Noted political cartoonist Sudhir Tailang passes away at 55

Renowned political cartoonist Sudhir Tailang, who was battling brain cancer, passed away at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on Saturday. 

Tailang began his career with the Illustrated Weekly of India, Mumbai, in 1982. In 1983, he joined the Navbharat Times in Delhi.

For several  years,  he was with the Hindustan Times while also doing short stints with the Indian Express and The Times of India. His last assignment was with the Asian Age.

Tailang was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for his contribution to the art of cartooning.

Several politicians and members of media condoled his death on Twitter.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday condoled the passing away of Tailang and said that his fearless commitment to the right to artistic expression will forever be etched in memory She also said that his depiction of contemporary events through cartoons and fearless commitment to the right to artistic expression will be forever remembered.

Meanwhile, Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the passing away of Tailang. "Very sorry to hear about cartoonist Sudhir Tailang. Was a big fan of his tongue in cheek humour. May he rest in peace," Omar tweeted.

Sad to hear of the passing of my former colleague Sudhir Tailang, one of the last of the great editorial cartoonists.He will be missed.

— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) February 6, 2016

I am sad, very sad: Cartoonist Sudhir Tailang is no more. He drew this 'Bahuroopi Gandhi' for my book on the Mahatma pic.twitter.com/XMpiOcWzeV

— Sudheendra Kulkarni (@SudheenKulkarni) February 6, 2016

Very sad to hear of Sudhir Tailang's death. Thought we'd be seeing his cartoons for years to come. https://t.co/y8Vltx1oy5

— Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) February 6, 2016

RIP Sudhir Tailang. His biting satire came out of his firm grasp over Indian reality. Master of the humane art of cartoon and caricature

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) February 6, 2016

Heartfelt condolences to the family of @sudhirtailang. Will always remember him as a man full of life and hope. #RIPSudhirTailang

— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) February 6, 2016

With agency inputs.