Who is Pramod Kamble, the man behind Sachin Tendulkar’s statue at Wankhede Stadium?
Pramod Kamble has known Sachin Tendulkar personally since 2012 and has worked in the past with him as well. Photos: Getty
Pramod Kamble is the man who worked continuously for 8 months to create Sachin Tendulkar's statue. The sculpture was finally unveiled at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 1, by the Master Blaster himself.
Being a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar, Kamble expressed his deep honour in making the statue for the cricket legend. However, this wasn't Kamble's first encounter with Tendulkar, as he has known the cricketer for the past 11 years.
Who is Pramod Kamble?
- He is one of the most renowned artists in India, with over 40 years of experience in the profession.
- Kamble comes from a family of artists; his father was an eminent watercolor artist and the principal of an art institute.
- He exhibited artistic talent early, winning the National Talent Scholarship for sculpture in the 7th standard.
- He completed his foundation course and Art Teacher Diploma at Pragat Kala Mahavidyalaya Ahmednagar before joining Sir JJ School of Arts, Mumbai.
'Thankful to Sachin for recommending me'
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Pramod Kamble has known Tendulkar since 2012 and has previously worked for him. In an interview with the cricket news website CricketNext, on the eve of the statue's unveiling, Kamble revealed that he was recommended by Tendulkar for this project.
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He shared that he poured all his knowledge into creating this statue of Tendulkar. "During these months, when someone asked me what I was doing, I said I am working on the sculpture of 2 Gods; one is the God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar and the other is the work of Lord Ram in Ayodhya," Kamble said.
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Notably, Kamble is also working on several sculptures that will be installed at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The lofted drive shot was selected for the statue so that it inspires future cricketers as well. Photo: Getty
How was the ‘lofted drive’ pose selected for the statue?
- Kamble mentioned that a lot of brainstorming went into selecting the pose for the statue.
- After thoughtful consideration, they decided on the 'lofted shot' pose, believing it would inspire future generations.
- Kamble acknowledged the significant contribution of Ajit Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar's brother, in conveying what was required for the project.
- The entire statue was completed at his studio in Ahmednagar.
- Kamble expressed that creating this statue for Tendulkar was a tremendous achievement and a dream come true for him.