Srikakulam, Doctor, Pullela Mani Nageswara Rao gained entry into the Limca Book of Records (LBR) for 2008 for carving 24 big sculptures.He has found the place in the LBR for the second time. His first successful attempt was in 2006 when he sculpted 100 soaps in 100 days. The artistic creations were made on international soap brands like Spring and Dove.
Speaking to Express, Rao said he began this innovative art work in 1969. In the beginning he carved 10 to 15 pieces and gave it up as he had to study MBBS. After 30 years of practice he resumed his hobby and made 24 soap carvings in six months. He started the work on October 2, 2007 and finished it on March 31. He received the honour last month.
At present, Rao is working as Additional District Project Manager of National Rural Health Mission.
“He gifted me a Buddha statue made of soaps a few years after our marriage.’’ said Usha Rani, Rao’s wife.
Some of his major soap carvings include those of Taj Mahal, Bhagavad Gita, Shirdi Saibaba, Arasavalli Surya temple, Tirupati Balaji, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, Krishnaleelalu, Jesus Christ, Germany’s Vennezula Whispering Park statues, Washington Museum, Wimbeldon Trophy, Pope John Paul-II and the Eiffel Tower.
Rao plans to go to the USA soon to conduct an exhibition of his soap sculptures there. “My ultimate aim is to break my own records and enter the Guinness Book of World Records,’’ says Rao.
