A second record created for sculpting on soap

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 13 : A man hailing from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh has gained entry into the 'Limca Book of Records' for the year 2008 for carving 24 huge sculptures out of soaps in six months.

Dr. Pullela Mani Nageswara Rao found a place in the Limca Book of Records for the second time, his first successful attempt being in the year 2006, for carving 100 soaps in 100 days.

The artistic creations are made in international soap brands like Spring and Dove.

"I began from scratch on a wet soap which I turned into art work as a childhood artist. From then onwards, I carved 10 to 15 pieces and left it when I started studying for my MBBS. After 25 to 30 years of practice as a doctor, I resumed my hobby and made 100 soap carvings in 100 days. I started on July 4, 2005 and finished on October 13, 2005," said Dr. Rao.

For each big carving, he used 30 to 50 soaps of different colours, filling his entire house with the fragrance.e also tried to gain entry into the Guinness Book of World Records, but failed to make it because of the absence of a suitable category.

"He gifted me a Buddha statue made of soaps a few years after our marriage. He started again after a long break when our children encouraged him to restart his artistic inclination," said Usha Rani, Dr. Rao's wife.

Some of his major soap carvings include those of Taj Mahal, Bhagavad Gita, Shirdi Saibaba, Arasavalti Surya temple, Tirupati Balaji, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, Krishnaleelalu, Jesus Christ, Germany's Vennezula Whispering park statues, Washington Museum, Wimbeldon Trophy, Pope John Paul- II and the Eiffel Tower.

Dr. Rao plans to go to the USA soon and is looking forward to conducting an exhibition of his soap sculptures there.

ANI