If you haven’t already seen the sneak peek preview of the first ever Madame Tussauds that is opening up in India in New Delhi, soon, then might I suggest you check out the feature on the blog.
Of course, I also got to meet the artists who work on the wax figures and create them from scratch, which was treat. It’s one thing to admire the perfection of the wax figures when you see them at the attraction, but getting to see the work-in-progress behind-the-scenes, is quite another thrill – at least for someone like me. I’m forever curious about how things get done, how things are made and the sheer amount of effort it takes to produce something like these amazing wax figures.
One little secret I learned that I hadn’t considered previously is related to how well the wax figures resemble the actual person. The wax figures are meticulously built using 3D scans of real people and hundreds of detailed photographs of their faces / limbs / bodies. The re-production accuracy is pretty damn perfect. Except, sometimes, it doesn’t match with what people like you and me expect. And that’s because we have never really seen the celebrity / famous person in real life, in close quarters! Most of the images / footage we get to see is highly edited and we don’t really know what the person truly looks like in real life. Which is why, some of the wax figures can feel like they aren’t accurate, even when they are.
Scroll down for short interviews with and introductions to some of the artists I met at the Delhi attraction while it was being setup.
Sophie Cordwell James, with an education in the Theatrical Arts, is a Wax Finishing Artist.
What got you into your job?
After university I worked FoH at Madame Tussauds London and was lucky enough to land work experience in the colouring department for the maintenance studio at Baker Street. I worked there as a freelance colourist for 3 years before joining the MMM team as a wax finishing artist. A lot of what I know has been learnt on the job from the experts!
What does a typical day at work look like?
Molten wax, eyeballs and lots and lots of teeth!
What is one pet peeve you have about your job?
My clothes get reallyyyy messed up with all the materials we use.
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
Traveling to new places such as Delhi is definitely the biggest highlight to this job, but one of the other most interesting experiences I’ve had has been helping on a launch of all the James Bond figures for live television on ITV’s Good Morning before the figures went to the MTL attraction. It was very exciting to work in the live TV studio getting all the figures ready for their debut.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
They’re very proud and also usually a bit perplexed when I try to explain the thorough processes we use to get the figures looking so perfect.
What is your favorite wax figure?
I really like the new immersive figures we do, mainly the sports figures. Milkha Singh at the New Delhi attraction looks AMAZING!
Rajpar Shah, with an MA Fine Art, is the Hair and Colouring Team Leader.
What got you into your job?
After leaving university I realised that the ‘art industry’ wasn’t necessarily for me. However, I still wanted to work in a creative environment but in a job that focused more on the technical side of art. Working for Madame Tussauds allows me use my skills as a painter whilst working a normal 9-5 job.
What does a typical day at work look like?
There is a lot of juggling involved H&C. You might be working on a head for a few day and then have to jump to a different body the next day. We are also trained on hair insertion too. It all depends really.
What is one pet peeve you have about your job or about visitors?
The work standards at Madame Tussauds are incredibly high so sometimes we might have to revisit a figure several times which can get a little frustrating. That said, it is always in the pursuit of achieving the best likeness possible and is very rewarding when you see the finished figure come together and knowing the blood, sweat and tears were worth it.
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
Like most others, the chance to travel has been amazing. I would have never dreamed that I would have the chance to go to India for work but it was truly such a magical experience that I am very grateful for.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
My family are very proud that I have found a job where I can use my specific skills and really enjoy what I do.
What is your favorite wax figure?
Anyone with detailed tattoos, from Neymar to Justin Bieber.
Dhruv Kanojia, straight out of High School, is a Hair Stylist.
What got you into your job?
My dreams. Always dreamed of working in this company and I’m here!
What does a typical day at work look like?
Wax, hair sprays and lots of blow dries!
What is one pet peeve you have about your job or about visitors?
Waking up at 6 a.m. to be here at 8 a.m. I hate it, I have to do it AND I LOVE MTD!
