Celebrity Sweat at Lonavala's Wax Museum
“ They have to be famous.”
An interview with the creator of Lonavala's Celebrity Wax Museum
I looked into Sharad Pawar’s eyes and realised something important. I had to meet his maker- the man who spends much of his life replicating the exact sheen of sweat on celebrity skin; Mr Sunil Kandalloor.
I was curious to find out what it takes to perfect frizz on Baba Ramdev’s beard. And more importantly, what makes anyone want to create a second Baba Ramdev?
When I get there, I’m ushered into a glass-walled room in the corner of the museum, which turns out to be Mr Kandalloor’s office. Awards and certificates cover the orange walls in this sandalwood scented room. The only adornment on his desk is an acrylic model of a hand, with the index finger pointing accusingly at the sky. An affable sort of man, Mr Kandalloor is pompous, but endearingly so, if there can be such a thing. He immediately offers me black coffee, I accept and we begin to chat.
Me: What made you start a Celebrity Wax Museum in Lonavala?
SK: I am originally from a village in Alleppey. But I had a dream, to start something in Mumbai. I’ve always been fascinated by celebrities, politics and media and Mumbai is the hub of everything. But it’s hard to start off in Mumbai, so I moved as close as I could, here in Lonavala.
Me: Was it a fixation with celebrity culture that made you focus on celebrities wax models?
SK: No, no. 17 years ago I saw the photograph of a wax model and I was stunned. The eyes were so life-like. I thought how did they make this? This kind of work couldn’t come from a machine, it could only come from a true artist.
Me: Was this Madame Tussauds?
SK: Maybe.
Me: What do you think of Madame Tussauds?
SK: It’s a waste. I saw it recently in Hong Kong.
Me: Do you think you’re better than Madame Tussauds?
SK: I am better. You see, I do all this work on my own. I don’t have a team like Madame Tussauds.
Me: Where did you learn?
SK: There are no institutions to learn this. I am self-taught. It took me six years to learn. First I worked for an amusement park in Kanyakumari, but these people were typical businessmen. They made me create statues of their friends and would make me work really fast. But I am an artist and I am dedicated to my vision. So I quit and started my own museum.
Me: Do you have a particular style that you incorporate?
SK: I don’t have a style. I replicate human beings. Everyone knows how a celebrity looks. I cannot make my own version of a famous person. This is not creative work, this is copying. I take 20 days to copy a human being perfectly.
Me: Most important question. Where do you get the hair?
SK: I have farms. I make my friends grow beards and when I want it, I harvest it. (laughs)
Me: And how do you choose your muse?
SK: They have to be famous.
Me: Do you sometimes pick people who have inspired you?
SK: No.
Photo of a photo: Kandalloor measuring Asha Bhosle's head for a wax statute.
Me: According to you, what would be your best work?
SK: Prabhu Deva.
Me: And worst?
SK (hesitates): Indira Gandhi was not very good.
Me: Who was your most beautiful muse?
SK: Jaqueline Fernandez. She’s pure white and very beautiful.
Me: Have you faced criticism over your work?
SK: Many times. Someone said Rajiv Gandhi is not good. But this doesn’t affect me. If there’s a fault with one of my works, don’t blame me, blame the parents.
Me: How does the public react to your work?
SK: People say I have done a great job. A common man can never hug Modi or take a selfie with him, but I’ve made it possible here. Otherwise you’ve to go to London. Here in Rs 150 I’ve given the public a great experience.
Me: Have you ever considered making a wax statue of yourself?
SK: Of course, it’s my dream project.
Sunil Kandalloor is a full-time wax sculptor and makes his living off various wax museums across the country. The Lonavala celebrity wax museum charges visitors Rs 150/- per entry and is a popular tourist attraction in Lonavala.