New Delhi, Jan 26 :  Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Monday condoled the death of legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman, saying "his loss will be mourned by the whole nation".

"Through his (Laxman's) cartoon, he held up a mirror to society - making us laugh at ourselves, while putting the concern of the common man at the forefront," Gandhi said.

He described Laxman as an "incisive" observer and commentator of post-independence India.

"Deeply saddened at the passing away of the legend R.K. Laxman... My heartfelt condolences to his family," Gandhi said.

The iconic cartoonist breathed his last in a private hospital in Pune Monday evening after a spell of illness. He was 94.