Celebrating Centenarian Cartoonist S D Phadnis’s Timeless Wit

S D Phadnis, a celebrated cartoonist known for his distinctive captionless cartoons, marked a significant milestone on July 4, 2023, as he turned 100 years old. His work, which has captivated audiences for over seven decades, is characterized by a unique blend of anatomical accuracy and a sharp sense of humour. Phadnis, popularly referred to as Shi Da, has established a legacy that continues to resonate with both art enthusiasts and the general public.

To celebrate his centenary, a three-day festival will take place at Balgandharva Rangmandir in Pune from July 27 to 29, organized by the Vasundhara Club and Cartoonists Combine. This event promises to highlight Phadnis’s contributions to the world of caricature and cartooning.

From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Recognition

Phadnis was born in a small village in Belagavi and later pursued his education in Kolhapur before attending the prestigious JJ School of Art in Mumbai. A pivotal moment in his career came when a senior advised him to focus on commercial art, allowing him to merge his passion for drawing with practical applications in advertising. “The cartoons in Punch, The Saturday Evening Post, and The London Opinion fascinated me. I started drawing cartoons and sending them to Marathi magazines. My first publication was in 1946 in Manohar, a magazine published by SV Kirloskar,” Phadnis recalled.

His breakthrough came in 1952 when his cartoon was featured on the cover of Mohini magazine, thanks to the visionary editor Anant Antarkar. This Diwali edition marked a departure from traditional cover art that typically featured film stars or cultural themes. “Antarkar took a risk, and that paid off. Since then, the cover art for all editions of Mohini has been mine,” he stated, noting that this year marks the 74th edition of his work for the magazine.

A Unique Artistic Vision

Now residing in Pune, Phadnis attributes his creative process to his ability to visualize rather than rely on words. He explained, “Many people ask me about captionless cartoons. I do nothing different, nor is it a planned move. Lines and colours are my alphabet.” His cartoons transcend language barriers, allowing them to be exhibited globally.

While he dabbled in political cartoons, Phadnis gravitated towards more creative pursuits, with his first exhibition taking place at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in 1965. His work has since been showcased in the UK and the US, where he gained admiration alongside notable figures such as Dinanath Dalal and Mario Miranda.

Phadnis also found a calling in educational illustration. From 1978 to 2010, he created engaging cartoons for mathematics textbooks aimed at children in grades I to IV, striving to make complex concepts like division and multiplication more approachable. He considers this effort one of his greatest achievements, emphasizing its impact on young learners.

Despite his long-standing career, Phadnis has managed to remain out of controversy, though he expressed sadness over the current state of political cartoons. He remarked, “Criticism should be through words. Shankar would criticize politicians and their policies, yet it drew no backlash from them or their admirers.”

As he continues to embrace new technologies, Phadnis maintains that artistic originality cannot be replaced. He commented, “I don’t know much about AI, but creativity cannot be replaced.”

In addition to his artistic talents, Phadnis is also a skilled mechanic and carpenter. His secret to longevity lies in a disciplined routine that includes daily yoga and a stress-free lifestyle, enabling him to remain sharp and engaged in his craft even at the age of 100.

Phadnis’s enduring spirit and creativity serve as a testament to the power of art and humour, inspiring generations to appreciate the beauty of caricature and the joy it brings to everyday life.