There was hardly a day when I have not seen his cartoons in the time of India growing up, lampooning the political class and illustrating the trifles and the tribulations of the common man. In the book we learn about Laxman's idyllic childhood and his relationship with his brothers. As he grew up, his encounters with applying to learn art at JJ school of Art (and the subsequent rejection) are covered. With a keen eye for his profession and his craft, he details his visits to England, Paris and Rome. There is a decent bit of the book dedicated to the political events of his day in the 60s/70s/80s and the impact it had on him such as the emergency and the India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Throughout the book his dedication to his craft, his sharp wit, his curiosity about the world and his observation skills of the human mindset shine through.
December 26, 2024
The Tunnel of Time is an autobiography of a common man. Traveling in buses, struggling for employment, visiting hospitals, repaying loans, and getting deceived by politicians after every election are common phenomena in the life of a common man.
R. K. Laxman, a renowned Indian political cartoonist, depicted the common man in uncommon ways through his cartoons. He tries to find a light at the end of the tunnel through his cartoons.
His artwork was a careful and thoughtful observation of the common man and their agonies, comprehended through cartoons. He hailed from a small town in Karnataka called Mysore and dwelled in the city of Mumbai. Honored with numerous national and international awards, his legendary life remained simple throughout. I'm happy to have read the autobiography of a common man.
Highly recommended.
— Faith
Amol Nakve
R. K. Laxman, a renowned Indian political cartoonist, depicted the common man in uncommon ways through his cartoons. He tries to find a light at the end of the tunnel through his cartoons.
His artwork was a careful and thoughtful observation of the common man and their agonies, comprehended through cartoons. He hailed from a small town in Karnataka called Mysore and dwelled in the city of Mumbai. Honored with numerous national and international awards, his legendary life remained simple throughout. I'm happy to have read the autobiography of a common man.
Highly recommended.
— Faith
Amol Nakve
March 13, 2023
Other than the fact that it had such an abrupt ending, I enjoyed the rest of the book
June 9, 2023
A wonderful autobiography. A rare insight into the mind of an artist.
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