Mohan Tadi, who lived in Banjara Hills, was suffering from serious health ailments and was admitted in the hospital one month ago. He died due to multiple organ failure according to one of his family members.
His body was kept at Somajiguda Press Club for people to pay their last respects. Final rites were later conducted at Film Nagar 'Mahaparastanam'.
Mohan was born in Eluru of Andhra Pradesh on December 24, 1951. He studied in Andhra University, and started his career as a Sub Editor in 1970 at Vishalandra Telugu daily.
He later worked in several Telugu newspapers like Udayam and Andrajyoti, and also as an independent journalist. Until recently, he was the Animation Head at Sakshi News.
Many has expressed condolences and paid their tributes by taking to social media.
Fondly remembering Mohan, senior journalist Telakapalli Ravi said, “He is more than a cartoonist, he contributed a lot to Telugu journalism and inspired many. He had a unique style, and brought a human element in his illustrations.”
"Rest in power Comrade Mohan . You will forever be my favourite audience for late-night revolutionary ballads. Thank you for all the art you left behind. Your laughter will be sorely missed," said contemporary Telugu actor Rahul Ramakrishna on Facebook.
Mohan's disciple Shaik Anwar, who is a cartoonist who named his son as 'Mohan' as a tribute to his teacher, said, “He was a humanist cartoonist. He taught many things to people like me. It was in 1997 that I came to Hyderabad searching for Tadi to learn from him. He didn’t stop at just cartoons - from European literature to the Telangana armed struggle, he encourages us to learn everything. Unfortunately, he didn't get the recognition he deserved.”
Dr.Gurram Seetaramulu, activist and columnist said, "His contribution is unforgettable. He is the first cartoonist to introduce European satire to telugu journalism.”
“After 1980, almost every book which has come in the wake of identity movements like the Dalit movement, feminist movement etc, has his illustrations," Seetaramulu added.