- Many would have noticed with increasing alacrity why the pleasantly acceptable, light-hearted, friendly banter that keeps us going in our daily lives has taken a backseat courtesy people who tend to view mere gentle leg-pulling as nothing short of blasphemous. All of us have grown on a steady dose of modern India’s illustrious and courageous cartoonists like Shankar Pillai, RK Laxman, Sudhir Dar, and Sudhir Tailang would not only marvel at the subtle and healthy sarcasm on the pictorial representations of the day but also wonder sharp intellectual displays these luminaries were endowed with in highlighting the burning social issues to convey appropriate opposition without crossing the imaginary line. Used to be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.
PC: Arshia Dhar
- Our daily newspapers provided the required chutzpah to kick-start the day with a measure of humorous depiction or a satirical rendition conveyed so strikingly never attempting to rundown or berate with hateful portrayals. Of course, since the politicians representing various parties having different ideologies forming the bulk of the cartoonists’ subject matter including those in power and sitting in opposition, the majority of people in the know would appreciate the harmless sarcasm attempted to represent the current state. Trust me, many would vouch without flinching one bit in acknowledging that our day started by gleefully soaking in the cartoon and its inherent mockery. Renowned political figures duly acknowledged the same.
- Not that only the political leaders were the grist for the celebrated cartoonists to experiment on as successful businessmen and celebrities including sports stalwarts and film personalities too were not spared from the innocuous grind. There is any number of instances where the renowned personalities have approved in a most welcoming manner without taking offense duly recognizing the intent behind such representations. Who will forget and not envy the common man of incomparable legend RK Laxman which never failed to entertain the comprehending lot with its inherent sarcasm and cheekiness to convey the essence of the nation’s mood?
PC: jainuniversity
- Even the silver-screen too had several scripts constructed with such refinement and dexterity allowing the director/screenplay writer freedom to express his and/or their viewpoints on matters concerning the present happenings depicted with wit laced characterizations and situations. Real patrons with an eye and ear for grasping and appreciating storytelling always encouraged such endeavors without ever questioning, including the politicians and other personalities where the characters would have drawn inspiration from. Of late, all that appears to be undergoing a sea-change with many taking those depictions personally while raising a venomous red flag.
- Having abilities to laugh at oneself, taking criticism in their stride, tolerant to contrarian views, and encouraging healthy criticism has made a disappearing act paving way for categorizing those interpretations as anti-nationalistic and seditionists’, sadly. This is an unfortunate but undeniable situation observed across the country. Any number of instances in the recent past establishes this fact. Life is not meant to be taken too seriously and humor should form an indispensable safety valve for a free society to stay healthy in mind as well. Enjoying the comedy, jesters, and banter should not cost anything. Why not embrace it? Any takers for the measure?
