Salman to officially enter Tussauds on Jan 15, 2008

London, Dec 18(UNI) Salman Khan will be making his official entry into the prestigious Madam Tussauds museum here, the next year on January 15 when he unveils his life size wax statue.

He will be joining the likes of Amitabh Bacchan, Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai when he does so.

The actor was recently measured and photographed by expert Madame Tussauds sculptors in hometown Mumbai to kick-start painstaking work on his eagerly awaited wax double. He has already chosen and donated clothes for the figure to wear and recorded an exclusive video message that will be shown to Madame Tussauds visitors following the big 'reveal'.

''I am touched and honoured that my fans have chosen me to appear in prestigious Madame Tussauds. I very much look forward to visiting and coming face to face with my likeness.'' said the Bollywood heart-throb.

Khan beat nine other Indian mega stars including Madhuri Dixit and Abhishek Bachchan to be immortalized at the world famous attraction after a public poll conducted this summer. The poll to choose the next Bollywood Star was conducted by Madame Tussauds in August 2007. Over 10,000 votes were received, with Salman the clear winner.

Madame Tussauds Studios London has been making wax figures for over 150 years. Each masterpiece takes four months, and a team of 20 dedicated sculptors, to create.

Over 500 precise body measurements are referenced, real hair is inserted one by one, and countless layers of paints and tints are applied to build up skin tones.

UNI