India to Get its Version of Madame Tussauds

Famous for over 250 years for detailed and lifelike wax figures, the Delhi version will pay homage to Indian icons from cinema, industry, sports and music besides displaying statues of worthies who shaped the popular and historical landscape of the world. 

According to Merlin Entertainments, a leading visitor attraction operator, the museum will be launched in mid-2017 in the famed Regal Cinema at Connaught Place and will be housed on two floors.

“We are delighted to be announcing that our 22nd Madame Tussauds Attraction will be opening in Delhi. Ever since we introduced Amitabh Bachchan as the first Indian Cinema figure in Madame Tussauds London in 2000, we have seen how Madame Tussauds appeals to the Indian consumer, and having a permanent attraction in the heart of the country’s capital made perfect sense for the evolution of the Madame Tussauds story,” read a statement by John Jakobsen, Chief New Openings Officer, Merlin Entertainments.

In line with its policy of ensuring that the visitors get the best of aesthetics of Madame Tussauds, along with a sense of the vibrant Indian culture, the museum is taking the help of local experts.

“In order to bring the attraction to life, we worked with a host of local experts to ensure an authentic visitor experience – truly bringing to life the colour and vibrancy that encapsulates the essence of India. We have no doubt that locals and visitors alike will relish in meeting their heroes in a way that only Madame Tussauds can offer,” explained Jakobsen.

UK-based Merlin Enterprises runs 116 attractions in 24 countries and this will be company’s first venture in India.

Indians expressed their delight on social media.