A Sculpture of Eternal Love: The Story of Subimal Das and Tapas Sandilya

In an extraordinary display of devotion, retired civil servant Tapas Sandilya from Kolkata has immortalized his late wife, Indrani, through a life-like silicon statue. Commissioned at a cost of ₹25 lakh, the 30 kg figure, adorned with gold jewellery, now occupies a sofa at the very spot in their Kaikhali residence where the homemaker once loved to sit. The unusual tribute has drawn the attention of neighbours and visitors alike, capturing both admiration and curiosity.

Sandilya, who lost his wife on May 4, 2021, after nearly four decades of marriage, said the decision to commission the statue stemmed from a wish expressed by Indrani years earlier. During a visit to the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, the couple had marveled at the life-like statue of the order’s founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. It was then that Indrani mentioned her desire for a similar statue should she pass away before her husband. “I have fulfilled my wife’s abiding wish,” he said, recalling their conversation with deep emotion.

Several months after her passing, he began searching for an artist capable of bringing this vision to life. His search eventually led him to noted sculptor Subimal Das in early 2022. Das, in his mid-40s, is widely recognized for creating silicon replicas for museums across India, but he admitted this assignment was unlike any other. “Keeping Sandilya’s sentiment in mind, it was absolutely necessary for the statue to capture realistic facial expressions,” he explained. Using photographs of Indrani taken from multiple angles, he first crafted a clay model that served as the base for fibre moulding and silicon casting.

The project was not without its challenges. Relatives and family members initially opposed the idea, arguing against the installation of such a life-like image of the deceased. However, Sandilya’s determination eventually prevailed, and the family accepted his decision. For Das, the task was painstaking. The grafting of hair alone took nearly a month, as he incorporated subtle grey streaks to enhance the statue’s authenticity. He even collaborated with the tailor who once stitched Indrani’s clothes to ensure the body measurements were exact. The final work was dressed in a silk sari from Assam, the very one Indrani wore during their son’s wedding reception.

For Sandilya, the statue is more than art—it is a presence that helps him cope with loss. Recalling the darkest days of the pandemic, he shared, “I was in isolation at home while Indrani was taken to a hospital in Kolkata. I can never forget that moment when I could not accompany her. Now I live with her sculpture.”

For Das, this commission stands as one of the most meaningful of his career. Since establishing SUBI-India Creative House in 2007, he has built an impressive body of work, producing life-like sculptures and replicas for prestigious institutions including the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum in New Delhi, the Punjab Hero’s War Memorial, the Mother’s Wax Museum in Kolkata, the Ambedkar Memorial in New Delhi, and the Verasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Punjab. His contributions extend across India—from science centres in Dharwad and Mangalore to cultural landmarks like the Ranjit Singh Panorama Museum in Amritsar and Nathdwara Museum in Rajasthan.

Born in 1976, with a degree in visual arts from the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Mother Teresa International Award 2025, Bongo Purush Award 2025, and the Indian Glory Award 2025 for excellence in craftsmanship. His reputation as one of Kolkata’s finest creative artists continues to grow, blending technical skill with emotional sensitivity.

What began as a personal act of remembrance has now become a story that transcends personal grief, reflecting both an extraordinary expression of love and the unparalleled skill of an artist. While for Sandilya, the statue is a source of solace, for Das, it is a landmark in a career dedicated to bringing human emotions to life through sculpture. Together, their collaboration has given shape to a story that will be remembered not only as a testament of enduring love but also as an artistic achievement of remarkable depth.

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