Graphic designer U. Anil Kumar started making moulds of the tiger’s face for tiger dance groups in the city during Dasara. Now, four years since he started it as a hobby, the moulds have attracted non-resident Indians (NRIs) in West Asia with demands pouring in.
His moulds have crossed the limitations of being preferred only by tiger dance groups. People now place orders for presenting the moulds as mementoes and keeping them as show pieces at home. Some political leaders have also been knocking at his doors for presenting them as a mementoes.
Mr. Anil Kumar told The Hindu that after preparing the mould, it took him at least five days to finish the head and face. The components included fibre glass, paper mesh, oil paint and a coating on top of the paint.
“The face can be rubbed in wet cloth or tissue for cleaning. The paint never fades,” he said. As the moulds are becoming popular among the dance groups, demands are also increasing every year. The moulds are now priced between ₹ 10,000 and ₹ 30,000 depending on the colour and depth. Tiger faces are made in three colours — natural, white and black.
“I have now demands from Dubai and Qatar. But I have not been able to meet them due to the main profession being graphic designing with a company in the city. I have to meet the local demands too,” Mr. Kumar said.
His brothers, U. Sunil Kumar and U. Vishal Kumar, too assist him in making the moulds. All the three have now named their initiative as A 3 DOT’S.
Mr. Anil Kumar said that he had had a passion for watching tiger dance since childhood. This made him take up making moulded tiger faces. The moulds can be worn safely like a helmet.
Tiger dances during the Dasara celebrations are well known in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. They became very popular after the 2014 Kannada film, Ulidavaru Kandante, showcased it very well. Later, other films too popularised them.