Punjab sculptor crafts Dharmendra statue – ₹1 lakh budget, lifelike dimensions
Moga (The Uttam Hindu): While the entire film industry and his fans are mourning the death of Bollywood's 'He-Man' and Punjab's son Dharmendra, preparations are underway in his home state Punjab to pay tribute to him in a unique way. Renowned sculptor Iqbal Singh Gill, a resident of village Manuke in Moga district, has taken up the task of preserving the memories of his favorite star forever. He has started work on preparing a grand statue of Dharmendra, which will be completed soon. Iqbal Singh Gill sees this work as his tribute to the actor.
Sculptor Iqbal Singh Gill stated that he is paying tribute to the legendary actor through his art, and that this statue of Dharmendra will be completed within a week. The remarkable thing is that Iqbal Singh will bear the entire cost of approximately one lakh rupees for the statue. The statue's length and width are being kept exactly according to Dharmendra's stature so that the audience can experience the actor's lifelike image. Once completed, Iqbal will install this statue in his art gallery, which will be a center of attraction for art lovers and Dharmendra fans.
Iqbal Singh says that Dharmendra was a man deeply rooted in the soil of Punjab, and even though he is no longer in this world, he will always remain in the hearts of every Punjabi. Iqbal was passionate about sculpting since childhood, and at the age of 20, he created his first statue of Gautam Buddha. Along with farming, he has made sculpture both his passion and profession. He believes it is his duty to pay tribute to those who bring honor to the country through his art. This statue of Bollywood legend Dharmendra will give his art a new identity.
Iqbal Singh Gill's skill is renowned far and wide, and hundreds of his hand-made statues are installed in various institutions and locations across India and abroad. Before Dharmendra, he had created statues of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, legendary athlete Milkha Singh, late singer Sidhu Moosewala, kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian, Baba Ladi Shah, and several martyred soldiers. It is noteworthy that Dharmendra passed away on November 24th, after which his last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Born in Punjab, Dharmendra's father, Kewal Krishna Deol, was a teacher. The actor had a deep attachment to Punjab and last visited Ludhiana on December 14th, 2015.