Mysore: Next time when tourists get down at the Arasalu railway station in Karnataka's Shivamogga district, the 'Common Man' character of well-known cartoonist RK Laxman will be there to welcome them.
As per the direction of South Western Railway (SWR), Arun Yogiraj, a sculptor from Mysore has created a real-life five feet tall replica of 'Common Man' which will be placed at the railway station.
When RK Laxman was working in a daily newspaper as a cartoonist, he developed the character of the 'Common Man' to reflect the miseries of society. His 'Common Man' was a representative of all the common countrymen working hard to face all odds and it became very popular among readers.
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Mysore sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been working on this replica for the past few weeks is on his way to give it a final touch. He is also creating the sculptures of 'Swami and Friends' from the famous tele-series 'Malgudi Days' for Arasalu railway station.
Aired during the late 80s and 90s, 'Malgudi Days' was based on short story collection by RK Narayan, which had all the elements to unite families for television time.
Indian Railways has developed the Arasalu railway station, where the popular teleserial was shot, into 'Malgudi Museum.' To give a dose of nostalgia, now Arasalu railway station houses a museum with life-size statues of characters.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 'Common Man' cartoon book of RK Laxman.
The new statue at Arasalu railway station, the reminiscing tales of the 'Common Man' and 'Malgudi Days’ will bring delight among tourists.
