Mangaluru tiger heads go world wide now

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 19, 2018: Designer U. Anil Kumar started making moulds of the tiger’s face for tiger dance groups in the city during Dasara. Now, after four years since he started it as a hobby, the moulds have gained wider attraction and demands pour in now.

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.

 Anil Kumar states 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 preservative coating on top of the paint for longer life.

Tiger face can be cleaned as needed with a damp cloth or tissue.  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 Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000 depending on the colour and depth. Tiger faces are made in three colours — natural, white and black.

Demands from Dubai and Qatar have become more. But it has been slow as not able to meet them, the main line being being graphic designing for an organisation.

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.

 Anil Kumar said that he 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, and others showcased it greatly.