Lucknow: A man who became an overnight star when an image of a policeman kicking his typewriter went viral, has said he is fed up with all the attention and just wants to go back to typing letters.
The photograph of the cop harassing Kishan Kumar, who makes a living as a streetside typist in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, provoked an outpouring of sympathy and outrage across the country.
Local authorities reacted swiftly, suspending the policeman who destroyed Mr Kumar's typewriter. They also promised Mr Kumar Rs 1 lakh in compensation and a new machine.
Mr Kumar, who is in his 60s but does not know his exact age, said he is "fed up" with his new-found celebrity status, which has made it impossible for him to work.
"I just can't work with so many people surrounding me. I haven't earned a single penny for the past two days," he told AFP outside the Lucknow post office, where he types letters and other documents for a fee.
"What will I feed my family if I do not get to earn?...I come here to work, not to give media interviews," Mr Kumar said.
Streetside typists are a common sight in many cities in the country, hunched over often ancient machines, tapping out affidavits, family title deeds and court applications for around 10 rupees per page.
Mr Kumar said he had received an anonymous threat of violence since the incident on Saturday, while promises of money from well-wishers had failed to materialise.
"I have received a couple of calls from people asking for my bank details... (but) I haven't received any money from anybody," he said.
The photograph of the cop harassing Kishan Kumar, who makes a living as a streetside typist in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, provoked an outpouring of sympathy and outrage across the country.
Local authorities reacted swiftly, suspending the policeman who destroyed Mr Kumar's typewriter. They also promised Mr Kumar Rs 1 lakh in compensation and a new machine.
"I just can't work with so many people surrounding me. I haven't earned a single penny for the past two days," he told AFP outside the Lucknow post office, where he types letters and other documents for a fee.
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Streetside typists are a common sight in many cities in the country, hunched over often ancient machines, tapping out affidavits, family title deeds and court applications for around 10 rupees per page.
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"I have received a couple of calls from people asking for my bank details... (but) I haven't received any money from anybody," he said.
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