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
YES with Kareena Kapoor’s hair. Had to change her look about 10 times to get it just right.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
They all are proud of me.
What is your favorite wax figure?
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Hope to work on their figures some day.
Arushee Suri, with an MA Fine Art, is the Studio Manager (Maintaining the paint, look, costume – the whole feel of the figure).
What got you into your job?
My husband. Really. It is a funny story. He was offered this job before me. Being a sculptor he was not selected after the 2nd round as they were looking for someone good with painting ( of course he was upset ). I took that opportunity and sent my CV straight to the HR Department. And the rest is history. ( We’re still together 😛 and honestly he is quite happy he didn’t get it. He is not made for details. )
What does a typical day at work look like?
My day starts early, but every day is a surprise. It all depends what happened the day before. It could be a cake walk, but on other days we also have a broken ear or a broken nail. It’s all a surprise to us!!! 🙂
What is one pet peeve you have about your job or about visitors?
Early mornings. Though I feel good when I still have half a day for me when I finish. But I hate waking up at 5 a.m. to be here on time. Also when girl visitors kiss the figures. It takes a long time to remove lipstick marks specially when you’re sleepy!
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
It’s just funny when we have to say things like, “I’m undressing Tom Cruise” or “I’m taking someone’s pants off”.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
My family and friends are super proud of me. They love listening to all the stories I have.
What is your favorite wax figure?
Princess Leia – that was the first head I painted during my training in Berlin and it was straight away, directly, put in to the attraction. Made me happy and proud. It will always be a special figure 🙂
Louise Budryk, with a BA Hons in Character Creation and Technical Effects, is the Mouldshop Team leader.
What got you into your job?
I got the chance to work for Madame Tussauds straight after University after being offered a two week trial at the studios. It has been 6 years now and I haven’t looked back.
What does a typical day at work look like?
My days starts early at 7am, each day is different depending on what figure I am working on, typically I will either be moulding in resin, putting joints into figures or sanding everything to a perfect finish.
What is one pet peeve you have about your job?
The team are so passionate about their jobs that they often get lost in detail and I have to make the changes over and over again but this makes the best Wax figures in the universe too!
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
One of my fondest memories is getting the opportunity to go on the Delhi install, we worked very hard, but it was also full or laughs and new experiences. I’m not going to forget it anytime soon.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
My family are so proud of me, they love seeing the new figure launches in the news.
What is your favorite wax figure?
My favorite wax figure has to be Zac Efron.
Nirosh Kumar, with a BFA, is a Colouring Artist.
What got you into your job?
I knew about MT since I was in 1st year college. I even asked my Principal if we could visit this place but he said a Big No! I always dreamed of working here and it has finally come true 🙂 I was destined to come here.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Lots of painting and splattering of colour.
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
One day before the big launch I was trying to take off Kapil Dev’s trousers ( no! don’t get me wrong, I just wanted to wash them to make him look nice for the big day ). I tried for half an hour but didn’t succeed. It was the funniest and most frustrating half and hour for me.
What do your friends / family think of your gig at Madame Tussauds?
My friends and family are super proud of me!
What is your favorite wax figure?
Ajay Devgan and Deepika Padukone would be very interesting to work on. I hope we get them at our attraction.
Dillon Wright, who learned on the job as an apprentice, moulds figures.
What got you into your job?
Sheer bad luck! ( This is English humour).
What does a typical day at work look like?
Tears. Frustration. Victory!
What is one pet peeve you have about your job or about visitors?
Honestly none.
Any interesting / funny experiences you’ve had on the job?
In Delhi, a street trader asked me to look after his stall. Most worrying five minutes of my life. And travelling across India to meet Milkha Sing for the side-by-side was amazing!
What is your favorite wax figure?
Serena Williams because she looks like a gorgeous gladiator.
The attraction is about to open up for the public and I will be bringing you one more update from the launch evening, hopefully with some photographs of visitors interacting with the wax figures! Can’t wait for the Gala evening – coming soon!
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